Apple Watch not counting steps or tracking activity correctly? 6 fixes
2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026
Check that Wrist Detection and Fitness Tracking are on, wear the watch snugly on top of your wrist, and make sure your height and weight are correct in the Health details. Then recalibrate with a 20-minute outdoor walk using the Workout app.
The watch estimates steps, distance and calories from arm movement, heart rate and your body measurements. Wrong settings or a loose fit make the numbers drift.
Step by step
Turn on Fitness Tracking
On the iPhone, open the Watch app, tap Privacy and switch on Fitness Tracking and Heart Rate.
Turn on Wrist Detection
In the Watch app, tap Passcode and switch on Wrist Detection.
Check location settings
On the iPhone, open Settings, Privacy & Security, Location Services, System Services and switch on Motion Calibration & Distance.
Update your body details
In the Watch app, tap Health, Health Details, Edit, and correct your height, weight, age and sex. Calorie figures depend on them.
Wear it properly
The watch should sit snug on the top of the wrist. Steps are missed when your arm is still, for example pushing a pram or a trolley, or holding a treadmill rail.
Recalibrate
In the Watch app, tap Privacy, Reset Fitness Calibration Data. Then go for an outdoor walk or run of about 20 minutes on flat ground with good GPS reception, using the Workout app.
Good to know
Tattoos on the wrist can block the heart rate sensor, which affects calorie estimates.
The Stand ring needs you to stand and move for about a minute in an hour, not just stand up.
Step counts on the iPhone and the watch are combined in the Health app and never match another brand's tracker exactly.
In short: Fitness Tracking and Wrist Detection on, correct health details, snug fit, recalibrate outdoors.
- Apple Support: Calibrate your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy
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