Health Connect is how activity reaches Moves+ on Android. This covers what it is, how to install and connect it, the permissions Moves+ needs, which apps can feed it, how long syncing takes, and what to check if activity is not arriving.
Time required: 5 minutes
User role: App user
Applies to: Android only
Module: Moves+ app > Profile > Edit Profile > My Tracker
Overview
Health Connect is Android's own service for managing and sharing health and fitness data from multiple sources. It keeps your health information in one place on your phone, under your control.
On Android, Health Connect is the supported route into Moves+. It is one of only two options, the other being Apple Health on iPhone.
What does Health Connect work with?
Health Connect does not track anything itself. It is the middle layer. You connect one or more fitness apps to Health Connect, those apps write their activity into it, and Health Connect passes the relevant activity to Moves+.
That means you can keep using the watch, ring, band or app you already own. Samsung Health, Garmin Connect, Fitbit's own app and many others all write into Health Connect, and Moves+ picks the activity up from there. This works even where Moves+ no longer connects to those trackers directly, so Health Connect is the way to keep your device counting.
You can see the full list of compatible apps on the Play Store.
Important: only apps that provide step count and activity distance for swimming, running and cycling can send usable activity to Moves+. An app that records only a workout duration will not earn you points.
Before You Start
| Prerequisite | Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ An Android phone | Health Connect is Android only. On iPhone, connect Apple Health instead |
| ✅ Moves+ version 5.5.0 or later | Update from the Play Store. Version 5.5.0 includes a new activity processing service that significantly improves syncing |
| ✅ Health Connect available on your phone | Built into Android 14 and later. On older versions, install Health Connect by Android free from the Play Store |
| ✅ At least one fitness app feeding it | Health Connect records nothing on its own. Your phone's own step counting or a wearable's app both work |
Steps
1. Open your profile
Open Moves+ and go to Profile.
2. Edit your profile
Tap Edit Profile.
3. Go to My Tracker
4. Connect Health Connect
Tap Connect next to Health Connect.
5. Follow the setup
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Health Connect. If Health Connect is not yet on your phone, you will be sent to the Play Store to install it first.
6. Allow access
When prompted, allow Moves+ to access Health Connect, and choose how much data Moves+ can access.
7. Confirm it worked
You will see a confirmation message once the connection is successful.
Your activity from supported apps will now sync to Moves+.
Which permissions does Moves+ need?
Moves+ only ever reads from Health Connect. It never writes anything back. Please allow all of the following, because a missing permission is the most common reason activity does not arrive:
- Steps
- Distance
- Exercise or workout sessions, covering running, cycling and swimming
If you are asked how far back Moves+ may read, allow the widest option offered. You can review what you have allowed at any time in Health Connect > App permissions > Moves+.
How long does syncing take?
New activity usually reaches Moves+ within a few hours, and a fuller sync runs overnight.
When you have just connected for the first time, or just updated the app, allow at least one full day before judging whether it has worked. You can prompt a sync yourself by going to the home screen and pulling down to refresh.
Remember: points count from the moment you connect. Activity from earlier today will not be backdated. See What happens when I connect and disconnect my tracker?
Troubleshooting
My Android activity stopped syncing around the end of April 2026.
This was a known issue and the fix has shipped in Moves+ version 5.5.0, released on 17 September 2026. Update from the Play Store and follow the steps in Why has my Android activity stopped syncing?
I connected it but no activity is arriving.
Check that a fitness app is actually feeding Health Connect. Open Health Connect on your phone and look at whether it holds recent steps and activity. If Health Connect is empty, Moves+ has nothing to read.
My steps show in my watch app but not in Moves+.
Your watch app needs to be connected to Health Connect as well as to your watch. Open Health Connect, find your watch app under app permissions, and make sure it is allowed to write steps and distance.
Should I disconnect and reconnect to fix it?
No. Please do not disconnect your tracker. Start by checking your permissions in Health Connect, then pull down to refresh the Moves+ home screen and allow a full day.
Does Health Connect count my steps automatically?
Not by itself. See Does Health Connect automatically track my steps?
Can I use Samsung Health?
Yes, but through Health Connect rather than directly. See Can I connect Samsung Health to Moves+?
I was using Google Fit.
Google Fit is no longer a route into Moves+. See How do I transition from Google Fit to Health Connect?
My activity is recorded but I got no points for it.
Runs, rides and swims need a distance, which means GPS on and a map shown. Work through Check List: Why am I missing Moves+ points?
I have tried all of this and it is still not working.
Email moves@openplay.co.uk with your phone model, your Moves+ version and which app is feeding Health Connect. For missed points or adjustments, contact your organisation's Moves+ team.
What's Next?
- Why has my Android activity stopped syncing?
- Does Health Connect automatically track my steps?
- Can I connect Samsung Health to Moves+?
- How do I transition from Google Fit to Health Connect?
- How do I sync my activity to Moves+?
- Check List: Why am I missing Moves+ points?
- Intro to trackers and wearables