Step count inaccurate

[jspraggs]

My Blaze is only counting 75% of my steps. I have done multiple checks on this so I know that number is correct. 

I've been wearing it with my Garmin Vivofit, which is spot on. Yesterday I did several different step tests with both, 100 steps three times and when I was skeptical I did 300 steps three times. My Blaze was off every single time. 

Someone on these boards keeps telling people with this problem to change the stride length, but really? How does that improve the step count? A step is a step whether it's 3 inches apart or 3 feet apart. And as a matter of fact, the Blaze and the Vivofit have only been .02 of a mile off all day, so yea, I'll not be adjusting the stride length, thanks anyway. That's not the issue. I also have restarted it (held the left and bottom right buttons) no less than a dozen times. It's easy to do so I do it whenever I think about it just to see if it will help. It doesn't. 

I called customer service and they had me restart it again and had me do the whole "walk 50 steps" test and of course when it was only slightly off he gave me a lecture on how there will be a +/- on the step count, wait two days and email back if I needed anything else. The conversation was so frustrating that I gave up. What's the point?

I'm reading on the boards that people are letting their Blazes go and going back to whatever they were using before, but that's not a good solution, it seems like bad business. I really like my Vivofit a lot but I also really like the features that come with the Blaze, and wish I could be excited to use it. But the inaccuracy of the steps are really bringing the whole thing down. I can't even participate in challenges because who wants to work their butt off to be second to last?

I'm lucky enough to have gotten this as a gift but feel bad that I don't even want to use such a generous gift. 

It it looks like this issue has been going on for at least a year and the only suggestions the moderators give are to restart and do a step test. But is that really it? Is Fitbit not going to fix this issue? I don't want to throw my Blaze in a drawer and not use it. That seems like such a disappointing waste of such a potentially great product.

Is there anything that can be done at all?

Moderator edit: Clarified subject

[Rich_Laue]

The Blaze was only released 12 months ago. Have you also tried a shutdown of your Blaze? 

Mine was pretty close before the upgrade, barely within the advertised 5%, haven't had the time to check it yet? 

[jspraggs]

I did, and I did it again when I read your reply. Maybe I'll give them another call. 

Mostly I want to know if anyone has had this issue resolved by any of the suggestions Fitbit suggests or is it a lost cause. 

[TSperl]

I'm having the same problems! I  just walked 60 steps down the hallway and it only counted 37.  Like you, I get that there's a +/- thing, but we're talking a 62% accuracy?  And coming from the Charge HR, this thing is TERRIBLE when it comes to accuracy of steps.  I also measured and adjusted my stride because I heard that would fix it, but it has not.  I haven't called yet... wanted to check out the forums first and see if there were any tricks, but you're right, I actually PAID for mine and am really grumpy that it's not working.  Guess Ill call them!  You're not alone, though, is the point I wanted to make.  I have 3 other people in my office with Blaze's and theirs all work perfectly fine, so i really think it's mine. 

[SoulPhyre]

I just tested mine, again.  I counted 230 steps, my Blaze only counted 130.  Yesterday I walked 4.3 miles according to the map my fitness app (which has always been accurate based on mapped trails I've done) and the blaze only gave 2.4 miles and 5400 steps.  Someone please tell me how to fix this.  I've adjusted my stride.  I'm at a loss.

[AlejandraFitbit]

It's great to see you here @SoulPhyre and thanks for troubleshooting this by yourself.

Have you tried to restart your Blaze? If you haven't, I recommend trying the restart procedure. After this process, test your tracker. 

Let me know how it goes. 

[meresydotes]

@jspraggs This is a known bug and Fitbit just isn't interested in fixing bugs. The problem is, for whatever reason, the Blaze only counts about 70% of steps if you swing your arms a lot when you walk/ run. Fitbit knows about this issue and just doesn't care. I've actually had this problem since before the Blaze was released - I had a Charge HR that did the same thing. I'm managed to train myself to not swing my arms so much, because I'm stupid and a slave. Some people are reporting that it counts better if you wear it on your non-dominant wrist and set it to dominant in the app.

[Prof]

Mine is also off about 30%. Checked it with my old One. I bought it and may just ask to exchange back for the Charge HR that I had before. It worked great.

[acemcc]

I have exactly the same problem with my new Blaze. I estimate +30% deviation. I have worked hard to keep up and now I know why. Fix it Fit Bit

[Ralqassab]

I have the same issue with my fitbit blaze. The blaze only counts 70% of my steps!! The next time I have to buy a fitness watch, it won't be a FitBit. I've had it for over a year and all solutions don't work.

[acemcc]

I have the same problem with the Blaze missing up to 30% of my steps depending on the intensity of my walk. Fitbit sent me a new unit but would not say if the problem had been fixed or not!

Sent from my iPhone

[jspraggs]

So, update: I wear the Fitbit in my bra and get a better count, however it's about 10% above what I actually step. I don't know if that result is any better. 

This wont help the guys out there unless you want to update your wardrobe. 🙂 

*this got tagged as a solution and it is definitely not!

[jspraggs]

Deleted 

[Rich_Laue]

I simply press start walk, go for my walk. Let my arms swing naturally , or my Fitbit arm in fromt of looking at the phone. I count off a thousand steos, the Blaze is off 10 steps. Now if i only walk 100 steps, the Blaze is still off the same 10 steps.

[acemcc]

I've calibrated my Blaze by counting steps as I walk slowly. It was accurate. It is only when I walk fast with a more vigorous use of my arms, that it fails to count properly.
Sent from my iPhone

[Stevereno]

Same here, very accurate walking in the house, but when going for a walk outside, i get only about 70% of my steps counted.