GPS not working during activity on Charge 5

[Jwmf]

Gps turns off during tracking activity

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity. 

[ShadowNinja]

Are you exercising with your phone with you, because if y  ou y are then the Fitbit will automatically go to connected gps (using your phones gps) to save power, but if your not exercising with you phone it could be that you are exercising in a place with a lot of trees or buildings so the Watch can’t connect to the satellite, fitbits gps is kinda bad so y’a, if it’s on connected gps however make sure your app permissions are on “always” for location services. I can’t find a YouTube video how to do so, but I sure if you can look hard enough you can find one.

have a good day

[Jwmf]

Thanks, will look at app permission

[ShadowNinja]

Oh by the way are you using iPhone or android?

[charleskn]

Are you using the tracker GPS, or your phone's GPS?

When the tracker loses the GPS connection for a certain amount of time, it gives up trying to reconnect.

If you're using the phone's GPS, I had a similar issue and it was due to the apps settings on the phone, which were restricting background usage, and sleeping apps running in the background to save battery power. I had to (if I remember correctly) change my battery settings to never sleep the fitbit and the other app.

[Jwmf]

Am using Andriod

[ShadowNinja · Accepted solution]

 so since your ok android I found a YouTube video on how to fix that. The video is about the workout intensity map but he talks about the gps turning off in the video, it dosent matter that the video is about the Fitbit versa 2 not t he charge 5, because the trouble shooting is the same, hope this video Helps and please keep me updated on this thread so that we can help fix the gps issue on the charge 5

• https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7lTslZm6Z98 

[Jwmf]

Everything working except tracking map, did phone chat with fitbit today, suggested turning off charge 5 , back on then report further,  will see what happens next run.

[ADMcF]

Did Fitbit also advise you to loosen the strap. Apparentlly the GPS and presumably Bluetooth receiver is under the watch and signal drops out if the strap is too tight! This means your heart rate data becomes less accurate. Sadly it appears that Fitbit GPS tracking data is never that accurate. I am currently contemplating returning the Charge 5 for this very reason. Pity they don't offer a cheaper version without GPS.

[charleskn]

One of the prime competitors for the Charge 5 has no internal GPS, and has to use the phone's GPS. At that point, configure the Charge 5 to use the phone GPS and be done with it. That's what I do since I keep my phone for tunes.

To my knowledge, fitbit has never suggested loosening the strap for GPS issues.

[ADMcF]

I have tried using phone GPS with Fitbit previously on Charge 3 and the results were not accurate.by 10-15%. If Fitbit charge top wack for a tracker with GPS, it should work. I will stick to using Runkeeper on my phone until I can find an accurate tracking Smart watch that won't break after 2 years use. (I was replacing the Charge 3 with the 5 because the screen became illegible in anything other than a darkened room. Not a happy Fitbit user!

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2021/09/fitbit-charge-5-in-depth-review.html#:~:text=Simply%20put%20%E2%....

This comprehensive review describes in great detail the issues with the strap on the charge 5.

Time for me to move on and stop grumbling.

[SunsetRunner]

I'm having the same issue.  It worked for 2 days after the update but since then it just does a straight line.  Also what has been 4 miles for the last 4 months is now short by almost a half mile.

[Jwmf]

No they didn't, will also try that

[ShadowNinja]

@charleskn the charge 5 does have a built in gps, it is shown in the Fitbit website and you can connect the C 5 to gps without cell phone.

[charleskn]

@ShadowNinja I didn't say the Charge 5 did not have internal GPS. I mention that one of the main competitors to the Charge 5 doesn't have internal GPS, and requires a phone. Sorry if that was unclear. I mentioned it as @ADMcF mentioned about a tracker without internal lGPS.

[ShadowNinja]

Oh thank you for clarifying 

[Jwmf]

Went first run today, still shows gps off after a couple of minutes,  shows distance, etc, but no map tracking, any more suggestions 

[SunsetRunner]

I restarted my fitbit and changed GPS from phone to dynamic and now it works again.Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device

[charleskn]

The the GPS initially connects and appears to be working and then disconnects?

Are you locking your phone and putting it somewhere? I so, try a walk around the block, but keep your phone out and the fitbit app open until you finish.

[Jwmf]

Will give that a try again