Charge 5 doesn't auto recognize Elliptical

[jeboone]

My Charge 3 display went bad and I just upgraded to the new Charge 5.  I typically check my heart rate with the monitor on the elliptical machine every 5 minutes.  The Charge 3 autorecognized my elipitical exercises without a problem.  It looks like I am having the same problem as reported above.  This is obviously a software change that was made in the detection algorithm.  I suggest that you have someone readjust the software.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[LizzyFitbit]

@jeboone Welcome to the forums.

I've moved your post to the Charge 5 board so you can receive more related responses. Thanks for the details provided and I'm sorry you're having this experience. Please know all our Fitbit devices including the Charge 5 use SmartTrack to automatically recognize certain exercises based on the continuous movement of your arms. Sometimes, motions such as placing your arms on the handles or stopping in the middle of an exercise may interrupt the activity tracking.

I understand how important this feature is for you and if you haven't done so, please restart your tracker to refresh its performance. Additionally, if you're using a machine with moving handles, place your arms on them and make sure your exercise last longer than the time set in the Fitbit app.

[tjd]

My charge 3 recently died and I was going to order a charge 5.  The reviews I saw said the charge 5 does not recognize elyptical exercise is that true?

[Wibby]

I just checked the list of exercise shortcuts you can set on your tracker, and elliptical is listed.  I think you'd probably have to choose it and then start and stop it around your session.  It may not recognize it automatically if you're not moving your arms much, so setting it manually is probably a good idea.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @tjd. It's good to see you around. @Wibby Thanks for your great help!

@tjd I'm glad you got the Charge 5, and for your research. As our friend mentioned, let me share that you've two options to track your activities. You can choose from 20+ exercise shortcuts available in the Exercise app to start and end your exercise. To learn more about this app, see this help article.

You can also use the SmartTrack function which allows your tracker to automatically recognize certain activities such as Elliptical based on the continuous movement of your arms. If you're using a machine with moving handles, I'd recommend to place your arms on them and make sure your exercise is longer than the time set in the Fitbit app. Please note that some motions such as stopping in the middle of an exercise may interrupt the activity tracking.

[RichardB1984]

I have the inspire 2 and don’t have this issue. I use the elliptical everyday and my Fitbit inspire 2 automatically detects the elliptical.  I was planning to upgrade to the charge 5. But i will not do so until this is fix. Has Fitbit fixed this issue with the charge 5?

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi there, @RichardB1984.

Thanks for joining this thread and sharing your feedback. As mentioned above, the Charge 5 is able to automatically track certain activities using SmartTrack. However, stopping in the middle of the activity, using the Exercise app, or if your activity doesn't last more than the time set in the Fitbit app will prevent your tracker from tracking your activity correctly.

In case you have any concern after acquiring the Charge 5, please provide me with more details so I can help you out. You can always contact our Support team for further assistance.