Connected GPS Information Post

[EmersonFitbit]

Hey all!

I've been seeing a ton of great conversation about Connected GPS- the technology that will allow you to see your maps, as well as pace/distance using your phone's GPS. Ahead of launch of the device, I'd like to provide a bit more information about Connected GPS in comparison to our built-in GPS technology (found in Surge) or our existing GPS functionality in relation to other devices! The following is an in-depth look at Connected GPS, and and opening of the floor for questions!  Are you ready? Let's do it!

• What is Connected GPS? 

Connected GPS is a new part of the Fitbit ecosystem! Using Connected GPS, Blaze connects with your phone's native GPS capabilities to plot routes and activity stats screen as the pace and duration.

• How do I use Connected GPS?

The necessary components for initiating a Connected GPS exercise are: 

1. Your charged tracker
2. Your compatible Mobile device with GPS capabilities
3. The Fitbit App

To initiate a Connected GPS exercise, open the appropriate exercise (exercises that offer GPS connectivity on the Blaze will have a gear icon on the tile). Once you select the exercise type, you'll see that your Blaze will begin to look for your phone's GPS services. Once the device establishes a connection, you'll be notified that you're ready to go. You can always bypass the connection if you'd like, much like on Surge. 

• How is this different than Surge? MobileRun?

GPS is built-in on the Fitbit Surge, meaning that you could initiate a GPS activity without your phone in proximity. The MobileRun process works a bit differently; you'll have to open the Fitbit app and select Track Exercise > Stopwatch Icon > Start. 

• What errors might I run into? 

Phone Not Found: Users may see the following error state if their tracker is unable to connect to their phone. If this happens, please ensure the following: phone is within range, your app is open, phone is charged up, Bluetooth enabled and bonded, and Internet connection is present.

Check Fitbit App: If you come across this error, there may be a bit of action required. Please ensure that your app is open, you are logged into your account, and that location services are enabled.

• Location Services and Permissions: 

Location services are required for Connected GPS to function properly. Please ensure that location services are enables, and set to "Always" if applicable. 

Permissions are requested upon setup of the tracker. Users who intend to use the Connected GPS feature should accept the permission requests. If you switch phones during the life of your Blaze, you'll be prompted to run through all of these permission requests again before being able to successfully use Connected GPS.

[MixedFarmer75]

I am having same problem, but I think I heard GATT is maybe coming in a future update.  I am guessing the July update, but do not know for sure,  Here is to hoping, I really wanted the gps function, and I really like WM.

[Rich_Laue]

When starting a run, you will want to wait until the arm buzzes and the message Let's Go.

When tour down rurn this mode off and sync.

It may take a few minutes or longer, but your walk should show under the tile with the runner. Tap there and accelerate down on the next page.

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks, Rich. That's how I did it and nothing logged. The only way I'm getting any kind of map is to start my activity in the app on my phone. That pretty much makes the watch useless for that purpose. And that in turn, makes the watch no better than the Charge HR I previously had. 😞

I'm pretty much ready to give up and return this one. Sad...I really love the look, feel and design of the Blaze. It just doesn't perform as expected.

[Rich_Laue]

@SunsetRunner, forgive me,  but I'm going to back track. 

When you start a run,

the Fitbit app is running in the background,

you get the connecting to phone,

the Lets Go.

Tap the arrow, or ptess the lower button to start.

Then the current run stats show?

If so i would try a reset of the Blaze,  then another run with the connected GPS. 

If it is still not working then reach out to Fitbit, they have the ability to look into the tracker and see what might be going on.

[SunsetRunner]

@Rich_Laue, Thanks. The first time, I had the app open to 'Exercise' and 'Tracking' but did not press start...just wanted to see that GPS was locked on. I then made sure the tracker was connected...got the 'Lets Go' and pressed start on the tracker. Never touched the phone again, just had it in my pocket. Afterward, I was able to see my stats on the tracker but no map in the app.

I tried this again without the app open on the phone. Even turned off GPS on the tracker afterward but still no map shows in the app. I've already tried resetting the Blaze and have tried multiple walks but it never maps.

