Will Apple Watch Count Steps If It’s In A Pocket? (Solved!)
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Since Apple introduced the Apple watch, it has been used in many ways. It is used to track the fitness and activity of the user. Many people use it for its interesting and unique features. One question that you may ask is; will Apple Watch count steps if it’s in a pocket?
Yes, the Apple Watch will count steps, even if in a pocket. The watch uses a built-in accelerometer to detect the user’s movement. The watch can track the number of steps taken even when in a pocket. However, there are some limitations to this feature.
In this blog post, I will explore what happens when you put Apple Watch in your pocket and how to ensure that the steps are counted correctly.
How Does Apple Watch Count Steps
Before I answer the question, it is important to understand how Apple Watch counts steps.
The watch uses a built-in accelerometer to detect the user’s movement. An accelerometer is a device that measures acceleration and gravity.
The accelerometer in the Apple Watch is constantly monitoring your movement. It records data when you move your arm and hand. The watch’s algorithms then process the data. The algorithms use the data to estimate the number of steps taken.
In addition to the accelerometer, the Apple watch also uses GPS and barometric sensors.
The GPS sensor is used to track the user’s location. The barometric sensor is used to measure the air pressure. These two sensors are used to improve the accuracy of step counting.
READ MORE! Why Is My Apple Watch Tracking Calories Burned Incorrectly?
Can Apple Watch Count Steps If It’s in A Pocket?
The answer is yes; the watch can count steps even when in a pocket. However, there are some limitations to this feature. The watch may be unable to accurately track the number of steps taken if it is in a pocket.
This is because of the following reasons:
Arm Movement
Apple designed the watch to be worn on the wrist. The watch is equipped with sensors that track the user’s arm movement. When the watch is in a pocket, it may not be able to track arm movement accurately. This can lead to an inaccurate step count.
Accelerometer
The accelerometer in the watch may not be able to accurately detect the user’s movement if the watch is in a pocket. The accelerometer is designed to detect arm movement. It may not be able to accurately detect the user’s movement if the watch is in a pocket.
GPS and Barometric Sensors
As I mentioned earlier, the Apple Watch uses GPS and barometric sensors to improve the accuracy of step counting. However, these sensors may not work properly when the watch is in a pocket.
How To Ensure That Steps Are Counted Correctly
You can take some steps to ensure that the steps are counted correctly. They include:
1. Calibrate Your Watch
The watch may be unable to track your steps if it is not accurately calibrated. You can calibrate your watch by going to the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on Privacy and then Location Services. Scroll down to System Services and tap on Calibration & Distance.
2. Turn On Wrist Detection
The watch has a feature called wrist detection. This feature is designed to detect when the watch is being worn on the wrist. When this feature is turned on, the watch will only count steps when it is detected that it is being worn on the wrist.
To turn on wrist detection:
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on Privacy and then Location Services.
- Scroll down to System Services and tap on Wrist Detection.
3. Use The Workout App
The watch has a built-in Workout app. This app is designed to track your steps. When you use the Workout app, the watch will only count steps when it is detected that you are actively working out.
To use the Workout app, open the app on your watch. Tap on the start button and then select your workout type. The watch will then begin tracking your steps.
4. Wear Your Watch on Your Wrist
As I mentioned earlier, the best way to ensure that your steps are counted correctly is to wear your watch on your wrist. When you wear your watch on your wrist, the watch will be able to track your arm movement accurately.
This will result in an accurate step count.
FAQs
Can I use the Workout app to track my steps if I am not working out?
No, the Workout app tracks your steps when actively working out. The app will not track your steps if you are not working out.
Does the watch need to be connected to my iPhone to track my steps?
No, the watch does not need to be connected to your iPhone to track your steps. The watch has a built-in accelerometer that can track your steps.
How accurate is the step tracker on the Apple Watch?
The step tracker on the Apple Watch is quite accurate. However, some factors can affect the accuracy of the step tracker. For example, if you are wearing loose clothing, the step tracker may not be able to detect your movement accurately.
Will My apple watch count steps if I am not wearing it on the ankle?
Yes, your apple watch will still count your steps even if you are not wearing it on your ankle. As long as there is motion, the watch will track steps taken and send information to the Health app.
Final Thoughts
The apple watch will count steps if it is in a pocket. However, the accuracy of the step count may be affected by factors such as loose clothing. To ensure that your steps are counted accurately, it is best to wear the watch on your wrist.
I hope this article has helped you understand how the apple watch tracks steps. If you have any further questions, please feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading.
Espen
Espen is the Director of ProPairing and has written extensively about Bluetooth devices for years. He is a consumer product expert and has personally tested Bluetooth devices for the last decade.
