Why doesn't the health program work on iPhone? How does a smartphone count steps and is the data correct?

Let's figure out how to enable a standard pedometer from the Health app on the iPhone, calibrate it and see what available pedometer apps are available in App Store.

This article is suitable for everyone iPhone models Xs/Xr/X/8/7/6/5 and Plus on iOS 12. Older versions may have different or missing menu items and hardware support listed in this article.

Turn on the pedometer on iPhone

First you need to enable the tracking option, which is enabled by default. Many users turn it off to save battery power.

We follow the instructions:

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Using a pedometer in the Health app on iPhone

Launch the “Health” application. In the “Meddata” menu, click on the “Activity” card. This section contains all user activity for the month, week and day. If you scroll down a little, you can see the Walking and Running Distance menu.

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It shows detailed statistics according to the steps taken. To get a detailed report by day, you should click on a special calendar schedule that has orange.

In order not to search for this or that value every time in the entire tree, you need to display it in the “Favorites” menu in the form of a gadget. You can use the “Add to Favorites” switch for this.

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In the “Sources” item, you can manage all connected devices.

Calibrating the iPhone pedometer

The built-in pedometer on your iPhone may require calibration. To do this, you need to use any free sports program.

Let's consider the process iPhone calibration by example Runtastic applications:

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After calibrating the data, the gadget demonstrates more accurate activity indicators.

Best Third-Party Pedometer Apps for iPhone

Many users rely on pedometers during their daily walks. How accurate is step counting? Let's look at 6 best pedometers.

These applications were studied for several weeks. After the walk, the results were collated and the steps were counted manually. The screenshot below shows a diagram with the obtained data.

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M7 - Steps

This pedometer attracts with its clear and minimalistic interface. The program shows in one of the tabs the number of steps taken per month, week or day.

The user can scroll left or right in the window to view previous days' results. By clicking on this data, you will not receive any other additional data.

You can view your activity for the month in the form of a list with different dates or a graph. The program runs in the background once a day to transfer data about the steps taken. There is almost no damage to the battery.

The experimental data obtained for M7 - Steps are quite accurate, they coincide with other applications that have an M7 coprocessor. After a day of use, the program's pleasant interface seems boring, and the lack additional options may disappoint users. The software is useful for those who do not need anything other than the actual counting of steps.

Stepz

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The program relies on data received from M7. Difference with previous application is additional features and bright design.

The program has a color scale that shows the number of steps you took per day, the distance traveled in miles, and your average for the week. On the bright green line at the top you can see the maximum number of steps taken.

Green The scale shows the maximum number of steps, orange the average, and red the minimum. It turns out that the scale is a fairly clear and understandable guide.

If you click on the statistics, the bar graph will change from steps to miles traveled. If you wish, you can also study the number of steps taken per month, week or day.

Stepz pedometer is as accurate as any other pedometer best app. The development has a different design, but remains accessible and understandable for a beginner.

Walker M7

Free program Walker M7 relies on information from the M7 coprocessor. The app shows accurate data and provides more functionality, unlike the previous two pedometers.

Walker M7 not only counts steps, but is also able to distinguish between walking and running, tracks your route, monitors blood pressure, weight and calories burned. The information received can be shared on Evernote, Facebook or Twitter.

The application shows the number of steps in a circle on the main screen of the program. On the right, you can indicate whether you are going to run or walk, which will help the software track your steps more accurately. The distance traveled, your speed, calories burned and walking time are also displayed on the screen.

Using the buttons in the upper right corner you can open an additional list of options. They include the following:

• Ratings.
• Map.
• Statistics.
• Charts.

In the graphs you can switch between distance, steps and calories. If you swipe to the right, you can get information about the user's weight, blood pressure and amount of accumulated fat.

In statistics, user activity is demonstrated in the form of a color chart. If you swipe to the left, you will see data about a walk, and to the right - about running.

Walker M7 has advanced functionality and is capable of accurately displaying information. It is possible to independently enter data about your blood pressure or weight.

Pacer

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In the application you can see recommendations that will help you conduct more active image life, and track some health indicators. The home screen shows your daily steps, calories burned, and activity time. The level of activity and progress during the day are also displayed here.

If you scroll to the right, you can see a graph of activity for the day. Another swipe will give you access to a button you should press when going on a long walk or run.