I'll be making a last ditch effort by contacting Fitbit but it's not looking good so far! Thanks for the help, though. I really appreciate it!

[Rich_Laue]

Gps must be set to high accuracy,  amd use GPS, Cell Towers, and known Wifi. 

The app must be running, at least in the background. It won't hurt to have it open.

Support is able to see things that the user is unable to. 

Habing the app open to exercise is not going to show you anything about the Blazz and its connected GPS.

[Rontswan]

I'm using the WindowsPhone app. When I try to use the connected GPS, my Blaze just says "check Fitbit app" I have checked that location services are allowed. It's fine if I start the tracking from my phone but it doesn't work when I start the workout from my watch. Any ideas??

[Rontswan]

Ignore my post. Should have read more comments

[Shypetal]

I can't even get the music to work, it doesn't find that or the GPS functionality. TBH I am pretty disappointed. I have a new phone (Samsung S3 mini) so expected it to work. The device should have been launched with full comparability or with built in GPS. My Blaze doesn't do much more than the Alta, and shouldn't really be sold as having these features unless they are sure everyone can use them!

[Shypetal]

I have the S3 mini and have disappointed at the lack of availability of key features 😕

[SunsetRunner]

Update...I returned the Blaze and went back to the Charge HR. I can track on my phone and it was much cheaper to buy a running belt than to spend the extra $$ on the Blaze. I wish you all the best of luck with any problems you encounter!

[MiichaelD]

Hi, I wsa having problem trying to use the GPS on my Blaze while travelling, with no 4G or wifi AND having the always-connected option disabled to save battery. my guess is that you are not having this problems because you have the always-connected option on.

Since I wanted to use the GPS I didn't risk it again bc I like having maps of places I have been working out and had this problem twice, I always connected my phone to my fitbit while connected to the internet before going out for a walk or run.

[Jimmyisblessed]

I guess the lingering question is the Bluetooth compatipility with the Samsung Note 5. It still will not connect, yet it wiull connect with the GS7 (the latest Samsung Galaxy product). Im seriously considering returning my BLaze andI love it for a Garmin that is compatible if there is not a solution. I have read in previous posts that this is an issue and I wish I had known about this issue before purchasing. Any guidance or assistance would help.

[Jimmyisblessed]

Well for whatever reason for the past two days I could not get this phone to pair with the my Note 5 BT or BT classic. Today, i again folowed the steps and it decided to work! I'm now a happy Blaze owner! This fit tracker is simply awesome. Please disreagrd the previous post!

[ehansen1212]

Had a Fitbit One for 2 years and lost it, so I just purchased the Blaze. So far I am a miffed that an identical route which I took Sunday, and mapped by GPS with MapMyWalk logged 5.23 miles. Tonight with just the Blaze connected to my same phone's GPS, it mapped and recorded only 3.88 miles. Why would there be that much of a discrepancy if both are using the same phone's GPS? At this point I'm not trusting the Blaze stats. Am I the only having this issue, or is there a fix I can do? Thanks.

[Danianya81]

Hi all

I own a blaze and found my GPS was off my about  mile or so every run. Fitbit couldn't tell me a reason but i happened to ring my phone provider on an unrelated and mentioned it. Three told me to turn off my Wifi whenever i went on a run. This way my phone wasn't trying to pick up wifi everytime i picked up a signal instead it just used 3g for the whole run. Since then my runs have been bang on and i'm so glad as i was very close to swopping it in. Back to being a Fibit item i love

[Julia_G]

Hi, @Danianya81, thanks for that useful information!  

[Danianya81]

Hi I have just put an answer on put in case you don't see it. Try turning off your wifi. My runs were all out compared to the surge and it was driving me nuts. Turned off my wifi so my phone was constantly trying to connect and now it maps my runs perfectly. Hope it works for you!

[Baltoscott]

Good to know @Danianya81 - what phone are you using?

[Danianya81]

I'm using a Samsung galaxy s5 @Baltoscott apparently its a common problem with android and htc phones