Workout app under-reporting to Activity app

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Level 1

4 points

Workout app under-reporting to Activity app

I replaced an Apple Watch Series 0 with an Apple Watch Series 3 in December. Prior to replacement, my Series 0 watch was faithfully reporting my daily walking workout to the Activity app almost in its entirety (a 40 minute hike would result in 35-40 minutes of daily exercise credit).

Since replacing the Series 0, my daily workout is consistently under-reported or discounted in the Activity app by anywhere from 50-60%. So my usual 40 minute hike ends up being credited to my daily workout activity ring as 15-20 minutes of activity.

This underreporting occurs despite the fact that all workout statistics reported in the workout area of the Activity app are correct. Workout time, heart rate averages, distance, etc. all appear consistent with, or more accurate than, those reported by my Series 0.

Despite that fact that I'm walking, I don't think this workout is particularly slouchy. My heart rate averages 110-120bpm, the track includes 300 feet of elevation gain, and I cover nearly two miles in 40 minutes. As a walking workout, it seems reasonable that the whole activity, or most of it, should be credited towards the appropriate activity rings.

I've read that Apple's Workout and Activity apps measure workout intensity when determining activity ring credit, but it seems unreasonable to expect a walking workout to generate significantly more intense stats. I've also read that a "workaround" would involve choosing "Other" as the workout activity, but this seems to defeat the purpose of engaging in workout that the Apple Watch is supposed to accurately measure.

All of my Health app stats are updated and I've gone through reasonable troubleshooting (restarting Watch and Phone, etc.). And to be clear, the Watch Series 3 has underreported from Day One vs. my Series 0.

So what's the issue? Is my workout truly slouchy even by "Walking Workout" standards or is there a bug here that needs to be addressed? Or am I missing a setting somewhere that would trigger more accurate Activity ring reporting?

Help appreciated.

Apple Watch Series 3, watchOS 4.2

Posted on Jan 11, 2018 12:10 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

jimbo4562 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 16, 2018 9:36 AM in response to Los Angeles

Hey LA & Jonathan UK -

Further update - I think the problem is solved.

Last week Friday I completed hard resets on both my Apple Watch Series 3 and my iPhone 6s. I did not restore the iPhone from a backup - I chose to set it up as a new device (you'll recall that Apple Support had me previously reset/restore my iPhone using an unencrypted iTunes backup and that solution was ineffective).

I allowed the iPhone to set my Watch up from scratch using all default parameters; the only additional software that was added to the Watch was Nike Run Club (the Watch is a Series 3 Nike+ edition).

I worked out this morning with normal intensity (37min Outdoor Walk, 110avg heart rate, avg 20.5min mi pacing). My Watch chimed right on time at 30 minutes after appropriately crediting my Exercise activity ring and I ended with full a full 37 minutes of Exercise ring credit.

For now, it would appear that a hard reset of both iPhone and Watch solved the problem. And by "hard reset," I mean I went into Settings on both devices, navigated to the General menu, chose Reset and chose to Reset all Content and Settings (Settings --> General --> Reset --> Erase All Content and Settings).

I'll update this post if future workouts deliver different results.

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Answer 2

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,347 points

Jan 11, 2018 12:43 PM in response to jimbo4562

Hi

Under Apple's terminology, there is no "Series 0" model range. You appear to instead be referring to an Apple Watch (1st generation) model:

Identify your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Some users have previously reported experiencing differences in activity-related estimations under newer versions of watchOS.

If your activity-related estimations have changed significantly for the same activity under the same version of watchOS, then it may help to follow the steps suggested below.

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.

Whilst Apple has not defined, in detail, what a "brisk walk" means, the requirement does take into account your personal information. Some third-party sources, suggest, for example, that a brisk walk may require a speed of at least 3 miles per hour, which is on the very borderline of what you report having achieved.

Exercise credit is awarded for each minute during which this requirement is met. It is possible that you are not meeting that requirement and/or that your activity is not being tracked accurately.

If you have not yet done so, then it may help to also update your iPhone to the latest software:

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

The definition of a brisk walk varies by person and depends on your personal information. To check that it is accurate:

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

When recording specific fitness activities, be sure to use the Workout app (or a third-party app that shares data to Health) and to choose the activity type that most closely matches your workout, including choosing Outdoor Walk for outdoor walking workouts and Other for any workouts that are neither included within nor sufficiently similar to those in the main list. This enables your watch to use the most appropriate sensors and data sources when tracking results:

For more accurate tracking of outdoor workouts and to enable proper calibration, check your Location Services settings:

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 is set to While Using.
Also enable options under System Services including Motion Calibration & Distance, Wi-Fi Networking and Mobile Network Search.

