iPhone Doesn’t Track Steps on a Treadmill? Try This Instead

Using Your iPhone to Track Steps—Even on a Treadmill

Using the step counter on your iPhone is a super handy way to keep an eye on how active you are throughout the day—especially if you’re usually sitting for long stretches.

That said, there’s a small catch: your iPhone won’t accurately track steps when you’re on a treadmill. But don’t worry! There are still ways to make sure your treadmill workouts count.

How Does the iPhone Count Steps?

Your iPhone uses GPS and motion sensors to track how far you walk and how many steps you take.

The problem? When you’re on a treadmill, you’re not actually moving location—so the GPS doesn’t pick up any movement, and your steps don’t get counted.

If you just crushed a long treadmill session, it’s frustrating to see all that effort not show up in your activity stats. The whole point of using your iPhone for fitness tracking is to make things easier, right?

Luckily, there are a few simple workarounds so you can still stay on top of your activity goals, even while walking (or running) in place.

Update Your Activity App Settings

If you’re logging regular treadmill time, tweaking your iPhone’s Activity app settings can help you manually track that exercise.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Open the Activity app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Track Your Exercise.”
3. Enter the amount of time you spend on the treadmill.
4. Save your changes.

This method lets you record your treadmill workouts without needing any extra gadgets. Just keep in mind: you’ll need to start and stop the activity tracking manually since your phone won’t automatically detect your workout.

No wearable = no motion sensors = no automatic stop/start. So make it a habit to hit “start” when you begin and “stop” when you’re done.

Think About Getting an Apple Watch

A smartwatch—like the Apple Watch—is a popular go-to for people serious about tracking their daily activity. If you’re logging treadmill time often, it might be worth considering.

Pairing an Apple Watch with your iPhone gives you a more accurate, hassle-free way to track steps and monitor your workouts.

Why Use an Apple Watch for Step Tracking?

Here are a few great reasons to use an Apple Watch with your treadmill routine:

• It tracks your heart rate, so you can see how hard you’re working during your session.
• It can automatically recognize when you start exercising—even if you forget to start tracking manually.
• It’s built to handle sweat and movement, so no worries about damaging it while running or walking.
• Instead of relying on GPS, the Apple Watch tracks the motion of your arms to count steps, which works perfectly on a treadmill.

Smartwatches are so popular because they make staying on top of your activity easier than ever. Bonus: if you get a text or call while working out, you can answer it straight from your wrist.

Want to Save on an Apple Watch?

Sure, Apple Watches aren’t exactly cheap—but there are ways to get a good deal.

• Check with your phone carrier. Many providers offer bundled deals when you upgrade your phone, and you might be able to snag a smartwatch as part of the package.
• Shop for a used one online. Just make sure to check seller reviews and the device’s condition before buying.

A Quick Note on Manual Tracking

If you’re using just your iPhone and no smartwatch, remember to manually stop the Activity app once you’re done walking on the treadmill.

Without a wearable, the app won’t know when you stop moving, so if you forget to stop it, the data might not be accurate.

Manual tracking works fine if you’re mainly interested in keeping up with your overall fitness. But if you’re focused on counting steps specifically, a smartwatch really helps.

Final Thoughts

Using a step counter is a simple, effective way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

It’s definitely a bummer when your iPhone doesn’t log treadmill workouts automatically—but with a few tweaks or an Apple Watch, you can still stay on track.

Whether you stick with the Activity app or invest in a smartwatch, what matters is finding a method that works for you and keeps you moving.