Undercounting of steps on short walks

This is to be expected, as a safeguard measure against incorrectly counting very simple wrist movements as steps. If they didn't change their method in the past few years, I think you need a consecutive 12 steps until the watch starts counting (but the count will then include the initial 12). So taking 6 steps, stopping for a few seconds, and taking another 6 steps will cause the watch to not count anything at all.

Thanks for the insights! Nevertheless, there is still a significantg undercount. Today I walked about 1,2 kilometers through Frankfurt airport and I was credited 700 steps for this... Fenix 6 counted around 1600 steps which is more or less what I would expect. Maybe there was a change in the algorithm for step detection - when walking from gate to baggage claim I usually push my board trolley with the hand on which I am wearing the Fenix, hence limited movement during walking on that arm...

Sascha said:

I usually push my board trolley with the hand on which I am wearing the Fenix

If it's not a typical wrist movement associated with steps, then Garmin's accelerometer will not track it correctly. Suggest, if possible wear your watch on the wrist that is not holding or pushing anything, or put it in a hip pocket. Placing my watch in my pocket is how I get credit for steps while mowing my lawn.