Connected GPS Charge 5

[Gabbee]

My partner has a Charge 5 which she uses to track her walks. When she changed to a metal band, the built-in GPS no longer connects adequately (we've tried it both with and without the band). So it seems the answer is either to junk the band or use the 'connected' GPS mode with her Android cellphone (and I suspect she won't junk the band!)..

What concerns me is that she uses a separate tablet to sync the app to her Fitbit and download her walk data. So I have a few questions:

1. Is it possible to use the Android cellphone for the GPS connect, but still use the Android tablet for collecting and storing data?
2. If so, is it necessary to sync the phone to fitbit during the walk?
3. Is is necessary to have internet access on the phone during the walk?

Moderator edit: subject updated for clarity

[DavideFitbit]

Hi, it's good to see you around the community forums for the first time, @Gabbee. 

I appreciate the information provided about the Charge 5 and the GPS feature. 

When it comes to GPS, you have a few options with the Charge 5: 

• Dynamic: Your tracker sets the GPS type at the start of the workout. If you take your phone with you, your tracker uses your phone’s GPS sensors to map your route. If your phone is nearby but not moving when you start the exercise, your tracker uses built-in GPS.
• Built-in GPS: Your tracker uses built-in GPS sensors to track your route, pace, distance, and other stats. This option can reduce battery life on your tracker.
• Phone GPS: Your tracker uses your phone’s GPS sensors to track your route, pace, distance, and other stats. This option can help preserve battery life on your Fitbit device.

 All devices with GPS sensors require a direct path to GPS satellites to calculate location. A weak GPS signal might affect the accuracy of your route and other activity data. In particular, please make sure of the following: 

• That you are  in open sky and moderate trees
• Adjust how you wear the tracker when you want to use GPS 
• Make sure the Location in your phone settings is set to Always or All the time for the Fitbit app (if you're using connected GPS)

If you continue to experience the same behavior and your GPS is getting disconnected, make sure to try following the steps listed in this article to complete a restart, as this has been useful for other users experiencing something similar. Regarding your questions:

1. You can sync your device with any compatible phone or tablet and use the connected GPS as well. 
2. You don't have to sync constantly during your workout, but you can keep Bluetooth turned On so the device can communicate with the phone. 
3. Wi-Fi is not specifically required, but to use connected or phone GPS, make sure that Allow Location Access is set to Always or All the time for the Fitbit app on your phone.

[Gabbee]

I tried this (noting that I have a nylon band). Generally it was unreliable, with the GPS cutting out far more easily than when using the Built-In setting. It also made it more difficult to sync on my tablet (I never got it to work reliably). So I wouldn't consider using it for myself.

So I'm giving up on the idea. My partner insists on her metal wristband and is reasonably happy to work with an occasional map and otherwise step-based distance figures.

[DavideFitbit]

@Gabbee Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and experience with the Charge 5

Please know that our team is always working to enhance your experience and your feedback is an important part of that process. This helps a lot to continue working on improvements to products and services.