The Fitbit Charge 5 is a FAILURE.

[GuruChaz]

From the looks of all the posts here, I think I would rather have the Charge 3.   How does a product get worst with the newer iterations?   This thing will not track sleep and Fitbit isn't taking any action to fix it.

[GuruChaz]

I now wish I had bought a Garmin vivosmart 4 and now I can't get my money back.

[Easytimes-Here]

My third Charge... before that two Flex models and a One. All have been short lived, but at least there was help to be had. Haven't even had this Charge 5 a year following a Charge 3 and 4... now, this wonder-5 only sporadically updates hourly exercise and sleep. Until someone comes up with a decent tracker, I think I will shut down everything but total steps and water intake. Their sleep algorithms have no similarity with any reality with the exception of one of Jupiter's moons. If I keep buying this junk, they will just keep making it, and it will never become the fitness tools we really want. I am now considering a simple pedometer and a note pad... simple and accurate without all the bells and whistles, and severe aggravation, knowing I gave this much money for simple minded junk.

[SunsetRunner]

Personally owning several devices (including the mentioned vivosmart 4), I have found most issues (like in this case sleep tracking) occur while wearing the device on (or near) the wrist bone (or just simply too loose). Regardless, it impairs the ability to acquire consistent data resulting in not providing score/result in the dashboard.

I understand your frustration, if you share some details/questions I may be able to provide some insight. Can't guarantee if it will be useful though. 🙂

Have a good week!

[brandon05w]

I regret getting the Charge 5. The GPS NEVER connects and when it does it just drops out during my exercise. The main reason I got it was for the built in GPS but it is a complete FAILURE!!! I reached out to Fitbit and they just recommend common sense things like make sure the sky isn't cloudy or don't wear it too tight. They offer no real solutions.

[brandon05w]

I had the Vivoactive 3 and loved it but it broke (my fault) so I bought the Charge 5 because of the built in GPS and price. What a huge mistake.

[SunsetRunner]

In the past when I have experienced GPS lock issues the following has proved to be useful for me:

• First, after I received the last firmware update (or after any major firmware update) - I disconnect the fitbit from my smartphone (forget bluetooth device in smartphone settings) and then perform a factory reset on the fitbit itself (settings > device info > clear user data).  I found major firmware updates (not to be confused with app updates) on most devices perform better from a "clean slate". Also make sure device is removed from fitbit app.
• Prior to doing built-in GPS activities, I charge my device up. The Charge 5 has approximately a 5 hour lifespan on built-in GPS mode so I try to have at least 80% battery or better.  I notice that trying to initiate a GPS lock on a battery less than 80% can be more problematic.  Once a GPS lock has occurred when the battery level is high the lock seems to be stable as it drains below 80%.