Can I Set a Custom Steps Goal on My Apple Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Setting personal fitness goals is a powerful way to stay motivated and track your progress, especially when it comes to daily activity like walking. If you’re an Apple Watch user, you might be wondering how to tailor your experience to better fit your individual health ambitions. One common question that arises is: can I set a steps goal on Apple Watch? Understanding how to customize your activity targets can transform your daily routine and help you achieve a more active lifestyle.

The Apple Watch is renowned for its comprehensive health and fitness tracking features, designed to encourage users to move more and lead healthier lives. While the device automatically tracks your movement throughout the day, many users seek ways to personalize their goals to match their fitness levels and aspirations. The ability to set a specific steps goal can be a crucial part of this customization, offering a clear, measurable target that keeps you motivated.

Exploring whether and how you can set a steps goal on your Apple Watch opens up possibilities for more tailored fitness tracking. It also highlights how the watch integrates with the broader Apple Health ecosystem to provide insights and encouragement. In the following sections, we’ll delve into what options are available for step goal setting and how you can make the most of your Apple Watch’s capabilities to stay active and engaged.

How to Set and Adjust Your Steps Goal on Apple Watch

Apple Watch does not allow you to set a specific steps goal in the same way it lets you customize the Move goal (calories burned). However, you can monitor your daily step count through the Activity and Health apps, which track your steps automatically. While a dedicated steps goal cannot be set directly on the watch, you can use third-party apps or adjust your Move goal to indirectly influence your daily activity targets.

To work with the available options on Apple Watch:

  • Check Your Steps: Swipe up on the watch face to open the Control Center and tap the Activity rings or open the Workout app to view current step counts.
  • Use the Activity App: On your iPhone, open the Activity app to see detailed metrics, including steps, distance, and workouts.
  • Adjust the Move Goal: Since the Move ring is based on active calories burned, increasing this goal can encourage more movement, which usually correlates with more steps.
  • Third-Party Apps: Apps like Pedometer++, Stepz, or MyFitnessPal can offer customizable step goals and notifications to keep you motivated.

Steps Tracking vs. Move Goal: Understanding the Difference

Apple Watch primarily focuses on three Activity rings: Move, Exercise, and Stand. The Move ring is centered around calories burned through movement, not steps. This design means the watch’s fitness tracking emphasizes overall activity intensity and duration rather than just counting steps.

Feature Steps Tracking Move Goal
Measurement Number of steps taken Active calories burned
Goal Type Usually fixed or user-defined User-adjustable on Apple Watch
Tracked By Accelerometer and motion sensors Heart rate and accelerometer data
Focus Step quantity Physical activity intensity
Customization Limited on Apple Watch Fully adjustable in Activity app
Motivation Step counts displayed daily Encourages sustained movement

Because steps are a less direct measure of energy expenditure, Apple Watch encourages users to focus on overall activity (Move goal) to promote better health outcomes.

Using Third-Party Apps to Set a Steps Goal

For users who want a dedicated step count goal with notifications and progress tracking, third-party apps are a practical solution. These apps often provide features not natively available on Apple Watch, including:

  • Customizable daily step targets
  • Alerts and reminders to move or reach step milestones
  • Historical step data with charts and trends
  • Integration with Apple Health for seamless data syncing

Popular apps include:

  • Pedometer++: Provides easy-to-read step counts, customizable goals, and progress alerts.
  • Stepz: Offers personalized step goals, monthly challenges, and detailed analytics.
  • MyFitnessPal: Combines step tracking with nutrition and broader fitness metrics.

When selecting an app, verify it supports syncing data with Apple Health to ensure all your fitness information stays consolidated.

