How do I set up a step challenge on Pacer?
Creating a step challenge on Pacer takes about a minute:
From there, everyone's phone counts steps automatically and the leaderboard updates in real time, so there are no spreadsheets and nothing to log by hand.
- Open Pacer and tap Challenges → Create
- Choose your type: most total steps, a daily step goal, distance, or team vs team
- Set the length and pick a goal your group can reach
- Share the join link or code by text, email, or group chat
From there, everyone's phone counts steps automatically and the leaderboard updates in real time, so there are no spreadsheets and nothing to log by hand.
Is Pacer really free?
Yes. Downloading Pacer, starting a step challenge, inviting your group, and following the live leaderboard are all free on iPhone and Android. There's no paywall between you and your challenge, and everything you need to run one is included from the start.
Is Pacer available worldwide?
Yes. Pacer works on iPhone and Android worldwide, so friends, family, and teams can join the same step challenge from different cities or countries. Because everyone's steps are counted in their own local time, a global group still competes fairly on one shared leaderboard.
How does Pacer handle different time zones?
Pacer runs on your phone's local time, so your daily total resets at midnight wherever you are.
In a step challenge that spans time zones, each person's day is measured by their own clock, which keeps things fair across cities and countries. And if you travel, your step count simply follows you.
In a step challenge that spans time zones, each person's day is measured by their own clock, which keeps things fair across cities and countries. And if you travel, your step count simply follows you.
How does Pacer handle my data and privacy?
You decide what you share. Pacer's privacy settings let you choose who sees your profile, steps, GPS route, and activity: friends only, your challenge group, or no one. You can change these anytime, so you stay in control as you add friends and join challenges.
How do I sync steps with Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin?
Pacer brings in wearable steps through Apple Health on iPhone and Health Connect (or Google Fit) on Android. To connect your device:
After that, your wearable's steps flow into Pacer and your step challenge automatically. If they aren't showing up, check that the device is set as a data source in Apple Health or Health Connect.
- Sync your Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, or Samsung to Apple Health (iOS) or Health Connect (Android)
- In Pacer, open Settings and turn on the Apple Health or Health Connect connection
- Reopen Pacer so it pulls in your latest steps
After that, your wearable's steps flow into Pacer and your step challenge automatically. If they aren't showing up, check that the device is set as a data source in Apple Health or Health Connect.
Can I add steps manually?
Usually you won't need to. Pacer counts your steps automatically from your phone or a synced wearable.
You can still log activities by hand, such as a treadmill walk, but whether those count toward a specific step challenge depends on the creator's rules. Many challenges stick to tracked steps to keep the leaderboard fair.
You can still log activities by hand, such as a treadmill walk, but whether those count toward a specific step challenge depends on the creator's rules. Many challenges stick to tracked steps to keep the leaderboard fair.
How do I add friends on Pacer?
There are three easy ways: search for someone from their profile, add them from your activity feed, or share your personal invite link.
Once you're connected, you'll appear on each other's leaderboards, which is what makes a step challenge with friends so motivating: you can cheer each other on the whole way.
Once you're connected, you'll appear on each other's leaderboards, which is what makes a step challenge with friends so motivating: you can cheer each other on the whole way.
Who can see my steps?
Mainly your friends and the groups you join. Friends you mutually add can see you on shared leaderboards, and anyone in a challenge group you're in can see you there. You can also choose whether to see or hide others on the leaderboard.
You stay in control through Pacer's privacy settings, which cover profile, GPS route, and club or group visibility, so you can adjust what's shown at any time.
You stay in control through Pacer's privacy settings, which cover profile, GPS route, and club or group visibility, so you can adjust what's shown at any time.
How do I hide or block someone in Pacer?
From that person's profile, tap hide or block. Blocking stops them from seeing your profile, posts, and steps, and from contacting you or appearing on your leaderboards.
It stays private, since they aren't notified, and you can reverse it anytime from settings.
It stays private, since they aren't notified, and you can reverse it anytime from settings.
My friends or challenges disappeared. Help!
Your data is almost certainly safe. This is usually a sign-in or sync issue, so try these steps:
If your group still doesn't appear, contact Pacer support and we'll help track it down.
