Level 1 (7 points)

Apple Watch series 12 - activity minutes more difficult to obtain?

Anyone else finding it more difficult to close their rings with the Apple Watch series 12?

recently upgraded from the series 8 and have been using the series 12 for the past four days and have found the activity minutes in particular almost impossible to close. The series 12 is counting calories and steps and everything else but minutes aren’t increasing at the same pace if at all (I resorted to the series 8 first day to close the rings). My step count for the past three days has been almost double my usual just to close the activity minutes.

i have recalibrated the fitness data as well as reset the watch but to no avail.

Posted on Oct 12, 2026 1:21 PM

2 replies

poonam_kumawat

Level 4 (1,080 points)

Oct 12, 2026 11:54 PM in response to David_hvit

Exercise minutes aren’t based on steps alone. Your Watch looks for activity at least as intense as a brisk walk, so it’s possible to record lots of steps without earning the same number of Exercise minutes.

Make sure the Watch fits snugly and is recording your heart rate correctly.
Check Watch app -> Privacy -> Heart Rate and ensure it’s enabled.
Try starting an Outdoor Walk directly from the Workout app and see whether Exercise minutes increase normally.
Check that your health details (age, height and weight) are correct.

Apple guide: Get the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch

David_hvit Author

Level 1 (7 points)

Oct 13, 2026 12:41 AM in response to poonam_kumawat

I know it’s based on a multitude of contributing factors, I was using the step count as an example of what extremes I have went to to close the activity minutes ring. Yet when I switch back to my series 8 for the same activity I can close the ring no issue.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256375052