Pacer has three built-in fitness plans:

• Build Your Own Plan.
• Walk 4 Weight Loss.
• Reach 10 thousand steps (Couch To 10K Steps).

In the application you can compete with your friends in the results achieved.

Breeze

On the main screen of the application, the received data is shown in a circle, which is located on a rather pleasant background. A group of 7 small circles (the user's progress over the week) will be filled depending on the approach to the given goal. If you click on one of the circles, it will be shown detailed information for the past day.

Quite often, Breeze does not display the route traveled and geolocation, but only shows a bubble with counted steps. The application also informs you about your progress and sends motivational messages too often. The program is functionally and visually pleasing.

Moves

On our list latest app became Moves, which shows movement graphs, steps, starting point of departure, final destination. The software is incredibly well developed, everything functions perfectly.

The number of steps taken while walking or running is published in colorful circles. The time spent on them is demonstrated. If you scroll down, it will show a graph that you can swipe left and right. This will allow you to view statistics for previous days.

Using the application, your stop locations are determined. This territory can be designated independently, for example, work, gym, home.

You can click on a line or any stop to view it on the map. Routes are indicated different lines:

• The bus or car is gray.
• Bicycle - blue.
• Walks are green.

If the application makes a mistake, each of the lines can be corrected. Of all the apps, only Moves was able to truly distinguish walking from cycling.

All of the programs listed have advantages and disadvantages. Each user chooses the software that is suitable for its functionality and design.

How to enable the built-in pedometer on iPhone X(s/r)/8/7/6

We thought that annual speeches about the need to get your body in order in the spring were too boring. And we decided to come from the rear, or rather, from the side of new technologies and everyone’s favorite applications, which no one would definitely call boring

Our special top 10 for smartphones looks less like a moral lesson about a healthy lifestyle, and more like a fun game. There are services that track the progress of sleep, and applications that motivate users with strong words. So tune in!

First, let's talk about the Health application, which was built into iOS 8 initially. It is single center collecting data from any other health and fitness applications on your smartphone. “Health” monitors your heart rate, calories burned, blood sugar and cholesterol. The app stores all this information in a single interface, so you can get an accurate overview with just one tap. Here you can also create a short medical record for emergencies, indicating, for example, your blood type and allergens to which you are sensitive. The card will be accessible directly from the lock screen without having to enter a passcode. So, don’t be lazy and fill it out: information about health in emergency situations will not be superfluous. And yes, some of the applications described below support data exchange with Health, which helps to collect all necessary information in a single service.

7 minute Workout - free

An effective 7-minute exercise will give you a great boost throughout the day, and support for the Health app will allow you to track the calories you burn as part of your activities with the app.

Lark - free

The Lark app is designed to work only with new program"Health" in iOS 8, offering some kind of help based on data collected by your iPhone. For example, the application can remind you to take a break from work or switch to charging. And all this in the form of a live chat, where the user can ask any questions that interest him.

UP by Jawbone - free

Jawbone UP - faithful assistant on the way to a healthy lifestyle. UP will first get to know you (by tracking activity, sleep and diet over time) and then offer a set of simple recommendations. Thanks to iOS 8, now you don't even need a special bracelet: just connect and log into the Health app and UP will start tracking your sleep and activity. If you're using an iPhone 6, Health will also count your steps.

MyFitnessPal - free

MyFitnessPal is a simple and convenient calorie counter for iPhone and iPad. Includes one of the largest product databases with over 4 million items and an incredibly easy-to-use information entry system. Great for tracking your diet progress. Supports data exchange with the Health information collection program in iOS 8 on iPhone 6. To make it more interesting for you, you can follow a diet with friends: add girlfriends and share your achievements.

CarrotFit - 99 rub.

The CarrotFit app tells users in an aggressive manner that it's time to exercise to lose weight. Syncing with the Health app on iPhone 6 allows you to more accurately track changes in your body. Moreover, the application can give comments to the owner, and not always in a positive way, as many other analogues do. So those who want to download the program will need not only iOS 08 (or later), but also a sense of humor.

WebMD - free

WebMD is useful tips from your doctor based on information you collect in the Health app in iOS 8.

