iOS 16 iPhone Fitness app only tracks Apple Watch

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Level 1

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iOS 16 iPhone Fitness app only tracks Apple Watch

I saw some topics about people complaining the fitness app on iPhone (iOS 16) only tracks steps when wearing an Apple Watch.

I have an iPhone 14 Pro and an Apple Watch series 8. When wearing the Apple watch, everything is tracked very well in the fitness app on my iphone. During the day (I work in a hospital), I’m not allowed to wear my Apple watch and thus none of my movement is tracked on my iPhone Fitness app. I can find all my steps etc in the health app. All settings that I can think of are ok. Is this by design?

iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 16

Posted on Oct 18, 2022 05:31 AM

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Answer 1

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jmcolle Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 21, 2022 08:49 AM in response to destiny241

Hi,

thank you for your reply. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really answer my question.

iOS 16 should track your steps/activity on your iPhone Fitness app, even if you don’t have an Apple Watch (which I have) as mentioned here:

Track daily activity in Fitness on iPhone - Apple Support

During the day, as a surgeon, I obviously don’t wear my Apple Watch but I do have my iPhone in my pocket, which tracks my steps perfectly in the Health app but not in the Fitness app. My fitness app only tracks activity upon wearing my Apple watch. So I am asking if it is designed this way.

kind regards,

Julien

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Answer 2

destiny241

Community Specialist

Oct 20, 2022 08:38 AM in response to jmcolle

Hello jmcolle,

In order to track data using the Fitness app, it does require you to use the Apple Watch. This is mentioned here: All about Apple Fitness+ - Apple Support

Apple Fitness+ requires Apple Watch Series 3 or later using watchOS 7.2 or later with one of the following Apple devices: iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14.3 or later, iPad with iPadOS 14.3 or later, or Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD with tvOS 14.3 or later.

To get the newest features, use Apple Fitness+ with Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9 paired with iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16, iPad with iPadOS 16, and Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD with tvOS 16.

Note: Apple Fitness+ isn’t available in all countries or regions.

If the iPhone is tracking your steps, then we would say it is working properly on the iPhone itself. We'd suggest wearing your Apple Watch to track your Fitness+ and other Health related activity.

Wishing you well, take care.

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