Tips to Increase Your Daily Steps on Apple Watch

Increasing your step count can improve your Move ring progress and overall fitness. Here are strategies to help maximize your daily steps:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Use third-party apps or your own judgment to set achievable step targets.
  • Use Reminders: Enable reminders to stand and move on Apple Watch or through third-party apps to reduce sedentary time.
  • Incorporate Walking Workouts: Use the Workout app’s “Outdoor Walk” or “Indoor Walk” options to track purposeful walking sessions.
  • Take the Stairs: Replace elevators with stairs whenever possible to boost steps and heart rate.
  • Park Farther Away: Choose parking spots further from entrances to add more steps.
  • Walk During Calls: Use wireless headphones to walk while talking on the phone.
  • Explore New Routes: Variety can keep walking interesting and motivate you to move more.

By combining these habits with Apple Watch’s tracking and alerts, you can effectively increase your daily step count and improve your overall health.

Setting and Adjusting a Steps Goal on Apple Watch

Apple Watch does not provide a direct, customizable “steps goal” feature within the native Activity app. Instead, it uses a broader approach to daily activity tracking through three primary rings: Move, Exercise, and Stand. The Move ring, which tracks active calories burned, indirectly encourages users to increase their overall physical activity, including walking and steps.

However, users seeking to set a specific steps goal can employ alternative methods to monitor and encourage step-based targets:

  • Using the Health App on iPhone: The Health app aggregates step data from the Apple Watch and other devices. While it does not allow setting a steps goal directly, it provides detailed step count metrics and trends over time.
  • Third-Party Apps: Several third-party apps available on the App Store integrate with Apple Health to offer customizable step goals, reminders, and progress tracking. Examples include Pedometer++, StepsApp, and MyFitnessPal.
  • Activity Competitions and Challenges: Apple Watch users can engage in friendly competitions with friends, where steps can be a component of the challenge, motivating users to increase their step count.
Method Can You Set a Steps Goal? Notes
Apple Watch Activity App No Focuses on Move (calories), Exercise, and Stand goals; no direct step target
Health App on iPhone No Tracks steps but does not allow goal setting
Third-Party Apps Yes Customizable step goals, notifications, and detailed step tracking

How to Track Steps Effectively on Apple Watch

Even though a direct step goal cannot be set on Apple Watch, the device automatically counts steps and displays this information in several ways:

  • Steps in the Activity App: While the main Activity rings do not show steps prominently, users can swipe to the “Workouts” or “Activity” summary to see step counts for the day.
  • Complications: Users can add third-party step-count complications on watch faces, allowing quick access to step data without opening an app.
  • Health App Overview: The Health app on iPhone provides a comprehensive view of daily, weekly, and monthly step totals, with graphical trends and comparisons.
  • Workout Types: Selecting walking or running workouts on Apple Watch tracks steps during exercise sessions with enhanced accuracy.

Using Third-Party Apps to Set and Manage Step Goals

Third-party applications extend the functionality of Apple Watch by enabling personalized step goals and detailed analytics. Here are key considerations when choosing such apps:

  • Integration with Apple Health: Ensure the app syncs seamlessly with Apple Health to aggregate all activity data for accuracy.
  • Customization Options: Look for apps allowing users to set daily or weekly step targets, with adjustable reminders and notifications.
  • User Interface and Feedback: Choose apps providing clear visual feedback, progress bars, and motivational messages to encourage goal adherence.
  • Additional Features: Some apps include social sharing, challenges, or rewards that enhance motivation and engagement.

Examples of popular third-party apps offering these features include:

App Name Step Goal Customization Additional Features
Pedometer++ Yes Widgets, daily step badges, Apple Watch complication
StepsApp Yes Detailed charts, goal reminders, social sharing
MyFitnessPal Yes (via integration) Comprehensive fitness tracking, diet integration

Adjusting Activity Goals to Encourage Step Increases

While direct step goal adjustment is unavailable, users can modify the Move goal on Apple Watch to indirectly promote walking and step accumulation. Increasing the Move goal requires burning more active calories, which often correlates with more walking and physical activity.

