Blaze says connected during bike but weak signal

[Mxwhite484]

So I went on a couple of bike rides recently and  I usually have no problems but the last 2 or 3 times I've been riding it will say connected to phone but it will show a weak signal and it will do everything but track distance. I have everything turned on in the gear icon. And my phone is connected to the internet and location services are on. I'm not sure what the problem is bit it's pretty frusterating. I even stopped half way to my destination and stopped and restarted it and it still didn't work. Please help.

[AlejandraFitbit]

It's great to see you around @Mxwhite484. Keep in mind that the Blaze doesn't have the GPS feature, it works with your phone's GPS feature. I recommend checking your phone, that the location and internet are working properly. You can reboot your phone and restart your Blaze too.

Let me know the outcome. 

[MsSpammy]

I'm getting this issue too. When I connect for a run the signal between the two is just one little red bar... how do I get this stronger. This when it's right next to the phone too.

[MikeF]

The red bar is nothing to do with communications between the Blaze and the phone but is indicating the strength of the GPS signal that the phone is seeing. All you can do to improve it is wait for the GPS receiver in the phone to acquire more satellites and get a better signal.

(I had to try this in the end to find the bar you're talking about. I'd never noticed it before)

[mcrmama]

Mine often starts red so even though it does say I can tap to go, I wait another 10-30s and usually it gets a better signal and when I get all green bars I go. I have only done it running but for my purpose that has worked.

[AngelaMa]

Hello @MsSpammy, @MikeF and @mcrmama! As @MikeF mentioned the signal bar that you mentioned is the GPS signal on your phone. At least two dozen GPS satellites are constantly in orbit around the Earth and broadcasting data. All GPS devices, require a direct path to these satellites in order to receive their radio transmissions. If the signal is being blocked—either because you're underground, near many tall buildings, or as a result of atmospheric effects—GPS will not work. Thus, whereas GPS gives you a more accurate measure of distance than step counting alone, the actual accuracy depends on both your environment and the weather.  Also please notice that Location services are required for Connected GPS to function properly. Please ensure that location services are enables, and set to "Always" if applicable. 

Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂 

[glakshmeepathi]

But GPS Signal used by Google Fit and RunKeeper faces no problem from the same mobile. But when Blaze uses the same mobile for GPS, the signal fluctuates and mostly stays at 1 bar (which is the single red bar!!) Mobile : Moto G4 Plus (Android).

Is there any other setting to be checked?

[AlejandraFitbit]

A warm welcome to the Forums @glakshmeepathi. Moto G4 Plus, is not a compatible mobile device. Keep in mind that in order for the Blaze to successfully connect with your phone it need to be compatible. I recommend taking a look at our How accurate are Fitbit trackers? article, where you will be able to find some information about the GPS on a Blaze.

Catch you later. 

[Darthmule2k]

I had the same problem.  My fix was turning off the power saving function on my phone.  I did that and I got all 4 green bars immediately.