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Logging and tracking your physical activity via a daily step count is one of the best features smartwatches have today. Fitbit is well known for this. They make keeping track of your steps simple and easy. Apple Watch, on the other hand, does not highlight step counting. There’s not even a preset option for tracking your steps in Apple Watch’s face gallery. I’m one of those people who recently switched to the Apple Watch after using Fitbits for years. And one thing I really miss is seeing my step count right on my watch face. I’m not sure why Apple does not currently offer a steps complication (or flights climbed and distance traveled) to add to your watch face so you can check your step count with just a glance. Instead, Apple’s Activity app focuses primarily on movement, exercising, and standing And you have to scroll past those three focuses so you can catch a glimpse of your step count, distance, and flights climbed. This lack of options can be extremely frustrating, especially when for users like me that switch from Fitbit to Apple Watch. We miss being able to track a daily step count. So what can Apple Watch users do to track their step count? Here’s how we do it. Related reading:
The best way to work around Apple’s disinterest in step counting is to download a third-party pedometer app. Apps like Pedometer++, Duffy, or StepsApp are great options. Pedometer apps like Pedometer++ and Duffy are popular amongst Apple Watch users.All three of these pedometer apps are compatible with the Apple Watch. They are also free on the App Store.
After you give these permissions, your pedometer app syncs all the data your Health app gets from your Apple Watch. You can then easily add these apps as an Apple Watch face complication so your step count (or another activity metric like distance) shows up on your Apple Watch screen. If you’re worried about these pedometer apps counting both step counts from your Apple Watch and your iPhone, not a problem! The Pedometer++ app for the Apple Watch shows users their step count clearly.The Pedometer++ app has a setting where you can disable the merging of your Apple Watch and phone step counts. Additionally, the Health app should not double-count your steps. Apple aggregates your health and fitness data from Apple Watch, iPhone, and any other sources like apps or other fitness devices in the Health app and should automatically prevent double-counting of data from different sources. See your step count directly on your Apple Watch face!If you wish to have your step count show up on your Apple Watch Face, you can do that too! You can change it from your Apple Watch or on your Watch app on your iPhone. Add a step count complication to your watch faceFirst, decide on your Watch Face and then customize it by adding your Step app’s complication.
Then check out your step count from your preferred pedometer app! Once you select your image, you can customize your Watch Face with two additional Complications.And voila! Your steps shall appear on your Watch Face! It is important to note that your step count data may not update in real-time. While it might not be instantaneous, but hey, it’s better than nothing. Is your step count not updating on your Apple Watch face?If your step count is not updating at all, make sure you turn on Background App Refresh for that app in your iPhone’s Settings app.
Customize your Apple Watch Face with your own photoIf none of the Apple Watch Face presets call out to you, then you can always customize it yourself by using your photos. It’s super easy to do!
From there, you can decide to use the full size of the image or make it into a unique kaleidoscope print. After you press create Watch Face, you have the option to choose between your photo or a kaleidoscope version of your photo!Final thoughtsWith the popularity of achieving your daily step count goal, you would think that Apple would offer more ways to track this data. But to Apple, getting 10,000 steps a day isn’t a priority. Apple chooses to focus on your keeping your body moving instead. But after following this guide, you can now track your steps and overall movement easily! Happy stepping! Why can't I see my steps on my Apple Watch?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.
How do I see my steps on my Apple Watch from my phone?Via the Activity app on your watch: Open the app and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Via the Activity app on your iPhone: Select to view a day's results, then scroll to the bottom to see Steps and Distance.
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