Apple Watch series 3 not tracking distance or calories

I got a new Apple Watch series 3.. it is not tracking distance or calories. I’ve checked all settings to make sure they are set right and they appear to be. Is something wrong with its GPS? Do I just need to get it replaced? Has anyone else has this problem?

Posted on Oct 12, 2017 4:24 PM

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1 reply

Oct 12, 2017 5:24 PM in response to Jcastle123

Hi


The following steps may help:


Check that you have set up the Activity app:


Choose the most relevant activity type in the Workout app:

  • Record specific fitness activities as workouts using the Workout app (or a third-party app that shares data to the Health app) and choose the activity type that most closely matches your workout.
  • Choose Other for workouts that are neither included within nor sufficiently similar to those in the main list (neither distance nor a route map are recorded for Other workouts).
  • This enables Apple Watch to use the most appropriate sensors and data sources for that activity type when tracking results. For example: for outdoor walks, record your activity as Outdoor Walk.
  • Work out with your Apple Watch - Apple Support


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


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) > Passcode > turn on Wrist Detection.


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.


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:


Allow your arm to swing naturally:

  • During general daily wear and when using the Workout app to record workouts when GPS data is either not relevant or not available (eg Indoor Walk), the Activity app and Workout app track your arm motion (measured by the accelerometer) when estimating results including pace and progress towards the Exercise goal.
  • For the best results, allow the arm on which you are wearing your Apple Watch to swing naturally as you move around during daily wear and to move as expected during workouts.


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).


Reset any existing calibration data and calibrate your Apple Watch:

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Apple Watch series 3 not tracking distance or calories

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