Auto-detect Cycling

[W4Kids]

How long do you need to wait in between cycling workouts to auto-detect each cycling workout individually?

Additionally, is there a certain intensity required for auto-detecting cycling events?

[LZeeW]

Hello @W4Kids and welcome to the Community Forum.  That time period isn't listed in any of the Help articles.  I don't think that a certain intensity is required.  Auto-detection depends on the accelerometer data patterns.

I want to clarify one thing, because you mention cycling workout.  Fitbit's auto-detection is for outdoor cycling, not a stationary bike.

[W4Kids]

I am unsure why my outdoor cycling events are auto-detecting as moderate activity events instead of cycling.

Also, can Fitbit charge 5 distinguish between events that occur directly after each other? For instance, biking for 10 minutes, followed by walking for 5 minutes followed by biking for 10 minutes.

[Wibby]

Hello @W4Kids 

Just looking at the Auto Detect setting for Outdoor Bike, you can change the setting, but the shortest time it will need to start to recognize it is 10 minutes.  You can see this by going into the App on your phone, tapping your profile picture, then Activity and Wellness, then Exercise.  If you change it, remember to sync afterwards.

It might be more practical to set up an Exercise Shortcut on your Charge 5 instead.  That way you can control it and press Start, Finish and Pause (I think). 

To do that, go to the Today screen in the App, tap your profile picture, then Charge 5.  Tap Exercise Shortcuts, choose one you don't use and remove it by swiping left.  Then you can tap on +Exercise Shortcuts and add Bike.  Remember to sync.  It should then turn up on your tracker and you will be able to control your cycling sessions yourself.