Charge 5 stops collecting gps data mid-run

[simonh1000]

In the last couple of weeks my fitbit has developed the annoying habit of stopping collecting GPS data during a run - there is a red arrow icon showing at this stage in the Fitbit. It seems to be associated with taking a pause, and I think I have all of the auto-stop/restart options turned off.

The fitbit continues to measure my distance and passes that info to strava, but none of the waypoints are available so the map is incomplete

[EdwardEth]

I have also been having issues with GPS drop outs on my Charge 5. I did a walk the other day where the GPS started fine, but after a pause for lunch did not resume again at any point. I have also had many issues with GPS never establishing at the start of activities.

[flat]

I was walking today and Charge 5 stopped recording my walk before I finished and the screen went to the time. When I did my bike ride, the Charge also stopped recording and went back to the time. I live in Florida and wear long sleeve sun shirts, but today is when the problems started.

Suggestions?

[Dilitt]

Same here gps stops working and you haven’t even stopped. 

[dnewman651]

I'm a new user of Fitbit but I've used other sportwatches too. I'm linked with Strava as well. Two bike rides in recent weeks show correct time in motion but incorrect distances and truncated maps. The GPS appears to have shut off part way into the recording. Strava never drops when I use it to track routes. I see lots of posts from other people complaining about dropped GPS from this and other Fitbit watches....Is this just an example of getting what I paid for as in a cheap device gets me crap data? Should I have stepped up to a more expensive watch from Polar or Garmin? 

[EdwardEth]

Unfortunately it seems so. I've had no helpful feedback from support on dealing with the GPS issues with my Charge 5. All of the feedback boils down to using phone GPS, making sure it's charged(? Not sure how that could be a factor) and a few tips to ensure it's connected before you start, with no mention of the fact that if it loses connection mid exercise it doesn't seem to regain it. I think that's the crux of the issue, not how often it loses connection but the fact that it doesn't reestablish reliably.

[AndyJakarta]

I am noticing this with my new Charge 5, an issue I rarely had with Charge 4. However it seems to be on a particular run I do and on others its okay. I have tried switching between dynamic and built in GPS but this doesn't seem to make much difference. It drops out and roughly the same point on the run and I am assuming its due to poor GPS signal (but related to the Charge 5 sensor as it doesn't occur with my phone or Charge 4). 

I suspect it has to do with the GPS feature in the Charge 5 being less 'strong' as I notice it dropping out at other points and leading to inaccurate distance calculation. 

I use the Fitbit GPS as I don't like carrying my phone while running but may have to reconsider that now.