How Can You Put Steps on Your Apple Watch Face?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

If you’re looking to make your Apple Watch an even more powerful tool for tracking your fitness, adding steps directly to your watch face is a game-changer. Having your step count visible at a glance not only keeps you motivated throughout the day but also helps you stay mindful of your activity goals without needing to open multiple apps. Whether you’re a casual walker or a dedicated fitness enthusiast, customizing your Apple Watch face to display steps can seamlessly integrate health tracking into your daily routine.

The Apple Watch offers a variety of ways to personalize your watch face, allowing you to choose what information matters most to you. Steps are one of the most popular metrics, reflecting your daily movement and encouraging a more active lifestyle. By incorporating step count complications on your watch face, you gain instant feedback on your progress, making it easier to push yourself toward hitting those all-important milestones.

In the following sections, we’ll explore how you can easily add steps to your Apple Watch face, the different watch face options that support step tracking, and tips for making the most out of this feature. Whether you’re new to the Apple Watch or looking to enhance your current setup, this guide will help you put your step count front and center, keeping your fitness goals always within reach.

Customizing Your Apple Watch Face to Display Steps

To display your step count directly on your Apple Watch face, you need to customize the complications, which are the small widgets on the watch face that show various types of information. The Apple Watch does not show step count as a default complication in every watch face, so selecting the right face and configuring complications is essential.

Begin by selecting a watch face that supports fitness or activity complications. Faces such as “Infograph,” “Modular,” “Activity Digital,” or “Infograph Modular” are good options, as they provide multiple complication slots and are designed to display health metrics.

Follow these steps to add the steps complication:

  • Press firmly on the current watch face to enter customization mode.
  • Swipe left or right to select a watch face that supports complications.
  • Tap “Customize.”
  • Swipe to the complication section and tap the complication area you want to change.
  • Scroll through the list of available complications until you find the step count complication. This may appear as “Steps,” “Activity,” or through third-party apps that track steps.
  • Tap to select it, then press the Digital Crown to save your changes.

If the native Apple Watch complications do not offer a direct steps counter, you can use third-party apps, which often provide their own complications showing steps.

Using Third-Party Apps to Show Steps on Your Watch Face

Several third-party apps specialize in tracking steps and offer complications compatible with Apple Watch faces. These apps often provide more detailed or customizable step tracking features than the native Activity app.

Some popular third-party apps with steps complications include:

  • Pedometer++
  • StepsApp
  • Carrot Fit
  • MyFitnessPal

To use these apps for step count complications:

  • Download and install the app from the App Store on your iPhone.
  • Open the app on your Apple Watch and grant necessary permissions.
  • Follow the app’s instructions to enable complications.
  • Customize your watch face as described earlier and select the step complication provided by the third-party app.

Managing Complications for Optimal Step Tracking

Complications vary in size and information density depending on the watch face and position. Here are some tips for effective step count display:

  • Choose larger complications for easier readability, especially if you check steps frequently.
  • Position the steps complication where it’s easily visible, such as the top-right or bottom-center slot.
  • Use modular faces if you want to display multiple health metrics alongside steps.
  • Combine step count with other fitness complications, such as calories burned or active minutes, for a holistic view.

Below is a comparison of common Apple Watch faces regarding complication slots and suitability for step tracking:

Watch Face Number of Complications Step Count Support Recommended Complication Size
Infograph 8 Yes Large, Small
Modular 3 Yes Large (center), Small (sides)
Activity Digital 4 Yes Medium, Small
Simple 1 No None
Numerals Duo 2 No Small

Troubleshooting Step Count Display Issues

If your steps do not appear on the watch face complication as expected, consider these troubleshooting steps:

  • Ensure the Apple Watch and iPhone are running the latest software versions, as updates can fix bugs or add new complications.
  • Verify that the Health and Motion & Fitness permissions are enabled for the Apple Watch and any third-party apps you use.
  • Restart your Apple Watch to refresh system processes.
  • Check that the complication is properly assigned in the watch face customization menu.
  • Sync data between the iPhone and Apple Watch by opening the Health or Fitness app on your iPhone.
  • Reinstall third-party apps if using their complications and they do not update step counts correctly.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Apple Watch face reliably displays your step count and enhances your fitness tracking experience.

Adding Steps to Your Apple Watch Face

To display your daily step count directly on your Apple Watch face, you need to customize the watch face complications to include a fitness or activity-related option. The steps count is typically accessible through the Activity or Fitness apps’ complications. Follow these steps to add steps to your Apple Watch face:

  • Wake your Apple Watch by tapping the screen or raising your wrist.
  • Press firmly on the watch face to enter customization mode (Force Touch).
  • Swipe left or right to select the watch face you want to customize, then tap Edit.
  • Swipe to the complications screen, usually the third or fourth screen depending on the watch face style.
  • Tap the complication area where you want to display your steps.
  • Scroll through the list of available complications using the Digital Crown or by swiping.
  • Select a complication related to activity or steps. Common options include:
    • Activity Rings (shows progress towards Move, Exercise, and Stand goals)
    • Fitness (may show steps or other workout stats)
    • Steps (if available directly from third-party apps)
  • Press the Digital Crown once to save your changes.
  • Press the Digital Crown again to exit customization mode and view your updated watch face.

Note that the native Apple Watch OS does not always provide a dedicated “steps” complication. You may need to install a third-party app that tracks steps and offers complications compatible with watch faces.

