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Charge 5 doesn’t record distance for open water swimming.

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‎08-23-2022 21:15

‎08-23-2022 21:15

Very disappointed to learn that open water swimming is not supported by new Charge 5. Swims must be entered as lengths of pool. The gps will not track my distance swim in open water. 

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‎08-24-2022 05:45

‎08-24-2022 05:45

@SD1234   I think you might get some helpful information from this article: Openwater Swim GPS Test Extravaganza Results, because he really explains the limitations of GPS in open water.  There is one thing that you can try.  The Charge 5 has an Outdoor Workout exercise shortcut that is designed for non-step based activities like kayaking.  It has GPS.  Whether it will work or not depends on how quickly your Charge 5 reconnects to GPS when your arm is out of the water.  I suspect you will be disappointed.  Fitbits with built in GPS seem to take a long time to connect.  I don't think you'll get the same results as the smartwatches in the article.  But it's worth a try -- please come back your results.

Laurie | Maryland
Sense 2, Luxe, Aria 2 | iOS | Mac OS

Take a look at the Fitbit help site for further assistance and information.

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3 REPLIES 3

‎08-24-2022 04:14

‎08-24-2022 04:14

Hi, @SD1234, welcome, I think you will find that most wearable trackers are unable to track GPS in the open water as the signal stream is disrupted by submersion.

Cheers

Gr4ndp4 | UK
AWAKE! for morning in the bowl of light has cast the stone that set the stars to flight.

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‎08-24-2022 05:45

‎08-24-2022 05:45

@SD1234   I think you might get some helpful information from this article: Openwater Swim GPS Test Extravaganza Results, because he really explains the limitations of GPS in open water.  There is one thing that you can try.  The Charge 5 has an Outdoor Workout exercise shortcut that is designed for non-step based activities like kayaking.  It has GPS.  Whether it will work or not depends on how quickly your Charge 5 reconnects to GPS when your arm is out of the water.  I suspect you will be disappointed.  Fitbits with built in GPS seem to take a long time to connect.  I don't think you'll get the same results as the smartwatches in the article.  But it's worth a try -- please come back your results.

Laurie | Maryland
Sense 2, Luxe, Aria 2 | iOS | Mac OS

Take a look at the Fitbit help site for further assistance and information.

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‎03-24-2023 13:52

In response to LZeeW

‎03-24-2023 13:52

Thanks for your explanation re:open water.  My 1.25 mile swim recorded as 77 yards this morning (set on swim).  I'll try outdoor exercise next time, but would like to know if I can MANUALLY enter the total distance and estimated calories in my statistics.  Also, if I set it on outdoor exercise, do I also need to turn on waterproofing for my swims?  Thank you!

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