Apple Watch doesn’t have a step count widget: Heres a simple workaround

Source: Mashable Tech

Find a pedometer app

Your iPhone and Apple Watch both have built‑in pedometers, but if you want to see your step count on your Apple Watch home screen, you need to download a pedometer app. The good news? There are many options to choose from. I’ve tried StepsApp, Steps, and Pedometer++, and each works for our purposes.

Right now, Apple only offers a widget displaying your daily mileage, not an actual step count.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

While some of these apps have paid subscriptions, you don’t need one to get an Apple Watch widget. The key when setting up these apps is that they will request access to your health data for more accurate step counts and to ensure your watch and phone data sync with the pedometer app.

Don’t forget to install the Watch app

Scroll all the way to the bottom of the Watch app and discover all the apps available to download.
Credit: Screenshot / Apple

Once the app is downloaded and set up on your iPhone, you need to add it to your watch:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll to the Available Apps section at the bottom.
3. Tap Install next to the pedometer app you want on your Apple Watch.

From left to right, an Apple Watch with widgets from Pedometer, Steps, and Stepsapp.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mangino

In Apple Watch terminology, the widgets you add to your watch face are called complications. After the app is installed on both your phone and watch, its complication will appear in the list of available options. Not every watch face supports all complications, but Modular and Modular Compact are popular choices for displaying step counts.

To add the step‑count complication:

1. Press firmly on the watch face to enter edit mode.
2. Tap Edit, then swipe to the Complications section.
3. Select the slot where you want the step count and choose your pedometer app from the list.
4. Adjust the color and style if the app offers customization.

Each app provides a slightly different visual style, so you may want to pick the one that best fits your preferred aesthetic. Once set up, you’ll have a step‑count widget right on your wrist, making it easy to track your daily progress without digging through the Fitness app.