Getting started iPhone/Android — 2 minutes
Pairing in Garmin Connect
- Installed Garmin Connect on iPhone.
- Add the device, create/validate your profile (height, weight, wrist).
- Let the first synchronization take place (firmware, widgets). And that’s it.
Health authorizations + priority of sources
In Health > your profile > Apps, check Connect and the permitted data types. Then Health > Not > all the way down Data sources > To modify and put Garmin Connect at the very top (otherwise the iPhone will also count via the internal accelerometer and mix everything up).
Useful settings
- Wrist non-dominant (reduces phantom steps).
- Objective Not : Auto (progressive) or fixed (8,000, 10,000, whatever you want).
- Activation gesture ON (instant playback on the move). In short, practical.
Precision in action: results & limits
Test protocol (real field)
Three representative contexts: urban walking (frequent stops), flat path (Canal du Midi), light trail (low elevation). Comparison vs reference counter and manual control (short segment counting). Simple, reproducible method.
Expected results
In natural walking with free arms: low average deviation (a few percent), stable over the week. Appreciable consistency to follow your routine and your progress — you watch the trend, not step by step (no pun intended). Yes, sometimes 1–2% difference day to day. Acceptable.
Known limits
- Stroller / hands on handlebars : frozen arm = undercounting. Tip: put the watch on the arm that is moving, or put it in your pocket for these phases. (Yes, not perfect.)
- Treadmill : OK for steps, the distance varies depending on the arm range. Do not confuse with a “GPS” distance.
- Connected GPS (if you want a card): requires telephone. The vivosmart 5 does not include GPS. That’s clear.
Autonomy & everyday comfort
Actual autonomy vs. advertised
Announcement : up to 7 days. Daily operation with moderate notifications lasts the week in 90% of cases. Fast charging, no hassle.
Comfort/weight, waterproofness, readability
Lightweight bracelet, readable display for a tracker, waterproof 5ATM (shower, swimming pool OK). Not a splashy AMOLED screen, but enough to check your steps live. Frankly, that’s what we want here.
Concrete use cases
Urban walking
Stops, lights, windows (yes, we stop). The count remains consistent because the algorithm detects sequences and repeats. If you swing your arms too much while speaking, possible micro-overcounting over short windows. Nothing dramatic.
Short hike (without phone, then sync)
You leave light. When you return, you open Connect, everything comes back up. And if you want a map next weekend, grab the iPhone for connected GPS. It depends of what you want to keep track of.
Treadmill
For the number of steps, RAS. For the distance, accept the approximation. Simple adjustment: stable cadence, free arms. So.
Express comparison table
| Model | Format | Not without a phone | Integrated GPS | Autonomy announced | App & ecosystem | Apple Health (iPhone) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin vivosmart 5 | Thin bracelet | Yes | No (GPS connected) | Up to ~7 days | Garmin Connect | Yes (official connection) |
| HUAWEI Band 9 | Thin bracelet | Yes | No | Several days (often ~9–10) | HUAWEI Health | Via iOS app (HealthKit rights) |
| Amazfit Bip 5 | Light watch | Yes | Yes | Several days | Zepp (Amazfit) | Via Zepp (recommended source priority) |
Refs: Garmin (specs, Apple Health), Huawei (product sheet/iOS app), Amazfit (product sheet + manual). For Zepp/Health, adjust the priority of sources in the Health app if necessary.
→ Read: How does a connected watch work without a smartphone?
Price, where to buy it, warranty
“Reasonable” positioning for a reliable tracker. In France, you can find the vívosmart 5 at the usual resellers (major sports/tech brands). Classic warranty, solid Garmin after-sales service. The Band 9 and the Bip 5 are often on sale – but don’t chase a €5 difference if you don’t like the app ecosystem. Priority to use.
FAQ (Real Walker Problems)
Does vívosmart 5 count steps without phone?
Yes. Steps are counted on the wrist and synchronized later.
How to avoid duplicates in Apple Health?
In Health > Steps > Data sourcesput Garmin Connect up. You can reorder by drag and drop.
Why do my steps vary depending on my stride?
Because the algorithm detects patterns. Very stiff arms = undercounting. Very loose arms = slight overcount. It’s normal. The important thing: the trend for the week.
What if I want a map of my walk?
You need your phone for connected GPS. The vivosmart 5 does not include GPS. That’s non-negotiable.
Can I export my steps?
From Garmin, export your activities; for daily steps, consult Health (iPhone) or third-party apps if necessary. (Be careful of dangerous bridges.)
Methodology, sources & updates
Author & experience
David Deteve51 years old, creator of L’Swiss Made Watch. Sportsman, I walk 8 to 10,000 steps/day on average. I used the vívosmart 5 on hiking trails, around town, and along the Canal du Midi. My feedback is pragmatic: I appreciate this watch for its simplicity. (No fluff. Just reliable ones.)
Measurement protocol
Tests over 2 weeks: sessions of 3–8 km, manual counting on short segments, cross-control via iPhone (accelerometer) and app. Settings: non-dominant wrist, auto focus, moderate notifications. Date: September–October 2025.
Sources cited
- Garmin — product sheet & manual (autonomy, 5 ATM).
- Garmin Support — connecting to Apple Health.
- Apple Support — management of Health data sources (priority).
- DC Rainmaker — absence of integrated GPS (field confirmation).
- Huawei — Band 9 (sheet + iOS app). Amazfit — Bip 5 (sheet + manual).
Verdict
Clear recommendation
If your need is count your steps without bothering with the phonethere Garmin vivosmart 5 is the correct pick. Discreet, autonomous, reliable. You walk, it counts. Basta.
When to choose something else
Do you want a big screen and a “watch” look? Amazfit Bip 5. Do you want a low price and a long battery? Huawei Band 9. But for the iPhone + daily steps + simplicity, I’m staying on the vivosmart 5. In short, rational choice.