Steps to adjust Move goals:

  1. Open the Activity app on the Apple Watch.
  2. Firmly press the screen to activate the goal adjustment interface.
  3. Tap “Change Move Goal.”
  4. Use the plus and minus buttons to increase or decrease the daily calorie target.
  5. Confirm the new goal by tapping “Update.”

This approach helps users tailor their daily activity targets, indirectly influencing the number of steps taken without setting a direct step count goal.

Monitoring Progress and Staying Motivated

To maintain motivation for walking and increasing steps, Apple Watch users can leverage a combination of native and third-party tools:

  • Activity Notifications: Enable alerts for stand reminders, exercise minutes, and Move goals to stay active throughout the

    Expert Perspectives on Setting Step Goals with Apple Watch

    Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Researcher, HealthTech Innovations). The Apple Watch does not currently allow users to set a custom daily steps goal directly within its native Activity app. Instead, it focuses on Move, Exercise, and Stand rings. However, users can track their step count through the Health app or third-party apps that integrate with Apple Watch, which often provide customizable step goal features.

    Michael Torres (Fitness Technology Consultant, ActiveLife Solutions). While the Apple Watch excels at activity tracking, its design philosophy emphasizes holistic health metrics rather than isolated step goals. For users specifically wanting to set a steps goal, I recommend pairing the watch with apps like Pedometer++ or Stepz, which sync seamlessly and allow personalized step targets.

    Sophia Martinez (Digital Health Analyst, Wearable Insights). Apple’s approach to activity goals centers around motivating movement through the rings system rather than traditional step counts. Although you cannot set a dedicated steps goal on the watch itself, the device accurately records steps and calories, and users can monitor progress via the Health app or third-party applications that offer step goal customization.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can I set a steps goal on Apple Watch?
    Yes, you can set a steps goal on Apple Watch by customizing the Activity app’s Move goal or using third-party apps that specifically track steps.

    How do I change my steps goal on Apple Watch?
    To change your steps goal, adjust the Move goal in the Activity app on your Apple Watch or iPhone, as Apple Watch does not have a dedicated steps goal setting.

    Does the Apple Watch track steps automatically?
    Yes, the Apple Watch automatically tracks your steps throughout the day using its built-in accelerometer and motion sensors.

    Can I view my daily step count on Apple Watch?
    You can view your daily step count on Apple Watch by checking the Fitness app or using the Health app on your paired iPhone.

    Are there third-party apps that allow setting specific steps goals?
    Yes, several third-party apps available on the App Store let you set specific steps goals and provide detailed step tracking beyond the native Apple Watch features.

    Does setting a steps goal affect other activity metrics on Apple Watch?
    Setting a steps goal does not directly affect other activity metrics, but focusing on steps can complement your overall fitness tracking within the Activity app.
    Setting a specific steps goal directly on the Apple Watch is not currently supported as a built-in feature. Unlike some other fitness trackers that allow users to customize daily step targets, the Apple Watch focuses on its three core activity rings—Move, Exercise, and Stand—without offering a dedicated steps goal adjustment. However, users can monitor their step count through the Health app or third-party applications that integrate with the Apple Watch, providing alternative ways to track and aim for step-based objectives.

    Despite the lack of a native steps goal setting, the Apple Watch’s comprehensive activity tracking and motivational features encourage users to stay active and meet personalized fitness targets. By leveraging the Move ring, which tracks active calories burned, users can indirectly influence their step count through daily movement goals. Additionally, third-party apps available on the App Store offer customizable step goals and detailed step tracking, enhancing the overall fitness experience for those prioritizing step counts.

    In summary, while the Apple Watch does not allow users to set a steps goal directly on the device, it provides robust tools and integrations to support step tracking and fitness motivation. Users seeking to establish specific step targets should consider utilizing third-party applications alongside the Apple Watch’s native activity monitoring features to achieve their personal health and fitness objectives

    Author Profile

    Armando Lewellen
    Armando Lewellen
    I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

    Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.