Apple Watch GPS Inaccurate for Fitness App Runs after Update to 8.5.1

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Level 1

5 points

Apple Watch GPS Inaccurate for Fitness App Runs after Update to 8.5.1

I have been running for 3 years using my Apple Watch (Series 3 Model A1859) and the Fitness App to track my runs. I run a measured, marked course and the watch has always been extremely accurate (+/- a few feet). Two weeks ago the watch software updated to Ver. 8.5.1 (19T252) and now the GPS is inaccurate for Outdoor Runs. I even checked the distance marking of the course with a distance measuring wheel and had my fitness app open for an Outdoor Walk workout. The measuring wheel and the watch (Outdoor Walk) matched up fairly closely to the trail markings. However, when I do an Outdoor Run workout, the distance is off (short) by 0.3 miles. Any recommendations on how to fix this?

Apple Watch

Posted on Apr 28, 2022 8:23 AM

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Answer 1

Jmanna13

Community Specialist

Apr 29, 2022 10:06 AM in response to Run_MDC

Hello Run_MDC,

Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. We see you have some questions about your Apple Watch, and tracking your runs, and we'd like to help. We'd recommend calibrating your Apple Watch, from here: Calibrating your Apple Watch for improved Workout and Activity accuracy

Let us know if this helps.

Regards.

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Answer 2

BrianK90

Community Specialist

Apr 29, 2022 1:10 PM in response to Run_MDC

Hey Run_MDC,

Great question! The calibration can definitely take some time.

If the issue persists after 48 hours, we recommend that you get in touch with Apple Support team next: Contact Apple for support and service

Keep us updated with the results.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

Run_MDC Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 29, 2022 12:14 PM in response to Jmanna13

I am familiar with the calibration process. I have confirmed that all of the recommended settings are selected per the instructions. After that the procedure just says, "Walk or run at your normal pace for about 20 minutes.... Whenever you walk or run outside using the above steps, your Apple Watch continues to calibrate the accelerometer by learning your stride length at different speeds." I have done this 4 to 5 times already. The distance shown for walks seems to be accurate. Also, the distance for outdoor cycling seems to be accurate. The only activity that seems to be extremely inaccurate is Outdoor Runs. How many times should it take for the watch to calibrate?? It would seem logical that the algorithm used to calculate distance based on GPS location would be the same regardless of the workout type but that doesn't seem to be the case. Any other recommendations?

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Apple Watch GPS Inaccurate for Fitness App Runs after Update to 8.5.1

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