---
title: Step sync setup
description: Choose Apple Health, Health Connect, phone pedometer, or watch apps as your step source
order: 3
---

# Step sync setup

Step challenges require a **daily step source**. The app walks you through this during first launch; you can change it later under **Profile → Step source**.

## Phone-based sources

| Source | Platform | Notes |
|--------|----------|-------|
| **Apple Health** | iOS | Reads step data HealthKit already collects |
| **Health Connect** | Android | Google's health hub (recommended on newer Android) |
| **Google Fit** | Android | Legacy option where Health Connect is unavailable |
| **Phone pedometer** | Android | On-device step counter — keep the app installed and background refresh enabled |

Grant **health / activity** permissions when prompted. Without them, step totals stay at zero.

## Watch and partner apps

You can also count steps from connected sport apps:

- Garmin
- Polar
- Fitbit
- Suunto
- Withings (Health Mate)

Connect the app first under **Profile → Partner apps**, then select it as your step source. Polar and Suunto may trigger a server pull when you open the step screen.

## Changing source later

1. **Profile** → **Step source**
2. Pick a new provider
3. If you chose a sport app that is not connected yet, the app opens the OAuth connect flow and returns you to step setup

On the website you can also change source at `/accounts/step_data_source/` — [Daily steps on the website](../joining-events/daily-steps-on-the-website.md).

::: warning One primary source
Use only **one** active step source to avoid double counting the same walks.
:::

## Coverage sync (Apple Health / Health Connect)

The app checks which days still need uploads and sends missing daily totals to DistantRace automatically when you open **Home** or after background refresh. Older app versions may estimate calories from steps; newer versions send calories and distance from the health store when available.

## Troubleshooting

| Problem | Try |
|---------|-----|
| Steps stuck at zero | Re-open permissions in phone Settings → DistantRace → Health |
| Garmin/Fitbit missing days | Open the sport app to force a sync, then reopen DistantRace |
| Wrong totals after switching source | Wait one full day — do not run two sources at once |

More: [Data synchronization troubleshooting](../connections-with-apps/data-synchronization-problems/the-most-common-reasons-for-data-synchronization-issues.md).

## Related

- [How to set up a step data source in the DistantRace app](../connections-with-apps/how-to-set-up-a-step-data-source-in-the-distantrace-app.md)
- [Mobile app and step challenges](../joining-events/mobile-app-and-step-challenges.md)