lwgray

Q: Step counter WAY inaccurate

OK, I've read a number of "calibration" threads out here, and leave my iPhone and Apple Watch pretty much calibrating always.

 

Today, had a ton of year work to do, including cutting grass, spreading ant killer, raking, burning wood, etc.  Decided to keep my iPhone in my pocket the whole time, and of course, the watch on my wrist.

 

iPhone records 15.5K steps for the day, which I'd estimate to be fairly accurate to the number of steps I've taken.  The watch records 7.1K - less than half.

 

WTH?  Is this expensive chronometer not supposed to also be a fitness device?  Can it not do any better than this?  What is the key to getting this thing to do something simple like count steps?

Posted on Apr 17, 2016 1:14 PM

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Q: Step counter WAY inaccurate

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  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 17, 2016 1:30 PM in response to lwgray
    Level 7 (33,905 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 17, 2016 1:30 PM in response to lwgray

    Hi

     

    In seeking to identify and estimate steps, the Activity app relies on your arm motion (measured by the accelerometer). For the best results, allow the arm on which you are wearing your watch to swing naturally as you walk around and during workouts.

     

    Some of the activities that you describe (eg cutting grass, raking, carrying wood) may not have involved your arm moving in a way that your watch would readily  recognise as relating to walking.

     

    Calibration only occurs when recording Outdoor Walk and Outdoor Run workouts whilst also carrying your iPhone, with Location Services enabled. (The process is not otherwise "always" taking place). Calibration teaches your watch how your arm motion relates to your stride lengths at each of your typical walking or running speeds.

     

    More information:

    Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy - Apple Support

    Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

    Use the Workout app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 17, 2016 1:40 PM in response to lwgray
    Level 7 (33,905 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 17, 2016 1:40 PM in response to lwgray

    For a consolidated view of your steps data, view the Steps chart in the Health app on your iPhone:

     

    - In the Health app (red heart on a white background), go to: Health Data (tab) > Fitness > Steps.

     

    Health and fitness data from Apple Watch, iPhone and any other sources is aggregated within the Health app. Data is summarised in charts, which have tabs for the day, week, month and year. Whenever more than one data source is available for the same point in time (such as steps data from both the iPhone and Apple Watch), charts adjust results to avoid any double counting of data.

     

    Charts can be added to the Health app Dashboard (some are included by default) for quick access to your preferred information.

  • by lwgray,

    lwgray lwgray Apr 17, 2016 1:49 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 17, 2016 1:49 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    Moving my arm, huh?  Usually move my legs to take steps.  Understand your answer completely, just not sure the engineers have thought this through very well.

  • by lwgray,

    lwgray lwgray Apr 17, 2016 1:50 PM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 17, 2016 1:50 PM in response to Jonathan UK

    Yeah, checked this too, and the data doesn't jive at all.  Thanks for the help though.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 17, 2016 1:56 PM in response to lwgray
    Level 7 (33,905 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 17, 2016 1:56 PM in response to lwgray

    You're welcome.