iPhone not tracking steps? 6 fixes for the Health and Fitness apps
An iPhone counts steps with its own motion sensors, but only if Fitness Tracking is allowed in Privacy settings.
Photo by Ibrahima Toure on Unsplash
The iPhone counts steps on its own with a motion sensor and a small processor that tracks movement. It does not need an Apple Watch. When the number sits at zero, or says No Data, a setting is almost always the reason. Work through these fixes in order.
The fix
Fix 1: Turn on Fitness Tracking
- 1
Open Settings › Privacy & Security › Motion & Fitness.
- 2
Turn on Fitness Tracking.
Without this, the iPhone cannot record steps, even if the Health app is open.
- 3
Open the Health app and check Steps.
Walk for a minute and look at Browse › Activity › Steps. New data can take a short time to appear.
Fix 2: Allow Health to read your steps
If Steps shows No Data, open the Health app and check Browse › Activity › Steps. Make sure the iPhone is listed under Data Sources & Access and that its switch is on. In the Health app, also check your profile: height and weight help the app estimate distance.
Fix 3: Check the data source order if you also use an Apple Watch
When you wear an Apple Watch, the Health app can use it as the main source and ignore the iPhone for the times you wore it. If your steps look too low, open Health › Browse › Activity › Steps › Data Sources & Access and look at the order. Make sure the source you use most is first. Our guide to an Apple Watch that will not connect helps if the Watch is not syncing.
Fix 4: Carry the iPhone where it can feel you walk
- Keep the iPhone in a pocket or on your body. In a bag, or in your hand while you push a stroller, it can miss steps.
- Steps count when you walk or run. Cycling and driving do not add steps.
- Shaking the phone does not count, and counts can differ a little between days.
Fix 5: Restart and update
Restart the iPhone, then check Settings › General › Software Update. A bug after an update can stop steps from showing. If the problem started after an update, see problems after an iOS update.
Fix 6: Add Steps to your Health summary
Sometimes steps are recorded, but you do not see them on the Summary screen. Open Health › Browse › Activity › Steps and tap the star to add it to Favorites. Then it shows at the top of Summary.
Still zero after all of this?
If steps stay at zero, the motion sensor may be damaged, for example after a drop. Try another step counting app to compare. If it also shows nothing, contact Apple Support. Before you do, make sure your iPhone is backed up. See backing up your iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Can an iPhone track steps without an Apple Watch?
Yes. The iPhone uses its built in motion sensors and shows your steps in the Health app. You need to carry it with you and allow Fitness Tracking.
Why does my iPhone show zero steps?
Fitness Tracking is usually off. Open Settings › Privacy & Security › Motion & Fitness and turn on Fitness Tracking, then restart the Health app.
Why is the Health app steps number different from my Apple Watch?
The Health app combines data from your iPhone and your Watch and picks a source. Check the order in Health › Browse › Activity › Steps › Data Sources & Access.
How accurate is the iPhone step counter?
It is good enough for daily totals, but it depends on where you carry the phone. In a bag or while pushing a stroller it can miss steps.
What to try next
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