During general daily wear and when using the Workout app to record relevant workouts (ie where arm motion is involved) when GPS data is either not relevant or not available, the Activity app and Workout app track your arm motion (measured by the accelerometer) when estimating results including progress towards the Exercise goal.

For the best results, allow the arm on which you are wearing your watch to swing naturally as you move around during daily wear and to move as expected during workouts.

Resetting your existing calibration data and recalibrating your Apple Watch may help to improve the accuracy of activity-related estimations. More information and detailed instructions are available via the link below. Resetting your calibration data and following detailed instructions for calibrating your Apple Watch can be equally as helpful for Series 2 & 3 models and will not erase your Activity history:

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

For the best performance from your Apple Watch - including the most accurate readings from the heart rate sensor, which is used continually during workouts - be sure to wear your Apple Watch snugly (but not too tightly) during general daily wear and during any workouts. Apple suggests tightening your Apple Watch band before workouts and loosening it again afterwards:

Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support

If you would prefer to receive Exercise credit for the full duration of workouts, regardless of their estimated intensity levels, then track them via the Workout app using "Other" as the activity type. This will credit one minute of Exercise for each full minute of the workout. Active calories will be estimated at a rate equivalent to a brisk walk or based on data recorded by the heart rate sensor, whichever is higher. However, note that neither distance nor a route map are recorded for outdoor workouts under this workout activity type.

Otherwise, if the issue still persists, then I suggest that you contact Apple Support (remote diagnostics and/or mail-in service may be available, if required), make a Genius Bar reservation or visit an Apple Authorised Service Provider for assistance:

More information:

Track workouts and stay healthy with Apple Watch - Apple Support

Use the Activity app on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Get the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch

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Answer 3

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,347 points

Jan 11, 2018 12:47 PM in response to Los Angeles

As previously advised:

If you would prefer to receive Exercise credit for the full duration of workouts, regardless of their estimated intensity levels, then track them via the Workout app using "Other" as the activity type.

This will credit one minute of Exercise for each full minute of the workout. Active calories will be estimated at a rate equivalent to a brisk walk or based on data recorded by the heart rate sensor, whichever is higher.

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Answer 4

jimbo4562 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 12, 2018 10:21 AM in response to Jonathan UK

And a further update for anyone interested.

I contacted Apple support regarding this issue. A Level II tech suggested I restore my iPhone from an unencrypted iTunes backup. I did so. Unfortunately, this didn't solve the problem. In fact, after the restore, my iPhone was no longer able to communicate with my Apple Watch (Bluetooth repeatedly showed a connection and would then lose the connection).

A further reset and restore resulted in what appeared to be a Bluetooth related kernel panic. Following the panic, the phone forced a third reset after which I lost all encrypted data (health and activity data being the most relevant here).

I'm going to use this inconvenient "opportunity" to start fresh with both iPhone and Apple Watch (erasing both with no restore from backups). I'll post results from workout activities next week and we'll hope that sacrificing a few months worth of health and information results in accurate Workout activity reporting in the Activity app.

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Answer 5

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,347 points

Jan 12, 2018 3:09 AM in response to jimbo4562

If you would like to send feedback and/or feature requests to Apple, then you can do so here:

Feedback - Apple Watch - Apple

(You are not talking to Apple here - this is a user-based technical support community).

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Answer 6

jimbo4562 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 12, 2018 9:22 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Thanks Jonathan UK. I will provide feedback because I have a further update.

If we assume that a "Brisk Walk" is indeed on the order of an average 20min mile pace, then the simplest way to determine if there is an issue using that metric was to complete a workout that met or exceeded the standard.

I did so this morning.

After averaging a pace of 19min per mile during a 32min 1.8mile walk with an average heart rate of 120bpm, the watch gave exactly 22 minutes of exercise credit to the exercise ring. Thats a whopping 40% discount on a pace that is unquestionably "brisk."

I would say Apple has a software/hardware problem that is also a potential product liability issue, assuming someone hurts themselves trying to meet a goal that is unattainable.

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Answer 7

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,347 points

Jan 12, 2018 9:26 AM in response to jimbo4562

You're welcome! 🙂

Keep in mind that the definition of a brisk walk can vary from person to person - and also for the same person over time - as it includes consideration of your personal information:

On your iPhone, in the Watch app, go to: My Watch (tab) > Health.

