Google Pixel and stock Android

A Pixel does not record steps on its own

Unlike Samsung phones, a Pixel has no built-in app writing steps into Health Connect. You need Fitbit — Google's current step app — or Google Fit.

Without one of them, Health Connect stays empty and your dashboard shows zero no matter how the permissions are set.

Option 1: Fitbit (recommended)

Fitbit is Google's current step app and works without a Fitbit device.

1. Install Fitbit from the Play Store and sign in.
2. In Fitbit, open You, then Fitbit settings, then Health Connect.
3. Allow Fitbit to write Steps, Distance and Active calories.
4. Open The Ismaili app, go to Active Living, tap Connect Health.
5. Allow all three permissions.

Option 2: Google Fit

Google Fit is being superseded by Fitbit but still works.

1. Install Google Fit from the Play Store and sign in.
2. Open Profile, then Settings, then Manage connected apps, and enable Health Connect.
3. Follow steps 4 and 5 above.

Getting Health Connect itself

• Android 14 or newer — already built in. Open Settings and search for Health Connect.
• Android 8 to 13 — install Health Connect from the Play Store first.

More detail in what Health Connect is.

Checking it worked

1. Open Health Connect.
2. Tap Data and access, then Activity, then Steps.
3. Fitbit or Google Fit should be listed under Can write steps.

If that list is empty, the source app is not sharing yet — go back and check step 3.

It still shows zero

Carry your phone for ten minutes first. Fitbit and Google Fit write in batches rather than continuously, so a brand new setup can legitimately show nothing for a short while.

Then try my dashboard shows zero, or tell us what is happening.