# Pedometer (PFA)

> Counts steps and provides overview on walked steps.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/org.secuso.privacyfriendlyactivitytracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/org.secuso.privacyfriendlyactivitytracker)

## Overview

- **ID:** `org.secuso.privacyfriendlyactivitytracker`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Removed
- **Publisher:** Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
- **Category:** HEALTH\_AND\_FITNESS
- **Downloads:** 25,224
- **Rating:** 3.52 / 5 (238 ratings)
- **Version:** 3.1.0
- **Last updated:** 2025-04-20
- **First published:** 2016-11-05
- **Size:** 5.92 MB
- **Data as of:** 2025-06-06
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.secuso.privacyfriendlyactivitytracker)
- **Website:** [https://www.secuso.org](https://www.secuso.org/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://secuso.aifb.kit.edu/1456.php](https://secuso.aifb.kit.edu/1456.php)

## Description

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.

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACTIVITY_RECOGNITION`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_HEALTH`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM`
- `android.permission.USE_EXACT_ALARM`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `org.secuso.privacyfriendlyactivitytracker.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

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.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Pedometer: Step Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/nl.mobibom.pedometer) — 221 users
- [Step Counter-Health Monitoring](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.oktembaris777.pedometre) — 369 users
- [Pedometer: Daily Step Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.prisma.pedometer.daily.step.tracker) — 43 users
- [Pedometer-Steps Calories Count](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pedometer.steps.caloriescount) — 34,957 users
- [Pedometer: Steps & Distance](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.daily.walking.pedometer.walkrun) — 4,771 users
- [Pedometer & Step Counter](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.simplesteps.counter) — 942 users
- [Pedometer & Step Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/clean.pedometer.steptracker) — 56,980 users
- [Step Counter EasyFit Pedometer](https://chrome-stats.com/d/easypedeometer.herzberg.com.stepcounter) — 3,010,941 users, 4.70 / 5
- [Pedometer & Step Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.pedometer.stepcounter.dailyfitness.walkrun) — 5,585 users
- [Step Counter - Pedometer](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.smarttool.stepcouter) — 28,226 users
- [Pedometer - Health](https://chrome-stats.com/d/jp.co.chrono.android.pedometer) — 86 users
- [Pedometer - Step Tracker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/stepup.walkingapp.pedometer.steptracker) — 50,825 users, 4.71 / 5

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/org.secuso.privacyfriendlyactivitytracker)