What Does GPS mean on Apple Watch?

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There are many things you can do with your Apple Watch. It’s more than just a device monitoring time, notifications, and heart rate. With the right apps, the Apple Watch is capable of so much more. One excellent feature is the ability to use it as a GPS tracker while running or walking outdoors. So, what does GPS mean on an Apple watch?

This article covers what GPS means on the Apple watch, how to use an Apple Watch as a GPS tracker, and tips and tricks to get the most out of this feature.

What Does GPS Mean on my Apple Watch?

GPS (Global Positioning System) on the Apple Watch is a feature that allows your Apple Watch to determine your location anywhere on the earth’s surface. It is also helpful for several apps and features, like Maps and Find My Friends. If you’re going for a run or walk, you can also use the GPS on your Apple Watch to track your progress and distance.

The GPS feature on your Apple Watch allows you to track locations and provide accurate and relevant geographical information. It can also help you monitor your fitness and keep track of the distance you cover in different activities.

How to turn on the GPS on Apple Watch

Follow the steps listed below to turn on the GPS on your Apple watch:

  • Press the Digital Crown button of your Apple Watch.
  • Tap on the Settings icon on the home screen and select General.
  • Go to Privacy and click on Location services.
  • The location service will be turned off. Toggle it on.

How to Use GPS on Apple Watch to track location

GPS can be a helpful feature to track locations on your Apple Watch, and it is easy to accomplish. Here’s how:

Click on the Maps app icon on your Apple Watch (the icon looks like a white arrow inside a blue circle).

  • Select the magnifying glass by the top left-hand side to search.
  • You can scroll down to select your recently searched location. Jump to the Select mode of transportation step if you do this.
  • Select dictation on the search page. This will bring up a microphone.
  • Say the name of your destination or address out loud, and it will appear on the screen.
  • You can also select Scribble to write out the location if you have difficulty pronouncing it.
  • Select Done at the top right corner of your screen.
  • Your Apple Watch will start looking for the matching location closest to you.
  • Select the exact destination once the result pops up on your screen (scroll down to look for your destination if it doesn’t appear on the screen)
  • Tap on Direction and Select your mode of transportation (Driving, Transit, or Walking)
  • Click on the route. This will show you the quickest way to get to your destination based on your current location, mode of transportation, and traffic circumstances.
  • Start your journey by following the directions displayed on the screen.
  • Keep scrolling down to see the next direction.

How to Track Pace and Distance with Apple Watch GPS

If you’re an avid runner or cyclist, you know how important it is to track your pace and distance. And if you have an Apple Watch, you can do that with the built-in GPS. Here’s how:

  • First, ensure that you connect your Watch to your iPhone (it needs to be connected to use GPS). Then open the Workout app and choose either Outdoor Run or Outdoor Cycle.
  • Select the More icon (icon with three dots) to set a distance, time goal, or calorie.
  • If you are going for an outdoor run and want to set a pace alert, scroll down on the more section and select Set your Time or Set Alert. Choose if you want it to be Rolling, Average, or Off.
  • Tap the Start button and wait for the three-second countdown on your screen.
  • You can skip the countdown if you wish by tapping your screen.
  • Off you go. Just swipe up on the screen during your workout to see your progress. The Watch will track your route, pace, and distance.
  • At the end of your workout, you’ll see a summary of your activity, including your total time, distance, average pace, and maximum pace. You can also view this information later in the Health app on your iPhone.

So next time you head out for a run or ride, be sure to take advantage of the Watch’s GPS capabilities. It’s a nice way to keep track of your progress and see how far you’ve come.

How to turn off the GPS Location on your Apple Watch

If you are done tracking a location or working out, you may want to turn off the GPS activity to enjoy a longer battery time with the Apple Watch. This is how to turn it off:

  • Press the Digital crown button on the home screen of your Apple watch.
  • Tap on the Settings icon on the home screen and select General.
  • Go to Privacy and click on Location services.
  • The location service will be turned on. Toggle it off.

Why is GPS important for the Apple Watch?

GPS on an Apple Watch is important because It is a technology that makes navigation much easier in an already existing device (a watch). The GPS uses a network of satellites to triangulate the user’s position and then sends this information back to the Watch. This allows the Watch to display the correct location of its current or future position on a map.

The GPS is also essential for the Apple watch because it allows the Watch to track the user’s location accurately. This is especially important for features such as the built-in fitness tracking, which needs to know the user’s location to calculate the distance traveled. Without GPS, fitness tracking would be much less accurate.

Tips for Using Apple Watch GPS Tracking

Here are some tips for getting the most out of the Apple Watch’s GPS tracking feature:

1. Ensure your Apple Watch is properly calibrated. The Watch uses your iPhone’s GPS signal to calibrate its location, so if you’re planning to use the GPS tracker for running or walking, make sure you’ve taken your iPhone with you on a few runs or walks first. This will help ensure that the Apple Watch’s tracking is accurate.

2. Use the “Workout” app on your Apple Watch. This app tracks fitness activities and will ensure that your Apple Watch’s GPS signal is used properly. Plus, the Workout app can give you great insights into your runs, walks, and bike rides, including distance, pace, and burned calories.

3. Turn the GPS off when you are not using it because the Apple Watch’s GPS tracking feature drains the Watch’s battery life faster.

Frequently Asked Questions on GPS for Apple Watch

Q. What’s the difference between Apple Watch GPS and Apple Watch GPS + Cellular?

A. The main difference between the two is that the cellular model of the Apple Watch can function without your iPhone, while the GPS model requires your iPhone to function fully. Both models can track your location, but the cellular model can do so without connecting to your iPhone. The cellular model also can make and receive phone calls and texts, while the GPS model cannot.

Q. Do I have to pair my Apple watch to my iPhone for the GPS to work?

A. If you want to use the GPS features on your Apple Watch, you will need to pair it with your iPhone for the GPS-only model. Once your Watch is paired with your iPhone, the GPS will function, and you’ll be able to track your location, distance, and pace while on the run or walk.

Q. Does GPS drain my Apple Watch battery faster?

A. Yes, GPS, when activated on your Apple Watch, will drain the battery faster than usual. You can turn off the feature when you are no longer using it by following the steps listed in this article. This will save the battery life on your Apple watch.

Wrap up

GPS on your Apple Watch can be a great way to track your fitness progress and activity level. It can also help you stay safe when traveling in unfamiliar territory. Whether you’re an avid runner or just looking for a way to stay connected, GPS can be a valuable feature on your Apple Watch.

If you have any questions about what GPS means on the Apple watch, kindly leave them in the comment section below. Thanks for reading.

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