Arm swinging while walking causes step count to fall short

[Kkeith]

I updated my stride length and restarted my Blaze. I walked like I normally walk 100 steps and only 70 steps were counted. I then walked with my arm completely still at my side for 100 steps and it counted 98. I cannot possibly keep my arm straight by my side while walking. That decreases my workout. Also, I receive points at work for my step counts and I cannot have such a significant inaccuracy.

[Julia_G]

@Kkeith, that is a very unusual finding!  I would recommend giving your Blaze a restart and then trying the test again, allowing your arm to swing naturally (though not in an exaggerated fashion) by your side.  In most cases Fitbit should count steps even if your arm is not swinging, but moving your arm naturally should definitely not decrease your step count.

[Kkeith]

As I said in my original question, I restarted my Blaze and the problem still persists and reading through this board it is happening frequently.

[Kkeith]

After talking with the chat feature, Jesmar, with customer service, confirmed my Blaze is 65-70% accurate and this is not a problem. Accuracy cannot be guaranteed. I was offered 25% off a new product!!! As if I would purchase a new Fitbit. This is a known problem and is all over this board but it’s not an issue according to fitbit. I paid 250 on a product that does not work...who is the sucker here?

[mhaider]

What you're experiencing is the same thing I find with my Blaze.  When I walk at a brisk pace I swing/pump my arms quite a bit, after reading the forums and experimenting on my own I find that if I gently swing my arms I get a much more accurate step count. I know it sounds crazy, and it doesn't make sense to me, but that's just how it is. I have also gotten a replacement Blaze from Fitbit and it's still the arm swing that makes the difference.

[Kkeith]

No, that’s not the issue. I do not get an accurate count when my arm is just swinging normally.

[DarloJo]

I have the exact same issue. Tried a replacement device but got the same, and it also happens with my Flex 2 - I guess it’s just off for certain people depending on how they walk (ie. us!). It’s fine when I’m running or walking quickly, with my arms swinging more, but for slow walking, shopping etc I only get about 70% of my steps logged.

Now, I try and keep my hand in my pocket/carrying something/holding onto my bag when I walk, which seems to fix the issue. Not ideal, I know! Putting the device in a pocket by my hip also gets accurate readings. I’m happy to do this as I like my Fitbit’s other features, but totally understand if it’s not right for you.