New to Apple Watch I have the SE model. I’m moved from Fitbit which all data is in one single app. It appears to be two main apps with Apple the Fitness and the Health … It seems like you need the Pedometer to do steps properly, but it’s asking for a subscription which is really irritating. Same thing with logging food… Is there an apple app that’s not subscription based for that?
The Apple Health App is free (no subscription) and linked directly with the Apple Watch to count steps.
The Fitness App will also show you the step count from the Apple Watch or the iPhone itself, depending on the sources set for the Health app. You don't need a subscription for that. The subscription in the Fitness app for Fitness+ is only for access to the workout videos and fitness plans. It does not affect the usage of the fitness app's other features on the iPhone including the step counter.
click here ➜ Manage Health data on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch - Apple.com
You can add the Step count card in the Fitness app on the iPhone if its not already added, by scrolling to the bottom of the Summary Tab, tapping on Edit Summary, then on the (+) icon at the top left, and then on the Step Card. You can set it to show number of steps or distance or add both cards to the Summary.
I am a former Fitbit user so understand your wanting to track steps.
There is no need to subscribe to a different app to see your steps. You can see them on your iPhone or on the watch itself.
On the iPhone:
Open the Activity app on the iPhone. You should see steps on the summary page.
On the watch, tap the crown and open Activity to see steps. You may have to scroll.
I disagree that steps in an outdated concept. Yes, other hand actions can skew results. The same was true for the Fitbit. But for many of us, it has always been a good way of tracking activity and encouraging us to ... go that extra block on a walk ... or get up during commercials to walk around the house. Yes, the activity rings are good. But my doctors have never asked about my activity rings. They ask how many steps I'm averaging.
Happy Stepping!
You need to understand that Steps is an outdated 20th century concept and Apple only provide it to please Fitbit converts to Watch.
You would honestly do better looking at Move calories, exercise minutes and regular proper Workouts like Walk or Run.
However Steps are catered for as has been said, but remember Fitbit and Watch both count steps by wrist movement, so you earn them by walking, running, knitting, typing and any other wrist oriented exercise. Not an accurate health measure.
Each to their own. When my grand daughter got a Fitbit, she and her friends would wiggle their wrists while watching TV to try to get the highest steps that day.
We have had complaints on the forum from the aforementioned knitters and typists asking how to stop their steps going into the thousands at work.
Help switching from a Fitbit app
