Pixel 9 Pro Fitbit step count errors

[Neil5459]

Hi. I am a new user here, with Fitbit installed by default on my new Pixel 9 phone.

I have noticed that the step count takes a while to update while walking, and does not settle for a number of minutes after activity. This is simple step counting without starting an exercise activity.

Today we did a 6 mile walk and used Fitbit to track the activity. At the end, although the distance was correct, the step count was way below actual, showing 3000 steps for the 6 mikes- a stride length of 10 feet!

I concurrently had MapMyWalk running, which showed the correct distance and correct 14400 step count.

Any ideas what is causing the previously observed step count lag, and today's vast undercounting? On pure step counting, another pedometer app shows correct steps in real time with no kag, so the phones step counter is working.

I dont have any physical Fitbit devices.

Thank you

Fitbit

MapMyWalk

 

[Neil5459]

Sorry for the typos! Cant see how to edit the post.

Mikes should be Miles

Kag should be lag!

[RiekoC]

Hello & welcome @Neil5459 

I understand that you used Map My Walk and noticed that the app tracked your steps without problem. Where was your phone while you were doing your walk?

Have you had a chance to try starting a workout in the Fitbit app to see if manually starting your walk does a better job of tracking your steps than letting the app auto-recognize your walk?

[Neil5459]

Thank you for your reply.

• The phone was in my jacket breast pocket during the walk
• On starting the walk, i did manually start the Fitbit workout for walking at the same time i started MapMyWalk, so i could compare the GPS tracks and step count. 
• I have since deleted Fitbit, purged its data and reinstalled, but it still does not count steps properly.
• I have installed Samsung Health which also offers background tracking, and it works perfectly, so i assume the issue is with the Fitbit app, or its interaction with the Pixel 9 sensors.

[RiekoC · Accepted solution]

Hello @Neil5459 

I agree there seems to be an issue between your phone & the Fitbit app on tracking your walks. It doesn't make sense that MapMyWalk & Samsung Health are tracking your walks properly but the Fitbit app isn't.

Not that I'm sure that this will be an improvement, but you could try carrying your phone in your pants pocket or in a holster on your waist to see if that improves tracking in the Fitbit app. If this doesn't improve step tracking, then it might be best to ignore the Fitbit app and use the ones that are working for you.

[Neil5459]

Thanks for that. I will try an altered position but not sure if it will have any effect, as it seems the accelerometer is working ok, because the other apps do work well.

As you say, other apps may be the answer, but i am surprised no one else seems to have reported similar issues with Fitbit.

Thanks again 

[RiekoC]

Hello @Neil5459 

I think that most of the people who report issues in the Fitbit community are using the app with a Fitbit device or Pixel Watch. I personally don't see very many posts from people using only the Fitbit app to track steps/walks.