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Answer 8

Jan 12, 2018 2:28 PM in response to jimbo4562

Jimbo, I'm still of the mind that the discrepancy is intentional, by design - I appreciate your tenacity at trying to find a solution! Thank you. Just to make myself nuts I wore my Fitbit and my AppleWatch3 as I worked out this morning- 30minutes, 120bpm average and yes, the Watch underreported/undercredited, the Fitbit didn't. Sigh. Will keep my eyes posted here for your further adventures in trying to resolve this issue. Thanks much!

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Answer 9

Jan 11, 2018 2:10 PM in response to jimbo4562

I was just searching the discussion boards with the hope of resolving the same questions/problem.

A 30minute cardio workout tracked using the Apple Watch series3 Workout app, yields a credit of 9minutes of Exercise in the Activity application. Looking under the Workout tab of the same Activity app, the 30minutes is correctly credited.

Seems the User should be permitted the option to have the correct data to appear as Exercise, as opposed to what seems to be some Apple created algorithm, that boils 30minutes down to 9.

Or, do we just have preferences set incorrectly? And NO, I haven't selected the wheelchair option and my OS is updated, and my gps settings are correct.

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Answer 10

Jan 11, 2018 1:07 PM in response to Jonathan UK

No Jonathan UK, that doesn't actually work, at least not on my Apple Watch 3... Thus my query. Thanks however.

Hoping someone who has actually experienced and solved this issue might share some insight.

Or, even confirm my suspicion this issue exists by design. Many Thanks.

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Answer 11

Jan 16, 2018 12:51 PM in response to jimbo4562

Really interesting Jimbo, thank you again for sharing an update. Hope that does the trick for you.

I did a wipe/reset of the watch this morning after completing a 6mile hike yesterday. The Apple Watch3 only counted 4 sets of stairs/floors while my companions, wearing various FitBit models were credited with 57floors - they reminded me the FitBit also auto recognized they were hiking, while I had to tell the watch what I was doing.

When I completed the hike, which took a few hours, heart rate in the 160/180 zone for extended periods, (lots of steep ascents), the watch credited me with 4 whopping minutes of exercise. 4! It also failed to generate a map of the hiking route, I'm using the Apple Watch series3 with gps. Then much to my surprise, overnight the Activity app seemed to update itself to show 142 minutes of exercise during the hike period -Something fishy in how reports are generated and time it takes to parse data and spit it back out to the app, along with the failure to recognize the change in elevation and properly credit stairs and generate a map is making me start to eye my old FitBit longingly.

Starting to wonder if I have defective watch. We'll see what the next few days brings post reset. Many Thanks.

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Answer 12

jimbo4562 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 11, 2018 1:48 PM in response to jimbo4562

Hi Jonathan -

You are correct that there is no Apple Watch series 0; I am indeed referring to an Apple Watch (1st generation) (A1554 Apple Watch Sport to be exact). And it is/was running Watch OS 4.2 and became nearly unusable after updating from Watch OS 3 to 4, which is why I bought new hardware.

I think these portions of your response go to my issue:

Some users have previously reported experiencing differences in activity-related estimations under newer versions of watchOS.

My OS was the same across both devices (Watch OS 4.2) but the hardware obviously changed (and probably, hopefully, got more accurate).

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.

Whilst Apple has not defined, in detail, what a "brisk walk" means, the requirement does take into account your personal information. Some third-party sources, suggest, for example, that a brisk walk may require a speed of at least 3 miles per hour, which is on the very borderline of what you report having achieved.

Exercise credit is awarded for each minute during which this requirement is met. It is possible that you are not meeting that requirement

This implies that Watch Series 3 and Watch OS 4.2 MAY look for a minimum 20 minute mile pace. And I would agree that my pacing is just shy of that level: my last 5 workouts have resulted in 20-22 minute miles.

That being said, I think I agree with Los Angeles. If my walking pace slows to less than a 20 minute mile when I either choose to walk more slowly because I don't want to trash my knees coming downhill OR I happen to be climbing a 30-40 degree slope, the Watch hardware and software shouldn't arbitrarily decide that I'm no longer exercising, particularly if I'm hitting other workout metrics (heart rate for example). And I shouldn't be forced to use the "Other" workout just because the fitness buffs at Apple have decided that I can't keep up with their standards for an "Outdoor Walk."

I agree that the Watch and its OS should provide workout incentives, both in terms of engaging in activity and maintaining a minimum (and potentially increasing) standard during any activity. Eliminating 50-60% of a workout (or more in Los Angeles' case) is both demoralizing and non-motivational, however, so Apple has missed the mark significantly if they are, in fact, holding to a standard that is inflexible and, consequently, unreasonable.

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