Watch Series 12 Watch OS 27.01 step count incorrect

Is anyone else having problems with their Apple Watch series 12 counting steps accurately? It was fine before I updated to watch OS 27.01. It’s only picking up half of my steps. Both my watch and iPhone are new (iPhone Air purchased new in July 2026 and Apple Watch series 12 purchased October 9, 2026). I submitted a request for the issue.

Posted on Oct 15, 2026 1:56 PM

1 reply

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 17, 2026 1:27 PM in response to PinkDinosaur59

Hi there

Please try this

Toggle Motion & Fitness Privacy Settings

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Motion & Fitness.
Turn OFF both Fitness Tracking and Health.
Restart both your iPhone and your Apple Watch.
Go back to the same setting and turn ON both Fitness Tracking and Health.

2. Recalibrate Your Apple Watch

Recalibrating forces the watch to reset its stride length and accelerometer data using GPS

On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
Go to the My Watch tab > Privacy > tap Reset Fitness Calibration Data.
To recalibrate, go outside to a flat, open area with good GPS reception. Open the Workout app on your watch and go for a 20-minute Outdoor Walk at your normal pace.