It’s normal to notice differences between the step count reported by your Apple Watch and the total steps shown in Pacer.  The Apple Watch uses its own sensors and algorithms to detect steps, while Pacer may pull data directly from the phone’s motion sensor or from Apple Health (which merges data from your watch, phone and other devices).  The steps below explain why counts may differ and how to make the numbers as close as possible.

1. Understand How Step Sources Work

Apple Watch

• The watch counts steps using an accelerometer and gyroscope to detect repetitive arm‑movement patterns. 
• If you hold a stroller, shopping cart, or keep your arm still, the watch may miss steps because there is no arm swing. 
• Wearing the watch on your dominant hand can generate extra “false” steps due to random arm movements. Apple recommends setting the watch as worn on your non‑dominant wrist in the Watch app.

Pacer

• Pacer can record steps directly from your iPhone’s motion sensor or read steps from Apple Health. 
• When connected to Apple Health, Pacer reads the step total chosen by Health’s Data Source Priority (see Step 3). 
• Because Pacer and your watch may use different sensors, some variation (usually within a few hundred steps) is expected.

2. Check Which Source Pacer Is Using

1. Open Pacer. 
2. Tap Settings → Data Source (or Step Source). 
3. If “Phone” is selected, Pacer is counting steps from your iPhone’s motion sensor.  If “Apple Health” is selected, Pacer is using the step total from Apple Health (which may combine watch and phone data).

If you want Pacer to match your watch more closely, choose Apple Health here; then follow the next section to make sure the watch is prioritized.

3. Prioritize Apple Watch in Apple Health (iPhone)

1. Open the Health app on your iPhone. 
2. Tap Browse → Activity → Steps. 
3. Tap Data Sources & Access → Edit. 
4. Drag Apple Watch to the top of the list so it has the highest priority; sources at the top override other devices. 
5. Tap Done.

Now, Apple Health will prefer the watch’s step count when merging data.  Because Pacer pulls from Apple Health (when the data source is set to Health), the numbers should align more closely.

4. Ensure Permissions and Sync

• In the Watch app on iPhone, go to Settings → Privacy → Health and confirm that Pacer is allowed to read steps, distance, and active energy. 
• Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch close together periodically; the watch stores data when offline and syncs when reconnected.

5. Understand and Minimize Differences

• More steps on Apple Watch: The watch may count extra arm movements as steps.  Wearing it snugly on your non‑dominant wrist and letting your arms swing naturally helps. 
• Fewer steps on Apple Watch: Pushing a stroller, carrying items, or walking with hands in pockets reduces arm swing, causing the watch to undercount.  To improve accuracy, wear the watch higher on your arm or switch wrists.  You can also start a Workout on the watch to engage GPS, which improves step detection. 
• Phone vs watch differences: If Pacer is set to use Phone as the data source, steps will only be counted when the phone’s motion sensor registers movement.  If you leave your phone in a bag or on a table, it will miss steps.  Choosing Apple Health allows Pacer to use the watch’s more complete data.

A small difference between Pacer and Apple Watch is expected due to sensor and algorithm differences; focus on trends rather than identical numbers.  With the steps above, your counts should be much closer.

6. Still Seeing Large Gaps?

1. Confirm both watchOS and iOS are up to date. 
2. Re‑pair your Apple Watch: Unpair and re‑pair via the Watch app (back up first). 
3. Contact Pacer support via Pacer → Settings → Help & Support with screenshots of your step counts in Health, Pacer, and on the watch.

By following these guidelines—verifying your data source, prioritizing your Apple Watch in Health, understanding sensor differences and calibration—you’ll ensure Pacer reflects your watch’s step count as accurately as possible.