Does the Apple Watch count steps if hands are in pockets?

Author: Everett Bechtelar DDS  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Each swing counts for two steps. It doesn't matter whether you wear your watch on your dominant or non-dominant hand, or whether you're walking with your hands in your pockets, or holding something, the accelerometer should still measure your body's movement.

Does the Apple Watch count steps without moving arms?

No, you don't have to move your arm for the Apple Watch to count steps. The watch uses its built-in accelerometer and gyroscope to detect your movements, even if your arms are stationary. It focuses on tracking your overall body movement, so you can accumulate steps while walking, running, or even cycling.

Will iPhone track steps in pocket?

According to the experts, the best place to count steps is at the hip and so putting your phone in your pocket should provide a more accurate count than putting it in your bag.

Will the Apple Watch work if not on the wrist?

No, the Apple Watch has to be worn on the user's wrist because the sensors on the back of the watch body have to be in contact with the user's skin.

Will the Apple Watch count steps on the ankle?

The Apple Watch got nearly the same step count for all of the tests, wrist and ankle, which surprised me. I was equally surprised that the Garmin counted none for the test where my hands were resting on the handlebar.

How To FIX Apple Watch Not Tracking Workouts/Counting Steps Accurately!

Can I wear my Apple Watch somewhere other than my wrist?

Can I Wear My Apple Watch Somewhere Other Than My Wrist? Yes, you can! Wearing your Apple Watch on your ankle is a great alternative when wrist wear isn't an option.

Why do people wear their Apple Watch on their ankles?

A growing number of people are choosing to wear their Apple Watch on their ankles for a better fit, especially if they have small wrists or skin sensitivities, according to a new report. It's said to also improve step tracking during activities like pushing a stroller or using a treadmill desk.

Can I wear my Apple Watch in the shower?

Swim and shower with the Apple Watch

From the Apple Watch Series 2 onward, these smartwatches are waterproof up to a 50m depth. That means you can completely submerge the Watch in the water. You can easily wear your Apple Watch when you go swimming in the sea or a pool or take a shower.

Should I sleep with my Apple Watch on my wrist?

Wear your watch to bed, and Apple Watch can estimate the time you spent in each sleep stage—REM, Core, and Deep—as well as when you might have woken up. When you wake up, open the Sleep app to learn how much sleep you got and see your sleep trends over the past 14 days.

Does Apple Watch track steps with hands in pockets?

It doesn't matter whether you wear your watch on your dominant or non-dominant hand, or whether you're walking with your hands in your pockets, or holding something, the accelerometer should still measure your body's movement.

How many miles is 10,000 steps equal to?

Using 2,000 steps in one mile as an average benchmark, 10,000 steps is approximately 5 miles.

What will walking 10k steps a day do?

A study in JAMA Neurology found a possible link between walking 10,000 steps per day and a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease, 13 types of cancer, stroke, and heart failure. Research indicates a link between walking and improved mental clarity and the creative flow of ideas.

Does indoor walk not count as exercise on Apple Watch?

If the GPS on your Apple Watch detects any distance traveled, the workout is recorded as an Outdoor Walk or as an Outdoor Run. Otherwise, the workout is recorded as an Indoor Walk or as an Indoor Run.

Are Apple Watch steps accurate?

In our article,2 we reported a study evaluating the accuracy of step counts obtained from Apple Watch at four different walking speeds using a treadmill protocol and compared with manual counts of video recordings. We found that Apple Watch tested to be an extremely accurate device for measuring daily step counts.

What movements count as steps?

When you move your arm, the accelerometer detects the motion, and the algorithm may interpret it as a step, even if you're not actually walking or running.

Can I swim in my Apple Watch?

Apple Watch Series 2 and later can be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean, but you shouldn't use models other than Apple Watch Ultra or later for diving, water skiing, or other activities involving submersion below shallow depth or high-velocity water.

Can I wear my Apple Watch to sleep?

An Apple Watch with the latest version of watchOS. Make sure your Apple Watch is charged at least 30% before bed with Sleep Tracking on Apple Watch enabled. Wear your Apple Watch to sleep for at least 1 hour.

What happens if I accidentally shower with my Apple Watch on?

Water damage, plain and simple. If water gets inside your Apple Watch, it can short-circuit the electronics, damage the display, or even cause the battery to swell.

Will the Apple Watch track activity in the pocket?

Even though you're carrying a flash light or you have your hands in your pockets, you're still moving about - and the accelerometer in the watch will be able to detect footfalls and consequently steps. There are some cases where the Apple Watch doesn't count steps, or have a really hard time counting accurately.

What wrist should a woman wear an Apple Watch on?

According to some sources, wearing a watch on the left wrist is considered more appropriate for women as the majority of people are right-handed and thus, the left wrist is less likely to be used for tasks that could potentially damage the watch.

Which Apple Watch is the best?

We think the Apple Watch Series 10 is the best option for most people, while the Ultra 2 is ideal for athletes who want more advanced fitness tracking capabilities. THE APPLE WATCH has evolved from simple smartphone companion to comprehensive fitness and health monitoring powerhouse since its debut nearly a decade ago.

Can I get my kid an Apple Watch without a phone?

You can set up any Apple Watch with cellular for your child or family member, even if they don't have their own iPhone. To do so, you must be the family organizer or parent/guardian in your Family Sharing group.

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