How to Use Your iPhone as a Step Tracker Without an Apple Watch

Think you need an Apple Watch to count your steps? Think again. Your iPhone has a built-in step tracking feature that works surprisingly well, without the need for extra devices or subscriptions. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals or simply curious about your daily movement, your iPhone is fully capable of tracking your steps on its own.

Keep reading to learn how you can track and maintain a detailed record of your daily step count using your iPhone.

How Step Tracking Works on iPhone

Starting with the iPhone 5S, Apple began including a dedicated motion coprocessor known as the M-series chip in every iPhone. This chip works with the phone’s accelerometer and gyroscope to detect motion, such as walking, running, and even stair climbing.

All this tracking happens automatically in the background. As long as your iPhone is with you in your hand, pocket, or bag, it records your steps without needing an Apple Watch or fitness tracker.

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How to Set Up Step Tracking on iPhone

To begin tracking steps, make sure the required permissions are enabled:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security.
3. Tap Motion & Fitness.
4. Toggle on Fitness Tracking.
   
5. Make sure the Health app or any third-party fitness app is allowed access.

Once this is set up, your iPhone will automatically begin tracking your steps whenever it’s with you.

Method 1: Use the Apple Health App

The Health app on your iPhone offers a detailed view of your activity. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Health app.
2. Tap the Browse tab at the bottom right.
3. Go to Activity under Health Categories.
   
4. Tap Steps and you’ll be presented with a bar graph showing views for days, weeks, months, and years, along with a detailed summary of your step activity, which is updated automatically.
5. By default, the steps graph will show the Weekly steps graph. You can tap the Day, Month, 6 Months, or Year tab to view and analyze the corresponding steps graph.
6. The Highlight section details how your step count has changed over time.
7. The Trends tab displays an upward, downward, or flat arrow based on how your most recent 90-day average compares to your previous 365-day average.
   • If your recent average is higher than your long-term average, you’ll see an Upward Arrow.
   • If your recent average is lower than your long-term average, you’ll see a Downward Arrow.
   • If your recent average is consistent with your long-term average, you’ll see a Flat Arrow.
     

If the Health app detects a downward trend in your step count, it may suggest simple ways to increase steps, such as taking a walk during lunch breaks or parking further from your destination.

Moreover, if navigating to steps in the Health app feels tedious, you can add steps to your Favorites, and your daily step count will appear on the Home Screen (Summary tab) of the Health app for quick access. Here’s how:

1. Scroll down to the bottom of the Steps section and tap Pin to Summary.
2. Now, head to the Summary tab and tap Edit to rearrange the Steps position.

If you went on a hike or exercised without your phone, you can add steps manually:

1. Navigate to the Steps section in the Health app.
2. Here, tap Add Data in the top right corner.
3. Enter the Date, Time, and the number of steps.`
4. Tap Add to save the manual entry.
   

Method 2: Use the Apple Fitness App

The Fitness app complements the Health app by offering a more visual and goal-driven approach to tracking your activity.

If it’s not already installed, you can download it from the App Store. Once set up:

1. Open the Fitness app and tap the Steps tile on the Summary screen.
2. Here, you’ll be presented with a bar graph showing the steps taken and distance covered views for days, weeks, months, and years.
   

Besides letting you view your daily steps, the Fitness app offers a modern interface to set a daily Move goal, visualize your progress with activity rings, and access in-depth statistics. Furthermore, it also allows you to compete or share progress with friends for support and motivation.

Method 3: Try Third-Party Step Tracking Apps

If you’re looking for more features, customization, or community-based tracking, several free third-party health apps are worth exploring. Here’s how a few top options compare:

App	Pacer	StepsApp	Google Fit
Step Tracking	Automatic with iPhone sensors – no need to start walks manually	Instant step tracking with daily/weekly/monthly charts	Tracks steps automatically with cross-device sync
Highlights	Join challenges, walking groups, and get community motivation	Set goals, receive notifications, and use widgets	Set step/heart point goals and analyze trends
User Interface	Trend-focused with community dashboard	Clean, customizable themes and voice-over support	Minimalist, clean interface with easy goal tracking
Integration	Syncs with Apple Health	Syncs with Apple Health and Apple Watch (if available)	Bi-directional sync with Apple Health and Android devices
Privacy & Battery	Uses only motion sensors (no GPS); low battery impact	Minimal battery usage; no account needed	Privacy-focused; default to motion sensors, data linked to Google account

Troubleshooting: iPhone Step Tracking Not Working?

Here’s how to fix common issues if step tracking is not working properly:

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
iPhone is not counting any steps	Motion tracking is disabled	Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Motion & Fitness, enable Fitness Tracking and Health
Step count is stuck or outdated	Health app permissions are missing	Check Settings → Health → Data Access & Devices, ensure apps have proper access
Step count seems inaccurate	iPhone was not on your person during walking	Keep the iPhone in your pocket, hand, or bag while walking
Step tracking suddenly stopped	Temporary system glitch	Restart your iPhone to refresh motion tracking sensors
No steps are showing in a third-party app	App is not synced properly with Health	Open the third-party app → Check sync settings → Reconnect Apple Health

Walk Smarter with Just Your iPhone

Now you know how to use your iPhone as a reliable step tracker. Once motion tracking is enabled and your phone is with you throughout the day, you can view your stats anytime using the Health or Fitness apps.

Do you have a favorite step-tracking tip or app? Share your experience with us. We’d love to hear how you stay active.

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• How to use your iPhone to lead a healthy lifestyle