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3 Ways to Fix Apple Watch Not Counting Steps Correctly

Quick Tips
  • If your Apple Watch is having trouble counting steps correctly, start by cleaning the rear sensors of your watch with some rubbing alcohol.
  • Should it not work, check if your Apple Watch wrist orientation is right.
  • Open your Watch app on iPhone > General > Wrist Orientation.

Basic Fixes

  • Clean Rear Sensors: Dirty Apple Watch sensors lead to footsteps not being counted at all or counted improperly. So, we suggest you clean the sensor with some rubbing alcohol and a cotton.
  • Restart Your Apple Watch: When in doubt, restart. So, if your Apple Watch is not tracking your footsteps correctly, start the solution hunt with a simple restart.
  • Wear the Watch Snugly: The watch uses accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to track your steps. If the watch is loose, you may face the issue of your Apple Watch misreporting your step count.

Fix 1: Connect the Watch to the iPhone

You may be facing the issue of your Apple Watch not tracking step count properly due to sync issues. To sync the devices, bring the Control Center. Then, check whether Wi-Fi and Bluetooth toggles are turned on.

Fix 2: Select the Correct Wrist

Apple’s Health app requires you to specify on which wrist you would wear the watch. If you wear the Apple Watch on the incorrect wrist, it may lead to inaccurate counting of steps. Fret not, as you can change the wrist on which you wear your watch through simple steps. Here’s how.

Open the Watch App. Then, head to the General section. In General, tap on Watch Orientation. Now, select the correct watch orientation.

Also Read: How to change orientation on Apple Watch

Fix 3: Calibrate Your Apple Watch

Calibrating your Apple Watch can help you attain an improved pace which will, in turn, aid in step tracking. Here’s how you can caliberate your Apple Watch.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on Privacy & Security. Then, select Location Services.

Step 2: Now, ensure the toggle next to Location Services is turned on. Further, tap on System Services. Then, turn on the toggle beside ‘Motion Calibration & Distance‘.

Now, while wearing your Apple Watch, go to an outdoor location with clear skies. Do note that if you have the Series 1 Apple Watch, carry your iPhone along. Just open the Fitness app on your Watch and opt for an Outdoor Walk or Run.

After finishing your workout, we need to reset the calibration data. To do so, open the Watch app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on Privacy. Then tap on ‘Reset Fitness Calibration Data‘ to complete the calibration process.

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Last updated on 03 June, 2024

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