Can I use a walker and get the Apple Watch to count my steps?

Without an exercise app running, the step counting is based on the swing of the Apple Watch arm which would be typical for someone walking normally. With both hands on the walker, it is going to be more difficult to count steps without an exercise app running.

Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities katzmi22,

Based on the information from the following page, it would be expected that you can count your steps while walking with a walker:

If you need both hands while walking, for example to push a stroller, you can still earn Exercise credit with the Workout app. Open the app on your Apple Watch and tap Outdoor Walk. The Activity app relies on arm motion and an accelerometer to track movement, but the Workout app can use the accelerometer, the heart rate sensor, and GPS.

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We hope this helps!

I don't question what you've said about a swinging arm, and having no exercise application running. At the same time, my step counter has many different means of counting steps. For instance, I work in a very busy restaurant, and my primary function is to run food from the kitchen to the tables. More, I am right handed, and so wear my watch on my left wrist, and tend to carry three or four plates at a time on my left arm. That arm doesn't swing, and I don't use an exercise application while working. However, between my watch, or the phone in my rear pocket, something is counting steps. Something is also counting the number of floors being traversed during the shift.

Yes, you can use a walker and have your Apple Watch count your steps. The Apple Watch is designed to track your movement and can accurately count steps taken during various activities, including walking with the assistance of a walker. The Apple Watch utilizes its built-in accelerometer and gyroscope to measure your movement and translate it into step counts.

To ensure accurate step tracking while using a walker, make sure that you wear your Apple Watch on your wrist, as it's intended, and keep your arm with the watch moving naturally while you walk. The watch's sensors will detect the movement, regardless of whether you're using a walker or walking unassisted.

Keep in mind that the Apple Watch may not be as precise in tracking steps while using a walker compared to walking without any aids. The nature of the movement with a walker may vary, and the step count may not be as accurate as it would be during regular walking. However, the Apple Watch can still provide a general estimation of your activity level and help you track your progress over time.

dreabubby wrote:

Most people using a walker hold on with two hands as they push the walker

( a walker with wheels). Many rely on handle of walker to assist in support of joints (knees, hips, back) by reducing the weight bearing on these joints. The arm(s) wearing the watch do not swing

and are not counted by Apple watch. Is there an app that can recognize steps with this activity? Can a pedometer be used and could it communicate w the watch?

You can try putting your phone in your pocket. It will register the steps. You will be able to see the in the Health app on your phone.

Most people using a walker hold on with two hands as they push the walker

( a walker with wheels). Many rely on handle of walker to assist in support of joints (knees, hips, back) by reducing the weight bearing on these joints. The arm(s) wearing the watch do not swing

and are not counted by Apple watch. Is there an app that can recognize steps with this activity? Can a pedometer be used and could it communicate w the watch?

Ok , but when you say move your arm that carries your apple watch naturally,,, by the nature that you are holding on to the arm of a walker , it is not natural …. So what do you mean exactly ??