Fitnet Personal Fitness Workouts - Free

The description says that Fitnet allows you to set and achieve goals (sounds inspiring) related to your physical development. It includes a convenient weekly calendar and support for the Health app.

Sleepio - the sleep improvement app - free (iPhone)

An application with a detailed approach to improving sleep quality. Sleepio will allow you to monitor and record your rhythm of life, your sleep and wake-up schedule, the quality of your bedroom environment and even your thoughts - all based on the recommendations of Oxford University professors. The program integrates perfectly with your iPhone's Health app, and also allows you to seek advice from experts at any time convenient for you.

Sleep Better - Free (iPhone)

The Sleep Better smart alarm clock from sports solutions developer Runtastic is the first alarm clock to be integrated into the Health app in iOS 8. With it, you can track your sleep cycles and improve your habits so you can wake up easier in the morning. Sleep Better offers an easy way to improve the quality of your sleep, even if you have trouble waking up at night. The app can determine how your daytime activity affects your sleep efficiency.

MotionX-24/7 - 59 rub. (iPhone)

MotionX-24/7 was one of the first apps to monitor activity throughout the day to improve sleep. It is based on 7 years of research experience on the topic of human biomechanics. The service is able to measure your pulse, the distance traveled per day, take into account changes in your weight, notify you about the presence of snoring (!) and draw parallels between these indicators. MotionX-24/7 will inform you that you need to exercise a little to stay in shape. And most importantly, the application is able to wake you up at the optimal time period, taking into account your sleep-wake cycle. Integration and data exchange with the Health app in iOS 8 is also fully supported.

Health app for iOS (“ Apple Health"or "HealthKit") will appeal to people who play sports and... And even if you are not into such training, the program will definitely come in handy. It shows how far you have walked. You can count calories through it. She makes a sleep schedule. You can create a medical record there.

The program synchronizes with many medical and fitness applications. For example, with pulse and pressure meters. This way you can collect all the information, systematize it and view it in one place. Works with other Apple devices available. For example, with smart watch, sensors or fitness bracelets. You can also use third-party devices that support sending data via Wi-fi or Bluetooth: blood pressure monitors, scales, sleep trackers.

There are many health apps for iOS

This program first appeared on iOS 8. It is available on iPhone and iPod touch. The Health app has not yet been released for iPad and other devices. But you can use analogues. For example, “Cardiograph” for measuring heart rate or “MyFitnessPal” for counting calories and planning a diet.

It is important to remember that all such utilities are not medical devices. Of course, “Health” shows information about heart rate and pressure. But it cannot be used to diagnose or treat any diseases. In this case, it is better to take specialized devices.

List of compatible applications

Here is the list compatible applications, which can be synchronized with “Health”:

• FitStar Personal Trainer - creating a training schedule;
• Calorie Counter and Diet Tracker - calorie counting and diet planning;
• 7 Minute Workout - daily exercises, seven-minute exercises;
• Human - activity monitoring, calorie counter;
• CARROT Fit. Organizer for planning training;
• MotionX 24/7. Control of the schedule. Sleep schedule.

Sports programs are quite popular. They make it easier to select a training schedule and count calories. Almost every device has its own “Health” application: on Android smartphones, on tablets. These utilities are just called differently. There are even special measuring gadgets designed exclusively for fitness.

But such a program is useful not only to athletes. It will be useful to any person. With it you can measure your pulse and blood pressure at any time. But, most importantly, your medical record will always be at hand. In an emergency situation, a doctor can only find out your blood type from a hospital record or journal. The Health app will speed up this process. The doctor will simply look at your phone screen and find out all the necessary information. Perhaps this will save your life.

This manual describes iOS features 8 for iPhone 4S/5/5c/5s/6 and 6 Plus.

General information about your health

Use the Health program to monitor your health and workout results. Enter data for basic parameters or import
data to the Health program from another program or from a device that records health status and physical activity. You can even grant access
to certain data for some programs, and through programs - for some medical institutions. The Health app also allows you to display
on the locked screen iPhone data contact person and medical information that will be useful in an emergency to the people providing assistance to you.

WARNING. iPhone and Health are not medical devices, cm. Important information on safety.

Collecting data on health status and training results

Entering your own data. If the option is listed under Browse, select it and tap Add Result. If the option is not presented in the "Overview" section, select the "Medical data" section at the bottom of the screen, tap required parameter and select the "Add Result" command.

