Pedometer (PFA)

Name: Pedometer (PFA)
Rating: 3.52 (238 reviews)
Author: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

By: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie App

Counts steps and provides overview on walked steps.

This app was removed from Google Play Store on 2025-06-06

Overview

Removed

Downloads

25,224

Data as of 2025-06-06

Rating:

3.52

(238)

Version:

3.1.0

Last updated: 2025-04-20

Features & Capabilities

Privacy Friendly Pedometer (PFA) offers a secure and privacy-respecting way to monitor your daily physical activity. Running quietly in the background, it counts your steps, estimates distance traveled, and calculates calories burned with customizable walking modes such as walking and running for greater accuracy.

Unlike other pedometer apps, PFA requires only minimal permissions: it runs at startup and prevents the phone from sleeping to ensure consistent step counting without accessing unnecessary data like GPS or network. It contains no advertisements, preserving battery life and providing an uncluttered user experience. Additionally, it features a training mode where users can log sessions with feelings and descriptions, making it an ideal tool for fitness enthusiasts who value privacy. Developed by the SECUSO research group at Technische Universität Darmstadt, this app represents a trustworthy solution for step tracking.

User Growth & Download Statistics

App Privacy & Security

By:

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie

Downloads:

25,224

Rating:

3.52

(238)

Version:

3.1.0 Last updated: 2025-04-20

Version code:

Creation date:

2016-11-05

Permissions:

android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION Very high risk
android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION Very high risk
android.permission.ACTIVITY_RECOGNITION High risk
android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_HEALTH Moderate risk
android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE Low risk
android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS Low risk
android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED Low risk
android.permission.SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM Low risk
android.permission.USE_EXACT_ALARM Low risk
android.permission.WAKE_LOCK Low risk

Size:

5.92MB

Email:

se*****@gmail.com

URLs:

Website ,Privacy policy

Full description:

Source:

Google Play Store

Data ingested on:

2025-06-06

Compare stats and ranking:

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Android app. Please use these information below to contact the Android app developer.

Developed by:: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.secuso.privacyfriendlyactivitytracker
Email:: se*****@gmail.com
Website:: https://www.secuso.org

User Reviews

Users appreciate that the app is privacy-focused, lightweight, and easy to use with no ads or subscriptions. It accurately counts steps on phones with hardware step counters and does not drain battery. However, many users report inconsistent step counting on some devices, inaccurate distance measurements, and crashes or failures after updates. Some find permission management and interface usability lacking, including inability to customize the start time of the day or link distance tracking to GPS. Overall, the app suits privacy-conscious users who value simplicity but suffers from reliability and maintenance issues.

Pros

App is privacy-focused with no ads, no sign-ups, and minimal permissions.
App is simple, lightweight, and easy to use without unnecessary features.
Does not drain battery significantly even when running in the background.
Accurately counts steps on devices with hardware step counters or proper sensors.
Free to use without subscription.

Cons

Step counting is unreliable or inconsistent on some devices, especially without dedicated hardware sensors.
Distance measurement is often inaccurate and cannot be linked to GPS for better accuracy.
App sometimes crashes or stops working after updates or on newer devices.
Requires manual granting of permissions which can be confusing to users.
Interface issues such as confusing play/pause button behavior and lack of customizable day start time.

Recent reviews

If you are in bed by midnight every day, this app is fantastic. However, I am not. PLEASE can we have an option to set what time the day starts. Eg. 5am would work well for me

Ti***** 2024-12-01

Please explain the 5 new permissions in the last update. I pretty much get it, but many others might not. (Most won't even notice, but that's another issue.)