Apple watch S3 Altimeter Accuracy Issue

Hi

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

If you not already doing so, take each step individually and perhaps with emphasised movement:

• A flight of stairs is counted as around 3 meters / 10 feet of elevation gain, approximately 16 steps.

Remove any protective case, bumper or other protector that you may be using on your Apple Watch if it is blocking the air vent or any ports:

• A quick look at Apple Watch

Close certain apps and then restart (normally) both your iPhone and your Apple Watch:

• If an app unexpectedly quits, stops responding, or won’t open - Apple Support
  • Close the Watch app, Activity app and Health app (if open) on your iPhone.
  • Close the Activity app, Workout app and Heart Rate app on your Apple Watch.
• Turn both devices off together, then restart your iPhone first:
  • Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
  • How to 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 - check that both Fitness Tracking and Heart Rate are enabled.

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).
• Resetting your calibration data 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

If it is not already listed as the primary source, then it may help to move your Apple Watch above your iPhone in the data sources list, but below Health, for Flights Climbed:

• On your iPhone, in the Health app, go to: Health Data > Activity > Flights Climbed > Data Sources & Access > Edit.

If the issue 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:

• US: Apple Watch Service Answer Center - Apple Support
• Elsewhere: Apple - Support