Charge 5 isn't tracking my data accurately

[Justinethomps]

I’ve just started using the Fitbit but my miles, steps and calories used seems very high.  I’ve got steps before I’ve even got out of bed.  

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[DramaQueenDiva]

Hi @Justinethomps ,

I can't really answer for the steps, but in terms of the calories, it's all based on your BMR, your Basal Metabolic Rate.  You can find out more about it here .

[DACox]

I’m frustrated with the same thing.  The response does not help me at all.  

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @Justinethomps. Welcome to the Fitbit Community Forums. Thanks for the details provided in your post about the issues with your Charge 5. @DACox Thanks for stopping by. I understand how you must be feeling. @DramaQueenDiva I appreciate your help!

Regarding the steps, please keep in mind that Fitbit devices have a finely-tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for intensity and motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking and running. When working at a desk, cooking, or performing other activities with arm movements, a device on your wrist may add some steps. When you’re doing activities that involve arm movement—such as working or cooking—you often walk a few steps in-between stationary periods as well, so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added by arm-based movement isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats. 

For additional information, see Does the wrist I wear my device on affect the accuracy? and What can I do if my step count seems inaccurate?

As for the steps upon waking up, this is due to Fitbit devices may register movements or restlessness as steps when you're wearing your Fitbit device while you sleep. The number of steps typically measured during these periods is minimal, and should not offset your overall fitness progress. Any steps taken to and from other rooms during the night will also be tracked.

Speaking about your miles/distance, please note when you track an activity with GPS, your device calculates your distance using GPS data rather than steps. If you begin moving before you get a GPS signal, your device calculates distance using your steps until GPS connects.

To update your stride length, track a run with GPS or measure your stride length manually. For more information, see Can I change my stride length in my Fitbit account?

For more information about GPS, see: How do I use GPS on my Fitbit device?

About your calories, have you recently updated your profile settings such as height, age etc.)? I'd double check your personal information to see if your weight and height were properly set, it may worth the try. To update your profile, see How do I change the units of measurement in my Fitbit account?

Fitbit devices combine your basal metabolic rate (BMR)—the rate at which you burn calories at rest to maintain vital body functions (including breathing, blood circulation, and heartbeat)—and your activity data to estimate your calories burned. 

Your BMR is based on the physical data you entered in to your Fitbit account (height, weight, sex, and age) and accounts for at least half the calories you burn in a day.