GPS not accurate Charge 5

[ShadowNinja]

I got the Fitbit Charge 5 solely for the built in gps, but when ever I am running and using the Fitbit Charge 5’s built in gps, not my iPhones gps, but when I look at the stats the gps shows it is really inaccurate.

Also if I wear the Fitbit tightly, the Fitbit gps loses connection, but if I wear it loosely, the gps connects but the heart rate is inaccurate.

please fix.

Moderator edit: subject updated for clarity

[DavideFitbit]

Hi, thank you for sharing this information about the problem you've been experiencing with your Charge 5, @ShadowNinja.  

If the GPS is getting disconnected during your activity, the Charge 5 may track different information for the the distance. If you haven't done so already, please make sure to follow the steps suggested in this article to improve GPS accuracy. 

Keep in mind that 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. Your device uses your step count to calculate distance until it finds a signal, so the total distance calculated for a workout may be slightly less accurate when GPS isn't available for the entire time. 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 three pulse restart using the charging cable, as this has been useful for other users experiencing something similar. 

[KevinDuganJr]

I was using GPS Dynamic setting on my Fitbit Charge 5. Yesterday, I switched it to GPS Phone and it was accurate. I also use MapMyRun at the same time. I was ready to toss my Fitbit in the trash up until yesterday. The suggestion by Fitbit to wear it loose to improve GPS, no trees, etc, just really bothered me. Especially when they say for more accurate Heart Rate you should have it snug/firm. Basically saying if you have to choose between accurate GPS or more accurate Heart Rate monitoring. When I bought my device, I didn't know I was paying for an either or situation. 

[DavideFitbit]

@KevinDuganJr Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback and your experience with this. It's good to know the connected GPS feature is working for you. 

The team continues to work to improve the quality of products and your feedback is an important part of that process. 

[KevinDuganJr]

lol great timing for you to reply to my message because my Fitbit Charge 5 died yesterday. Screen had flickered for few days, went solid white/yellow, but still tracked sleep, steps, etc -- until yesterday. I think that might be my last Fitbit. We'll see though!

[DavideFitbit]

@KevinDuganJr Thank you for your feedback and for your reply confirming that your screen is now unresponsive. 

If you already tried to complete the 3 pulse restart procedure and you continue to experience the same problem, please try these additional steps that have been useful for other users:  

1. Please follow these steps in case you're having trouble to charge your device. 
2. Please sync your device in the Fitbit app by tapping your profile picture > Charge 5 > Sync Now.
3. If you  can't sync, tap on your profile picture > Charge 5 > Tap to see if a firmware banner appears. 
4. If it's still unresponsive, please try changing the clock face as well and check if you're able to see anything on the display. 

[KevinDuganJr]

Thank you, but it's destroyed. I tried to heat up the face and pull the screen off to replace it. I over heated it though. Whoopsie! 😁  If I were to try and fix it, I would have to replace the screen that I "burnt" and it's not really worth the $30 plus time/effort to fix.

[DavideFitbit]

@KevinDuganJr Thanks for the update. 

I'm sorry to see the device is destroyed, please know that all your feedback about the product is really appreciated. 

[KevinDuganJr]

You're welcome. It was a nice little device at times. 

[DavideFitbit]

@KevinDuganJr No problem!