How to count squats automatically with your phone's sensor

SquatTrack's default is Sensor Mode — the app is explicit that it's the default — and it works from motion alone: no camera angle to line up, no wearable to charge. You either hold the phone or rest it on your lap, and the sensor picks up the rise-and-fall pattern of a squat.

The app also offers a camera-based pose detection mode for a different setup (phone upright against a wall, full body in frame) — but this guide covers Sensor Mode specifically, since it's the default and doesn't require finding a wall or checking your lighting.

Steps and screenshots verified against app version: 2023.2.5

1. 1Hold the phone or place it on your thigh

   The app describes it plainly: "Place your phone horizontally on your thigh, or hold it with both hands and extend your arms forward. The screen rotates to landscape automatically." Either position works — pick whichever is more comfortable for your squat depth.

2. 2Complete the one-time calibration

   Your very first workout asks for 3 standard squats to calibrate the sensor for more accurate counting afterward. The app's guidance is specific: hold the phone horizontally and use a full range of motion during those 3 reps — a shallow calibration squat means less accurate counting later.

3. 3Pick a workout mode and start

   SquatTrack offers Count Training (a target number), Calorie Training, and Time Training (a fixed number of seconds), plus a free "Unlimited number and time" mode for open-ended sets. Tap Start Squats and the sensor takes over from there.

4. 4If reps aren't registering, check these two things

   First, orientation: the phone needs to be genuinely horizontal — a phone tilted at an angle, or held loosely so it swings, confuses the motion pattern the sensor is looking for. Second, range of motion: a squat that's too shallow can look like noise rather than a rep, the same reason the calibration step insists on full depth.

Once Sensor Mode is calibrated, it stays your default across every session — you won't be asked to calibrate again unless you reset the app. Every counted set logs to iCloud and can optionally sync to Apple Health.