Step counter is totally inaccurate Charge 5

[Tipperary]

Got the Charge 5 on Sunday evening. On Monday I spent the day working at the desk at most maybe a walked 800 steps at absolute most. It tracked me for over 11,000 ??? I feel really cheated as sole purpose for purchasing was to use as a step counter and for tracking calories burnt swimming so it’s futile unless it’s going to provide greater accuracy 

Moderator edit: subject updated for clarity

[DavideFitbit]

Hi, welcome to the Community forums, @Tipperary.  

I appreciate all the information that you've shared about this problem you're experiencing with your Charge 5. 

Keep in mind 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. 

Before considering other options, and if you still consider the steps are not accurate, please make sure that you've tried the restart procedure as described in this article, then check if you continue to experience the same behavior. In the meantime, you can find more useful information about the accuracy of Fitbit devices and how to adjust your stride length and dominant hand settings here. 

I'll be around.