How can I troubleshoot fitness tracker distance inaccuracy? - Project Sports
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How can I troubleshoot fitness tracker distance inaccuracy?

4 min read

Asked by: Troy Lapa

How do I fix the distance on my Fitbit?

Go to a track or some place where you’re sure of the distance.



To change your stride length:

  1. From the Fitbit app dashboard, tap or click the Account icon.
  2. Tap or click Advanced Settings.
  3. Tap or click Stride Length.
  4. Adjust your stride length.


Why isn’t my Fitbit tracking my distance?

While you can correct your fitness tracker not tracking your steps by calibrating and changing your stride length, your Fitbit may require a restart to properly track steps.

How does fitness tracker calculate distance?

A fitness tracker typically estimates running distances using your steps and an accelerometer, usually after you signal to it that you’re starting a workout.

Is Fitbit distance accurate?

Distance Tracking. The Fitbit Surge tracks distance in two ways. One is via the number of steps taken. This one isn’t really that accurate as different people take different types of steps and their not always all the same distance.

Why is my Fitbit distance wrong?

There are 2 reasons why fitbit may get the distance wrong. Either the stride is wrong or it’s not counting your steps correctly (it calculates distance by multiplying steps by stride).

Why is my Fitbit GPS not accurate?

A weak GPS signal can be caused by environmental factors such as tall buildings, dense forest, steep hills, or even thick cloud cover. All of these factors can interrupt the connection between your tracker and GPS satellites. Check Fitbit app—This message means you may need to grant location permissions on your phone.

How does Fitbit calculate distance without GPS?

One thing to add concerning distance: As long as you are not using GPS, the distance is just number of steps times stride length. Fitbit assumes a default stride length based on your measurements, but it is something you can change.

Does Fitbit track distance in miles?

So, how does Fitbit calculate the number of miles you walk? Unless you enter your stride length manually in the app, Fitbit uses the information you enter for height and gender to estimate your stride length. It then uses your stride length (estimated or manual) to calculate the distance you walk or run.

Why is my Fitbit over counting my steps?

Having said that, it is quite normal for any wrist worn tracker to give you a few false steps while you sleep — just from rolling over and moving about in your sleep. Usually these amount to only a very small proportion of an active day’s steps.

How do I calibrate my Fitbit steps?

And wellness just under your list of fitbit. Devices. Then click on exercise. And scroll right to the bottom of the list at the bottom there is stride length. And you can adjust it for both walking.

Why is my smart watch counting too many steps?

The Battery Is Dead



Fitness trackers may need to be recharged daily or every few days. As the battery runs down, you may see flaky readings—counting too few or too many steps.

How do you restart your Fitbit tracker?

Press and hold the button or buttons on your tracker for 5 seconds. Release the button. When you see a smile icon and the tracker vibrates, the tracker restarted.

How long do Fitbits last?

On average, a Fitbit will last somewhere between one and two years if it is kept in excellent shape. But with normal use, they last about 16-18 months. The quality of the Fitbit’s hardware, water resistance, frequency of cleaning, battery health, reset frequency, and which Fitbit model you buy.

How do you update your Fitbit?

Update Fitbit on iOS or Android device

  1. Head to the app store where you first downloaded the app.
  2. Search for ‘Fitbit’. Once the official app is located you’ll know if an update is available if you see the option to ‘Update’.
  3. Tap, and the update will start installing for you.


How do I turn my Fitbit on?

It's actually almost like a pretend. Button. And you push. And hold it down you press and hold it down. So you can push. And hold it down for a few seconds. And your fitbit charge 4 should power on.

Why is my Fitbit not turning on?

Causes of a Fitbit Not Turning On



Often, a Fitbit device won’t turn on because of a drained battery, a problem with charging, or it might be affected by a software error.

How do I restart my Fitbit versa?

How to reset a Fitbit Versa

  1. Go to the Settings menu, scroll all the way down and tap About.
  2. Scroll all the way down and tap Shutdown, then hit Yes.
  3. Press and hold the left (single) button and right bottom button until you see the Fitbit logo on the screen.
  4. Let go and it will restart.