Apple is known for its industry-standard technology. From phones to laptops, the brand offers a wide range of devices. However, its entry into wearable technology happened with none other than the Apple Watch, the new version of classical ice that everyone has on their wrists. But the question is, how do you calibrate an Apple Watch? Well, we’re here to explain.
Like many other things in the Apple ecosystem, watch calibrations are also done via the Settings app. However, it doesn’t mean that this is the only way to calibrate your watch. Spoiler alert: there are a few other tricks to making sure your watch is calibrated.
There are also ways of knowing whether your watch needs to be calibrated or not. If you want to tell whether your device is calibrated, read this article carefully. By the time you’re done with your reading, you will have learned some convenient tricks about your Apple watch, regardless of how old or new it might be.
So without further ado, let’s get right into all the handy goodness of your Apple Watch.
What Is Calibration Used for on the Apple Watch?
Apple Watch calibrations are most beneficial for the health and fitness aspect of the device. Your watch needs to be calibrated to give you accurate data about your pace, eating habits, location, etc. Otherwise, you’ll end up with inaccurate reports that might have drastic results.
Calibrating your watch ensures that your workout and health information are as accurate as possible. That way, you can stay on top of your fitness and dietary goals without risking your health.
Pssst! You need to allow calibration on your watch before you calibrate it. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > On > System Services > Motion Calibration & Distance > On.
How Does Calibration Work on the Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch continuously collects data. At least for as long as it’s on your wrist. This works through the data being sent to an accelerator as you walk, run, or do any workout.
Your watch measures your stride length and then makes specific calculations with the different speed levels. All this data is used collectively to calibrate your watch and improve your experience.
How To Calibrate Your Apple Watch
Now that you know why you need to be calibrating your top-of-the-scale timepiece let’s get into the calibration details.
There are two ways through which an Apple Watch is calibrated. On a surface level, it’s either auto-calibrated or manually done through your settings. So how exactly do these calibrations happen, you ask? Here’s the answer!
Once calibration is enabled, your Apple Watch will auto-calibrate every time you do a quick workout. So the easiest way of calibrating your watch is to get that sweat rolling.
Step #1: Wear Your Watch
Make sure your watch is strapped on properly.
Step #2: Go Outside
Find a flat area with clear skies, and make sure it’s trackable on the GPS.
Step #3: Walk
Walk at your normal pace for 20 minutes.
You’ve calibrated your Apple Watch successfully! Time to go out and use it!
What To Do if You Don’t Have Time
It’s okay if you can’t commit to walking for 20 minutes straight. Just put your watch aside for some time and get back to calibrating when you’re free. You can divide workouts into bits for efficiency.
How To Calibrate for Different Speeds
If your workout routine consists of different speed levels, you’ll want to calibrate for each speed separately. As long as you keep your speed steady, your watch will automatically calibrate the accelerator.
What Other Functions Does Calibration Improve?
Calibration isn’t just for when you’re working out. Yes, it does collect a lot of data that’s beneficial for your workout routine and helps improve your health. But one other thing to keep in mind is that the calibration keeps your watch going. Most of your health and fitness functions will go down the drain if the calibration messes up. Here’s why.
Your Apple Watch also tracks your calorie intake, distance, and move. Calibration plays a big part in this. Because without the calibration, it can’t measure your speed, therefore failing to calculate things like your estimated time of arrival.
In short, if you want your watch to keep its excellent features, calibration is a must.
Summary
Overall, you can use your Apple Watch to track your fitness data or health stats. But for the sake of accuracy, you need to calibrate your watch. Just do a steady 20-minute walk while wearing it. Then, it’ll calibrate itself automatically! If you don’t have time to finish calibrating in one go, remember that you can always separate it into smaller workout sessions.
Have fun calibrating your watch and exercising!
