Device tracking steps when driving

[QueenSuga]

My device has recently started tracking miles driven. I drove for CT to Maine, and me Alta Hr had recorded 5K miles before I even got out of Ct!  Anyone else have this problem? 

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

[RicardoFitbit]

Hi @QueenSuga, welcome to the Community Forums!

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Let me share with you that your Alta HR has been tested against driving and riding in buses, trains, and other public transportation and shouldn’t add steps when you’re traveling under normal conditions. However, on bumpy roads or in a car with a stiff transmission, your device may add some steps. For most users, the number of extra steps added when driving isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats. However, since your drove a long distance, this is the reason why your device recorded the 5K steps.

If you want to remove the steps from your daily total, manually log the driving activity for the time you were in a vehicle. For more information see How do I edit or delete Fitbit data and activities? 

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

[QueenSuga]

Thanks for the info but I have returned it. The company should be able to fix that defect, since it is obviously known by them. I don’t feel that I should have to manually do anything to obtain valid information of my exercise and fitness activities, since that is how it’s being marketed. But thanks for the info. 

[Rich_Laue]

Your Alta HR is not counting miles, but the bumps the car drives over. 

Unfortunately at times the tracker can't tell the difference between bumps and up down movements from walking Unfortunately at times the tracker can't tell the difference between bumps and up down movements that happen from walking. 

There is an app for Android that will automate the process of marking the period as driving. Drivebit or travelbit. 

[QueenSuga]

Hey, thanks for the info but when I first noticed it, I was not on a bumpy road. From that point on it began doing it all the time. I had the device for almost a year before it started doing that and the company is well aware of all the facts about this defect but are doing nothing to fix it. I purchased two at the same time, one for myself and one of as a Christmas gift. The one I gifted is not doing what mine started doing, even during times that my friend and I were in the same vehicle.

Anita

[Rich_Laue]

Have you tried a restart? 

[QueenSuga]

Yes. Several times before I returned it

Anita

[QueenSuga]

I returned it for a different one. I have a Charge 3 now. So far it’s doing what it’s supposed to be doing. Only had it for a few days but we’ll see. 

[T-Dawg99]

Ricardo, the article you provide doesn't work with GPS-generated maps and activity listings.  Would you provided updated steps?  I'm using the latest FitBit app on an Android phone.  I'm also using a properly charged Versa 3 I just bought, all latched to the non-dominate wrist with a bright red aftermarket band that is latched comfortably--never too loose--to my wrist.  Thanks!

[Rich_Laue]

@T-Dawg99 I believe @RicardoFitbit was answering a question about steps while in a car. Not about a specific gps exercise that the user has purposely told Fitbit to record. Yes the steps in the article will work, after the user has delegated the GPS recorded activity has been removed.