Import data from the device. To import data, follow the instructions that came with your device. If your device supports Bluetooth, you need to pair it with your iPhone, see Bluetooth devices.

Import data from the program. To import data, follow the instructions included with the program. Then in a request for general access indicate which Health data can be shared.

Stopping data collection in the program. Tap the Sources section at the bottom of the Health screen and select an app from the list. You can also tap the appropriate option in the Browse or Health Data section, tap the Share Data command, and select a program from the list of data sources.

Exchange of data on health status and training results

Opening access to data. To import data, follow the instructions included with the program or device. Then, in your sharing request, specify what Health data you can share. For example, a medical institution has provided you with a program that measures blood pressure and forwards the results to your doctor. You need to install this program and allow the Health program to provide on-demand blood pressure information.

Termination of data exchange. Tap the Sources section at the bottom of the Health screen and select an app from the list. You can also tap the corresponding option in the “Browse” or “Medical Data” section, tap the “Share data” command and select the program in the “Share access to programs” list.

Creation of a “Medical Card” for emergencies

The Health app allows you to display on locked iPhone screen details of the contact person and medical information, which in an emergency will be useful to the people providing assistance to you.

Note. Anyone who picks up your iPhone will be able to read the information you entered into your Medical Card for emergencies.

Setting up a Medical Card. In the Health app, tap the Medical Card section in the lower right corner of the screen.

View your medical card. When waking your iPhone from sleep, scroll down to enter your passcode and tap the SOS option.

Hiding information. Tap Medical Card, select Edit, and turn off Show Medical Card.

A healthy lifestyle is becoming more and more firmly established in our lives. Many people begin to devote time to something they have never done - physical education. Against this background, there is a growing demand for devices and software that make life easier during sports activities, allowing you to better plan your exercise schedule, spend “excess” calories more efficiently, or avoid overstraining the body, which is fraught with harm, but not good for it.

One type of such means is pedometers, which allow you to measure the distance traveled to determine quantitative indicators of the load received. They exist both as separate devices and as smartphone applications. The latter will be discussed in our short article.

Functional modern smartphones allows you to monitor the movement of the device without third party programs. Special software only converts the received “dry numbers” into visual information on the display. In the case of pedometers, the main component needed for their operation is the accelerometer. This special sensor allows you to track the movements of your smartphone in space, determine their speed and direction. Often the accelerometer is functionally combined with a gyroscope - a related unit that is capable of monitoring the position of an object in space.

The main functions that use the accelerometer and gyroscope are automatic screen rotation and control in 3D games. Pedometer programs also use data from it. The principle of their operation is based on determining the dynamics of the smartphone’s movements.

As you know, a person moves unevenly: in the process of taking each step, both acceleration occurs (at the moment of “pushing” the foot off the ground) and deceleration (at the time of “landing” on the foot). It is the amplitude of these imperceptible changes that is recorded by sensors, information from which the program reads when it counts steps. In addition, it is determined general indicator acceleration, which makes it possible to calculate the speed of movement.

How accurate will the measurements be?

It is very rare for manufacturers of such sensors (especially for budget devices) care about their high accuracy. Moreover, different models and the sensitivity is different, so in rare cases very large (30% or more) deviations are possible, negating the entire value of such functionality.

In general, smartphones are equipped with accelerometers, the reliability of which is quite sufficient at the everyday level. But they can depend on many criteria, including how you hold your smartphone. For example, if it hangs on a cord around the neck, then due to vibrations that do not coincide with the movements of the legs, it is possible to obtain huge errors in the indicators. But in the trouser pocket, as a rule, everything goes well: the accuracy is as close as possible to real indicators, the error is no more than 3-10%.

Results

To count steps, special applications use the readings of the built-in accelerometer and gyroscope. Based on identifying patterns in the movement of an object, a calculation occurs. As for accuracy, everything is individual. More expensive devices (for example, the iPhone) are distinguished by fairly high reliability of indicators, but “no-name” smartphones of Chinese origin can allow gross inaccuracies. Important role The fastening also plays a role: it is necessary that the device does not make independent movements due to inertia during walking, and this requires a relatively rigid fixation. This can be achieved by putting the smartphone in your trouser pocket or attaching it to your waist belt, in a holster, etc.