With watchOS 9.2, Apple released a new feature to help people who want to get in shape reach their goals. The feature is already set up and automatically tracks a user’s distance and pace while they run on a track, so they don’t have to keep track of their progress themselves. This article is a complete guide to Apple Watch: How to Use ‘Automatic Track Detection’.
Using data from Apple Maps and the GPS in your watch, Track Detection can automatically tell when you’re on a standard 400-meter World Athletics (IAAF) running track. As of this writing, the feature is available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Just follow the steps below to use the feature. Track Detection is not available on Apple Watch Series 3 and older models because they can’t run watchOS 9.2. Open the Watch app on your iPhone and go to General > Software Update to see if your Apple Watch has the latest software. To install new software, your Apple Watch must have at least 50 percent of its battery left, be on a charger, and be within range of your iPhone.
How to Use ‘Automatic Track Detection’ on Apple Watch
- Open the Workout app on your Apple Watch.
- Tap the option to run outside.
- Now, if your Apple Watch sees that you are running on a track, it will ask you to choose a lane.
- Then, use the plus or minus button to choose the Lane option.
- Click the “Confirm” button.
- If this is your first time doing a Track workout, choose a measurement unit (miles or meters) and then click the Confirm button.
- If you get off track while running, your Apple Watch will let you know.
Benefits of using Automatic Track Detection
- No longer do you have to start and stop your workout by hand.
- It works well with the Apple Health app and makes it easy to keep track of and look at your workout data over time.
- With GPS, an accelerometer, and your heart rate, this feature gives you accurate information about your run.
- You can set specific goals for your workouts, like distance or time, and get personal coaching to help you reach them.
- It keeps you going by telling you about your progress and successes.
FAQs
Automatic Track Detection uses both GPS and Apple Maps data to try to give you the most accurate distance, pace, and route map. You can also add an alert for each lap completed during a track run in the Alerts settings of the Workout app. To check your progress, check your watch face.
It counts arm movements, as if you were swinging your arms while walking. Knitters get fantastic step counts. People that hold things in their Apple Watch arm while walking (such as pushing a baby carriage), get lousy step counts. You can wave your arm in bed and get step counts.
When seated comfortable, unwilling to move, you can cheat your goals by just waving your wrist in the air like a madman. Your watch will assume you’re moving and will tack on points to your step count, Move goal, Stand goal, even Exercise minutes if you do it long enough.
