Built in gps not working properlyj

[RaviPod]

• The built in gps does not work properky.  It works only sometimes rarely.  Even in opennplaces without trees or buildings.  Please sort this out asap

[N8teGee · Accepted solution]

Hi @RaviPod

Unfortunately this is a hardware limitation with the device. The antenna placement is at the back of the watch (the part that makes contact with your wrist). Obviously this is less than ideal for a system that relies on clear line of sight to function correctly.

This can't be fixed as it's a design limitation. Although the software fix already exists, this is the option to set the GPS as dynamic or phone (uses your phones GPS). Obviously this means that you would need to carry your phone with you during your activities which kind of defeats the point of having built in GPS. 

[Triletics]

@N8teGee builtin GPS on Charge 6 is beyond useless but dynamic and phone modes are not that much better. Dynamic never acquired connection for me. The only mode that works kind of correct is "phone" mode but here's another issue - Fitbit app power consumption is through the roof. On 2hrs run nearly 50% battery is gone on my Samsung Galaxy S23+ (other apps using GPS don't use this much power). The connection between phone and Charge 6 also seems to be often unstable and even in "phone" mode I end up seeing message "GPS off" and that's it, not trying to reconnect. Today, I raced London Winter Run 10k and no map at all 🤷 I don't think there was ever a Fitbit with such a bad GPS feature. If there was no any GPS support, that would make no difference because what is now is totally useless. It has other implications like cardio score can't be tested to be a single number because no run is recorded with fully working GPS. You remember that initially I had rather good opinion about Charge 6 and hoped that device would improve. After all those months, my opinion shifted and this is the worst Fitbit I have ever owned.

[CareyS]

Do you know if the built in antenna placement was different in Charge 5?

I just replaced my 5 with the 6 because the 5 just kept shutting off with no way to turn it back on during exercise.

  - Carey