How to track your steps with just an iPhone or Android phone

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Joe Fedewa / Instruction Geek

Set up Apple Health for iPhone or Google Fit for Android to automatically track steps with just your phone. Carry your phone with you all day to get an accurate reading.

You don’t need a smartwatch or fitness band to track your steps. The phone you carry every day can track how many steps you take and how far you walk alone. It is easier than you think.

How to Count Steps on iPhone

Tracking steps with an iPhone can be done automatically through the Apple Health app once you set up your profile. Your steps are also used in the Fitness app, which is where you can see your “Move Goal” and activity rings.

First, open the Health app and tap “Continue” to agree to the terms and get started.

press

Then enter your information to make sure the health tracker app is accurate.

Enter the information and tap

Lastly, turn optional notifications on or off.

Health notifications.

That’s really all there is to the setup process. You will see your daily steps listed at the top of the screen in the “Favorites” section by default.

Daily steps in Apple Health.

All you need to do to record your steps is make sure you have your iPhone with you! It’s as easy as that. Apple Health can do a lot more than just track steps, too.

Best Step Tracker Apps for iPhone

The best free iPhone step counter app is Apple Health, but if you want to try something else, there are a few alternatives available on the App Store.

pedometer++

Pedometer++ is a customizable step tracker app with a simple and easy to use interface. You can work towards achievements, and there are monthly challenges to participate in. The best feature, though, might be the lock screen and home screen widgets.

Steps app pedometer

The aptly named StepsApp has a clean interface with accent colors you can choose from. It features a daily ring chart similar to Apple Health, but adds a lot more trending information and includes home screen widgets.

Pacer Pedometer and Step Tracker

Pacer has one of the best user interfaces you’ll find in a step tracker app. It is not only a step tracker, but it can also be used to track activities and add photos and map data to them. If you want an app with more features than Apple Health, Pacer is the way to go. However, some features require a paid subscription.

How to track steps on Android

Your Android phone can essentially be a “Google pedometer” with the Google Fit app. Some devices come with the app pre-installed, but everyone can download it from the Play Store.

First, open the app and sign in with your Google account. Tap “Continue” if you are already logged in.

Sign in to Google Fit.

Then, enter your details to allow Google Fit to accurately record the data and tap “Next”.

Enter the details and tap

Lastly, and most importantly, tap “On” to allow Google Fit to track your activities. This must be enabled for step tracking.

press

Tap “Allow” to give Google Fit permission to access your fitness activity.

select

That’s all about it! Daily steps are displayed at the top of the screen in rings.

Google Fit activity rings.

You’re all set to track steps! Just make sure you take your phone with you, and steps will automatically be counted and displayed in Google Fit.

Best Android Step Counter Apps

Google Fit is the simplest step tracker app for Android, but there are other free step tracker apps available on the Play Store.

SamsungHealth

SamsungHealth

Samsung’s health and fitness app is just as good as Google Fit, and it’s actually a lot more powerful. It works well for simple step tracking, but it can also track activities, food, water, and much more. You also don’t need a Samsung Galaxy phone or smartwatch to use it.

RELATED: Why you should use SamsungHealth

Pacer Pedometer and Step Tracker

Pacer features a simple and clean user interface with many tools under the hood. Beyond simple step tracking, you can track activities, and you can add photos and map data. Pacer is a similar experience to Samsung Health, if you don’t like Samsung apps. Some features require a subscription.

StepsApp — Step counter

StepsApp sounds like an app that would just be for tracking steps, but there’s more to it than that. It provides a familiar pie chart breakdown of your daily steps, plus more detailed breakdowns of your progress over time. Also, you can share ready-made charts on social networks.

Upgrade to a fitness tracker or smartwatch

google pixel clock
Joe Fedewa / Instruction Geek

It’s true that a smartphone is really all you need to track your steps, but upgrading to a fitness band or smartwatch can enhance the experience. Studies have shown that the accuracy of these devices is quite similar, but a portable device has some advantages.

First of all, a device on the wrist is simply more convenient. It’s literally ripped on your body all day, so you don’t have to worry about missing day slots if you forget your phone.

The other part of the convenience is the ability to start tracking from your wrist. Step tracking happens automatically, but if you want to be more intentional, like manually recording a walk, it’s nice to be able to start it without taking out your phone.

Learn more about how to track steps on an Apple Watch, or decide if a fitness tracker is better than a smartwatch for your needs. The best fitness trackers are usually a bit cheaper than the best smartwatches, but they are a bit more limited.


Just remember to take your phone with you! If you don’t normally have your phone with you all day, a fitness tracker or smartwatch could be a worthwhile investment. At the end of the day, step tracking is just one piece of the health tracking pie.

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