Open the Garmin Connect app.
Select More (bottom right).
Select Garmin Devices.
Select the device name.
Select the appropriate option (this setting varies by watch model):
Activity Tracking
User Settings
Health & Wellness
Notifications & Alerts > Health & Wellness
Select Custom Stride Length.
Toggle Walking or Running switch to blue to enable.
NOTE: Running is only available on select devices that do not have a built-in GPS.
Select Measured Distance and enter the known distance you traveled.
Select Total Steps and enter the number of steps it took to cover that distance.
Select
to save your changes.Sync your device.
Select your product to confirm this information applies to you
The Step Distance Recorded on My Garmin Watch Is Wrong
Some watches estimate the distance you've walked based on your daily steps. They do this by using your height (from your user profile) to estimate your stride length. If you find this distance isn't accurate on your watch or in the Garmin Connect™ app, you can set a custom stride length in Garmin Connect.
NOTE: Setting a custom stride length only affects your calculated step distance. It does not change the distance recorded for timed activities.
How Do I Set a Custom Stride Length?
To set a custom stride length, you'll first need to walk a known distance and count your steps. We recommend walking at least 400 meters (about 1312 feet). Walking a longer distance will result in a more accurate stride length. For the most consistent results, try walking on a track, as this minimizes variations in your stride caused by uneven terrain.
If your watch uses built-in GPS to record runs, you won't find an option to set a custom stride length for those running activities. The GPS automatically calibrates your step distance during runs. To improve the accuracy of your step distance for indoor activities, it's helpful to first record several outdoor activities using GPS.
Using a foot pod or a chest strap with Running Dynamics can provide more precise distance and pace readings when recording a timed activity. However, these accessories will not affect how your daily step distance is calculated. Your daily step totals are determined solely by the internal 3-axis accelerometer in Garmin watches equipped with activity tracking.
Choose an option below to reveal instructions to set up your custom stride length.
Open the Garmin Connect app.
Select More (bottom right).
Select Settings.
Select User Settings.
Select Custom Stride Length.
Toggle Walking or Running switch to blue to enable.
NOTE: Running is only available on select devices that do not have a built-in GPS.
Select Measured Distance and enter the known distance you traveled.
Select Total Steps and enter the number of steps it took to cover that distance.
Select
to save your changes.Sync your device.
If your watch has Real Time Settings the below steps will not be available on the Garmin Connect web and must be completed on the Garmin Connect app.
From a web browser, sign into your Garmin Connect account.
Select the device icon
(upper right corner).Select your device from the list.
Select Activity Tracking or User Settings.
Beneath Custom Stride Length toggle Walking or Running on.
NOTE: Running is only available on select devices that do not have a built-in GPS.
Enter the known distance from your run or walk.
Enter the number of steps for that distance.
Select Save Settings.
Sync your device with the Garmin Express™ program if using a computer, or with the Garmin Connect app if you have it paired to your smartphone.