How do I make sure that StepsApp counts steps in the background?

StepsApp counts your steps automatically, even when the app is closed. You don’t need to keep the app open.

Your iPhone has a built-in motion sensor that records your steps all the time and stores them for 7 days. Whenever you open StepsApp, it reads the steps from the motion sensor, including all days since you last opened the app.

This means: if you don’t open StepsApp for more than 7 days, the steps older than 7 days can no longer be read from the motion sensor.

For complete step coverage without opening the app, activate Apple Health:

• Open StepsApp

• Go to “Settings”

• Tap on “Apple Health”

• Turn on “Apple Health Sync”

With Apple Health activated, your steps are saved in Apple Health in the background, without opening StepsApp. Your step history stays complete, even if you don’t open StepsApp for more than 7 days. Steps from an Apple Watch or other wearables are merged as well.

Tip: Also make sure that StepsApp has access to your motion data: open the iPhone Settings > “Privacy & Security” > “Motion & Fitness” and turn on “StepsApp”.