Hey glenne49,
This can be subjective, but I do have some thoughts. In my opinion and based on personal results, your step count will be far superior on the watch than on your phone. There are a few things you can check to make sure you are set up correctly.
In the Apple Health app where you have allowed permission for third-party apps, you can order the applications so that one will take precedence over the other. This will allow you to use the data you want to use, regardless of what is the most accurate.
To choose which data source takes precedence in the Apple Health app, follow these steps:
1. Open the Health App: Launch the Health app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Navigate to Browse: On iPhone, tap the Browse tab at the bottom. On iPad, tap the sidebar to open it.
3. Select a Category: Tap a health category (e.g., Activity, Heart, Sleep).
4. Choose a Subcategory: Tap a specific subcategory (e.g., Steps, Heart Rate).
5. Access Data Sources: Scroll down and tap Data Sources & Access.
6. Edit Priority: Tap Edit in the top-right corner. Touch and hold the Change Order button (three horizontal lines) next to a data source, then drag it up or down to reorder. The source at the top takes priority.
7. Disable a Source: To stop a source from contributing data, tap the checkmark next to it to deselect it.
8. Save Changes: Tap Done to confirm your changes.
Also important would be to make sure your watch is the priority in counting your steps and not your phone (you should make sure the applications you are using are configured this way as well). Your watch should always be at the top of this list as it is the primary device unless you get another piece of hardware you prefer.
To ensure your Apple Watch is counting your steps instead of your iPhone in the Apple Health app, follow these steps:
1. Open the Health App: Launch the Health app on your iPhone.
2. Go to Browse: Tap the Browse tab at the bottom.
3. Select Activity: Tap Activity, then tap Steps.
4. Access Data Sources: Scroll down and tap Data Sources & Access, then tap Data Sources.
5. Prioritize Apple Watch: Tap Edit in the top-right corner. Find your Apple Watch in the list, touch and hold the Change Order button (three horizontal lines) next to it, and drag it to the top of the list. This sets your Apple Watch as the primary source for step data.
6. Disable iPhone (Optional): If you want to ensure only your Apple Watch contributes step data, tap the checkmark next to iPhone to deselect it.
7. Save Changes: Tap Done to confirm.
Keep in mind that the data does not sync to the watch; it all syncs to the Apple Health app, which aggregates the information for Apple Fitness, etc.
I am a little confused by your post as you state you are counting steps on an exercise bike. Either way, you will want to make sure you set your Apple Watch as the primary device to ensure the most accurate counting for all health related items (unless you add something else like a heart strap, ring, etc.).
I hope this helps. All the best.
*If you are interested in looking at other devices that may more accurately track your steps as well as other health information (in comparison to Apple Watch), I would check out this YouTube page for excellent opinions on the subject. https://youtube.com/@thequantifiedscientist?si=DSBfGOU9lnyoswWe (this links to The Quantified Scientist page)
