Fitbit does not register mph average mpg or distance after a bike ride

[qstv]

My Fitbit does not register mph, average mpg or distance after a bike ride. Am I doing something incorrect? It records everything else like heart rate, calories burned, etc.

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity.

[NellyG]

@qstv  Are you using connected GPS during your bike ride (there are only some Fitbits that have this ability)? If you are not then the Fitbit will have no way to know how far youve gone or your speed.

[qstv]

Hello Nelly, thanks for your quick response. I'm using connected GPS on my Versa watch and carry along my mobile and use Strava to map my routes and speed. I'll try again today, maybe it was a glitch. Be safe out there.

[RossJones]

Does the Charge 2 have this capability if it is connected to an iPhone?

[Baltoscott · Accepted solution]

@qstv — make sure you have actually connected to your phone.  (I.e., start a bike activity from your Versa, and wait until it indicates it has connected.  Then, at the end of the ride, end the activity on the watch.

If you are also running Strava on your phone for the same ride (and have linked Strava with Fitbit) keep in mind that you will have two apps pulling GPS info (Fitbit and Strava).  Both will run their own algorithms to calculate distance, speed, etc.  They may report slightly different numbers.

@RossJones — yes, the Charge 2 has connected GPS.  Have a look at the manual at about page 23 or so.

Hope that helps.

[qstv]

Thanks for the tip, operator error it appears. It now works.

[emili]

@qstv .. that's great- so pleased you are up and running. If Nelly or Scott helped answer your question, consider marking their reply as a solution to help others find the answer in a similar situation. 

[Suzy2guns]

I have the same problem. GPS is connected, I get mph and distance if inhave my android phone unlocked with the fitbit app open. Once I lock my phone and put it in my pocket it stops tracking data. Why??

[Heybales]

That is phone dependant - some stop the GPS when locked - they figure you must not be using it if you just turned the screen off and locked it.

If you use Google maps (on android) and have it going on some directions somewhere, and lock the phone the same way - does it keep working?

Like when you unlock to view the map does it have you instantly on at the correct spot on the map, or does it have to update first and move the map around?

Search phone forums to see if there is a way around it - some Android phones allowing going into a developer mode settings - and you'll find settings such as that you can enable.

[Suzy2guns]

Thanks...so far I've found this and will see if it works.
Unfortunately most Android phones have their own Battery saving mechanism to close "unnecessary" tasks to run on the background. This cause the GPS to shut down by the phone mechanisms while the screen is locked.You should be able to fix the problem by changing power saving settings. These settings vary between phone models and OS versions but it should go somewhat like this with most common device brands.Generally for most this should help:1. Turn off System Settings > