Charge 6 not tracking activities automatically

[EileenJessie]

Why has the auto detect feature on the Fitbit ceased since the last update? My swims were always detected but now it’s classified as rowing! It is impossible to scroll down through all the exercises to locate swim especially at the poolside and the watch face is not as responsive when wet!! Any help would be appreciated?

[EstuardoFitbit]

Hey there @EileenJessie, welcome to the Community. 

Thank you for contacting us about the issue with the Smart Track feature.

It's possible that the recent update may have changed the settings you've selected in the app. Please review the following instructions to ensure your settings are configured correctly: How do I track my activity with my Fitbit device?

[abitzsong]

I have the exact same problem as yours, and I think also there’s a lot of others experiencing this. My Charge 6 auto recognition died since the release of google watch 3. And after recent firmware update, there is a lot of other data not showing or incorrect. It is even worse than Charge 3 now. 
Google is killing the brand Fitbit gradually. App bugs, wrong translations and data corruptions are everywhere not being fixed.
I have bought every single Fitbit Charge, but I think this is the last one.

[LZeeW]

@EileenJessie   Fitbits auto recognize swimming using the SmartTrack feature, the one you adjust in the Fitbit app.  The recent firmware update included a feature that can auto detect certain exercises and it turns on the Exercise app.  Rowing is one of the added exercises.  Please do the following:

• Swipe left/right on your Charge 6 screen and open the Exercise app
• Look for Rowing machine
• Swipe up on the tiny "^" to go to the settings
• Look for Auto Start and toggle it off

This Auto Start feature is in six shortcuts: walk, run, hike, elliptical, rowing and spinning. You must change each one individually.

[Adameus]

What if I want to row afterwards?

My sense 2 is doing the same.  This is a bug that needs fixed.

[LZeeW]

@Adameus   I'm sorry that no one responded to your question.  You can always use the exercise app and start/end it yourself.  Toggling an Auto Start shortcut off can keep you from having the wrong activity recognized.

[usersjc]

Thanks @LZeeW 

I followed your instructions to toggle off the auto start option for the rowing exercise, and now my Charge 6 once again correctly identifies my swim and auto starts the swim exercise.

This solution was very difficult to find and took much searching through many false leads. It would be far better for new auto start options to be released in the “off” mode that could be toggled on by those who want it, rather than defaulting to “on” and confusing legions of existing users. 

[LZeeW]

@usersjc   You make a good point.  Fitbit put this update on other models, too.  Legions of users is a great description of the number of frustrated users.

I’m happy I could help you.