Android FAQs

Android FAQs

This page covers Android FAQs. For iOS, go here.

How does the app work?

Walk the Distance reads your walking distance from the Google Fit / Fitbit / Garmin and updates your virtual position on the map of the Appalachian Trail. It applies daily walking distance totals captured by these input sources. 

If you would like to use Google Fit as the input source- Go here to install it. Google Fit works like a pedometer- counting steps while the phone is in your pocket.

The app doesn't work well yet to track specific walking/workout activities (hitting activate/deactivate at the start/end of a walk). If this feature is important to you, please email me: walkthedistanceapp@gmail.com

You know the app is working properly if the total daily walking distance in the input source (Google Fit, Fitbit, or Garmin) matches the distance of "So Far Today" in Walk the Distance.

How do I use the app?

Step 1: Choose a walk and open the map. For example, if you want to do the Appalachian Trail, open up the AT Part 1 of that series

Step 2: Hit the "start" button on the map

Step 3: If you haven't signed in yet, you will be prompted to sign in at this time, this is important so you can save your data to your account and not lose your progress

Step 4: Choose an input type. Google Fit is free, Garmin and Fitbit are paid options

Step 5: Walk! You can close the app while you walk. Do not hit "stop" on the map when you are done with your walk. You can close the app and check your progress later, or wait for a push notification when you reach a checkpoint or pass someone on the trail.

Note: Reading walking distance can be a delay as much as 10 minutes for some input sources.

But if the app is always on, what about my battery life?

Even though the app actively counts your walk distance, the distance tracking is actually done on servers, not on your phone. So the app itself takes uses relatively little battery

Where are the videos? I want to see myself walking down the trail.

My app doesn't have virtual reality videos, it simply shows you your progress over time on a map of a big route such as the Appalachian Trail. Try Treadmill Trails if you want to experience videos on your treadmill.

Why doesn't Walk the Distance record my walking?

How do I sync my Fitbit?

Walk the Distance integrates directly with Fitbit. Change the "input type" in settings. This feature is available for premium members ($2.99 USD / month),  which includes all paid walks as well.

How do I sync my Garmin?

Walk the Distance integrates directly with Garmin. Change the "input type" in settings. This feature is available for premium members ($2.99 USD / month),  which includes all paid walks as well. (see above screenshot)

How do I sync other fitness devices?

Walk the Distance reads from the Google Fit app. To sync third-party devices to Walk the Distance, you just need to sync those apps to the Google Fit App. To do that, download the "Health Sync" app. The Health Sync has app has many options for syncing between Google Fit, Fitbit, Garmin, etc. (for a small price).

When recording walking from multiple sources (for example: if your phone is tracking your steps as well as a third part device), Google Fit will automatically delete duplicate entries. If you record 100% of your walking on your third-party device, you may want to turn off tracking in the Google Fit app to avoid this. Disable "Tracking your activities" in settings in Google Fit.

If all else fails...