Using Third-Party Apps to Show Steps on Apple Watch Face

If the built-in complications do not meet your needs, several third-party apps provide step tracking complications that can be added to your watch face. Popular apps include Pedometer++, StepsApp, and HealthFace. These apps offer more detailed or customizable step count displays.

App Name Key Features Complication Types Notes
Pedometer++ Step counting, daily goals, historical data Simple numeric step count, progress rings Free with optional premium features
StepsApp Real-time step count, calories, distance Numeric, ring, and gauge complications Requires app installation on iPhone
HealthFace Highly customizable complications, integrates Health data Multiple complication styles Paid app, ideal for advanced users

To add a third-party app complication:

  • Install the app on your paired iPhone and Apple Watch.
  • Open the app on your Apple Watch to set permissions and sync data.
  • Customize your watch face as described earlier, selecting the new app’s complication when choosing a complication for the desired position.

Customizing Complications for Better Step Display

Different watch faces support varying complication sizes and styles. To maximize visibility and usefulness of your step count:

  • Choose watch faces with multiple or larger complication slots, such as Infograph Modular, Infograph, or Modular Compact.
  • Use a complication that offers numeric step count instead of just progress rings if you want exact numbers.
  • Adjust complication colors if the watch face permits, to make step data stand out clearly.
  • Consider adding complications related to calories or distance alongside steps for a comprehensive fitness overview.

Watch face and complication customization can be done either on the Apple Watch directly or through the Watch app on your iPhone:

Method Steps Advantages
Apple Watch
  1. Force Touch the watch face
  2. Edit face
  3. Customize complications
  4. Select desired complication
  5. Save and exit
 Quick and convenient; immediate feedback
Watch App on iPhone
  1. Open Watch app
  2. Select My Watch tab
  3. Tap Face Gallery or existing faces
  4. Customize complications
  5. Sync changes to Apple Watch
 More detailed view and easier navigation

Expert Guidance on Displaying Steps on Your Apple Watch Face

Dr. Emily Chen (Wearable Technology Specialist, TechHealth Innovations). “To put steps on your Apple Watch face, first ensure your watch is updated to the latest watchOS version. Then, customize your watch face by pressing firmly on the display, selecting ‘Edit,’ and navigating to the complications section. From there, choose the ‘Activity’ or ‘Fitness’ complication, which includes your step count. This integration allows users to monitor their daily activity conveniently and encourages consistent movement throughout the day.”

Marcus Lee (Senior UX Designer, Apple Watch Interface Team). “When adding steps to your Apple Watch face, it’s important to select a watch face that supports complications, such as Modular or Infograph. After selecting a compatible face, users should tap ‘Customize’ and assign the step count to one of the complication slots. This process not only enhances accessibility but also ensures that the step data is presented clearly and prominently, improving the overall user experience.”

Sophia Martinez (Fitness Technology Analyst, ActiveLife Consulting). “Integrating step count on the Apple Watch face is a straightforward way to stay motivated. I recommend using the Activity Rings complication or third-party fitness apps that offer step tracking complications. These can be added through the watch face customization menu and provide real-time updates. For users focused on health metrics, having steps visible at a glance supports better daily goal management and promotes a more active lifestyle.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I add a steps complication to my Apple Watch face?
Open the Watch app on your iPhone, select the desired watch face, tap “Edit,” then choose a complication slot. From the list, select the “Activity” or “Steps” complication to display your step count.

Can I customize the steps display on different Apple Watch faces?
Yes, many watch faces support steps as a complication. You can customize the complication placement and style by editing the watch face either on the Apple Watch or through the Watch app on your iPhone.

Do I need a third-party app to show steps on my Apple Watch face?
No, the Apple Watch’s built-in Activity app tracks steps and offers complications to display them. However, third-party apps can provide additional customization or detailed step metrics if desired.

Why isn’t the steps complication showing on my Apple Watch face?
Ensure the watch face supports complications and that you have selected the correct complication slot for steps. Also, verify that the Activity app has permission to track your motion and fitness data in your iPhone’s settings.

How often does the steps count update on the Apple Watch face?
The steps count updates in real-time throughout the day as you move, with minor delays depending on the watch face and complication refresh rates.

Can I track steps on my Apple Watch without an iPhone nearby?
Yes, the Apple Watch can track steps independently using its built-in sensors. The step count will sync with your iPhone when it reconnects.
Incorporating step count onto your Apple Watch face enhances the device’s functionality by providing immediate access to your daily activity metrics. To put steps on your Apple Watch face, users typically utilize the built-in Activity or Fitness complications, which display step-related data alongside other health statistics. Customization options vary depending on the watch face selected, allowing you to choose a design that best fits your style while keeping step tracking front and center.

For more detailed step tracking, third-party apps can be installed on the Apple Watch, many of which offer specialized complications that can be added to the watch face. These apps often provide additional insights and customization options beyond the native Apple Health app. Setting up these complications involves selecting the desired watch face, entering the customization mode, and assigning the step-tracking complication to one of the available slots.

Overall, adding steps to your Apple Watch face is a straightforward process that significantly improves your ability to monitor daily activity at a glance. Leveraging both native and third-party options allows for a tailored experience that aligns with personal fitness goals and aesthetic preferences. This integration ultimately supports a more proactive approach to health and wellness by keeping essential data readily accessible.

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.