- Sign in to your original account, using the same email or social login you started with (a second account won't show your old friends or challenges)
- Check your internet connection
- Fully close and reopen Pacer so it can resync
If your group still doesn't appear, contact Pacer support and we'll help track it down.
What step challenge types and scoring does Pacer support?
Several, and each is scored its own way, so you can match the format to your group:
Creators can also set rules such as a daily step cap to keep things fair. Looking for step challenge ideas? Rotating the format month to month is an easy way to keep a group coming back.
- Step Challenge: ranks by most total steps
- Daily Step Goal: a point for every day you hit your goal, ideal for a mix of casual and competitive walkers
- Distance Challenge: ranks by farthest distance
- Pace Challenge and Virtual Race: GPS-based, ranked by best pace or fastest time
- Adventure Challenge: race along a virtual route to the finish
- Wellness Challenge: points for healthy habits like hydration and sleep
Creators can also set rules such as a daily step cap to keep things fair. Looking for step challenge ideas? Rotating the format month to month is an easy way to keep a group coming back.
Does Pacer sync steps automatically? Do I need to open it every day?
Yes, Pacer syncs automatically, and no, you don't need to open it every day. It tracks your steps in the background, and on iPhone it reads from Apple Health even when the app is closed.
On Android it also runs in the background, though it helps to open Pacer now and then and turn off battery optimization so the step counter keeps running. Opening the app daily isn't required, but it keeps your challenge leaderboard showing your latest total.
On Android it also runs in the background, though it helps to open Pacer now and then and turn off battery optimization so the step counter keeps running. Opening the app daily isn't required, but it keeps your challenge leaderboard showing your latest total.
Will Pacer drain my battery?
Very little. Pacer reads your steps from the low-power motion chip already built into your phone, the same one it uses to count steps on its own, so everyday tracking barely affects your battery.
The one exception is live GPS tracking during an outdoor walk or run, which uses more power, just like any maps app, and only runs when you start a session.
The one exception is live GPS tracking during an outdoor walk or run, which uses more power, just like any maps app, and only runs when you start a session.
How do I move to a new phone?
It's simple, because your history lives on your account, not your device. Sign in on the new phone with the same method as before, whether email and password or a social login, and your steps, friends, and challenges all restore.
For the cleanest handoff, open Pacer on your old phone first so it syncs your most recent steps before you switch.
For the cleanest handoff, open Pacer on your old phone first so it syncs your most recent steps before you switch.
How do I delete my Pacer account and data?
You can delete your account right in the app: go to Profile → Settings → Help & support → Delete account. This permanently removes your profile, steps, and activity history, and it can't be undone, so save anything you want to keep first.
If you only need a break, you can sign out instead, and your data stays safe for when you return.
If you only need a break, you can sign out instead, and your data stays safe for when you return.
Who built Pacer?
Pacer is built by Pacer Health, Inc. We started Pacer with a simple goal: help more people get moving by making walking simple, social, and a little bit competitive.
Today, millions of walkers, families, and teams around the world use Pacer to count steps and run step challenges together, and that mission still guides everything we build.
Today, millions of walkers, families, and teams around the world use Pacer to count steps and run step challenges together, and that mission still guides everything we build.
I love Pacer! How can I support it?
Thank you, that means a lot. The biggest help is spreading the word: rate Pacer on the App Store or Google Play so more people discover it, and invite your friends and family into your next step challenge.
You can also follow along and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. A bigger, more active community is what keeps Pacer fun for everyone.
You can also follow along and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. A bigger, more active community is what keeps Pacer fun for everyone.
How much does a step challenge cost?
Nothing to start one. Creating a step challenge, inviting your group, and following the live leaderboard are all free on iPhone and Android. The only optional cost is anything you choose to add, such as prizes for your winners. Everything you need to set up and run the challenge itself is free.
Can I give out prizes?
Yes, and a small reward keeps everyone motivated to the finish. Popular step challenge prize ideas include a coffee or gift card for the weekly leader, a random draw among everyone who hit their goal so casual walkers can win too, or a prize for most improved.
Often, simple bragging rights and a shout-out on the leaderboard work just as well.
Often, simple bragging rights and a shout-out on the leaderboard work just as well.
