My Apple Watch does not record my Outdoor Cycle. Why? Thanks.

Hi

To credit progress towards your Exercise goal, the Activity app aims to identify activity that equals or exceeds the intensity of a brisk walk. This requirement applies both during general daily wear and when recording workouts via the Workout app. Exercise credit is awarded for each minute during which this requirement is met.

It is possible that, during your workouts, you are either not meeting that requirement, only meeting it for part of the time and/or your activity is not being recorded in a way that enables your results to be tracked accurately.

The definition of a brisk walk varies from person to person and depends on your personal information. To check that this is accurate - and to update it over time:

On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > Health > Edit - tap and adjust items, then tap on Done.

For the most accurate results, be sure to record specific fitness activities as workouts using the Workout app (or a third-party app) and to choose the activity type that most closely matches your workout, including choosing Other for workouts that are neither included within nor sufficiently similar to those in the main list.

This enables Apple Watch to use the most appropriate sensors and data sources for that activity type when tracking results.

For cycling workouts, record your activity as Indoor Cycle (spin classes) or Outdoor Cycle, as appropriate:

Work out with your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If your workouts are not being recorded as expected, then it may help to follow these steps:

If you have not yet done so, update your iPhone and Apple Watch to the latest software, starting with your iPhone:

• Update the iOS software on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
• Update the software on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Privacy > Location Services:

• Check that Location Services (the main setting at the top) is turned on.
• In the list of apps beneath, check that Apple Watch Workout - along with any third-party apps that support the feature - is set to While Using.
• At the bottom of the apps list, tap on System Services > check that Motion Calibration & Distance is turned on, along with other desired system services.
• If each setting is already enabled:
  • Try briefly turning off Location Services and then turning it back on again.
  • Try briefly changing the setting for Apple Watch Workout to Never and then back to While Using.
  • Try briefly turning off Motion Calibration & Distance and then turning it back on again.

Close certain apps and restart both your iPhone and your Apple Watch:

• Close the Watch app, Activity app and Health app (if open) on your iPhone:
  • Double-click the Home button, then swipe up on each app preview to close the apps.
• Turn both devices off together, then restart your iPhone first:
  • Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  • Restart your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Check that Wrist Detection is turned on and that, if passcode is enabled, you are unlocking your watch after placing it on your wrist

• On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > General > Wrist Detection - turn on.

On your iPhone, go to: Settings > Privacy > Motion & Fitness - check that both Fitness Tracking and Health are enabled.

On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > Privacy > Motion & Fitness - turn on Fitness Tracking and Heart Rate.

Activity-related estimations depend, in part, on your personal information. To check that this is accurate:

• On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch > Health > Edit - tap and adjust items, then tap on Done.

Check that you are wearing your Apple Watch sufficiently snugly on the top of your wrist (if it is worn too loosely, your watch may believe that it has been removed from your wrist).

• Your heart rate. What it means, and where on Apple Watch you’ll find it. - Apple Support
• Wrist Detection can be affected by temporary or permanent skin changes, such as by some wrist tattoos.

Calibrating your watch improves the accuracy of various activity-related estimations. Instructions for how to calibrate your watch are available via the support article linked below. The article also includes instructions for resetting existing calibration data and starting afresh. (Resetting your calibration data will not erase your Activity history).

More information:

Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

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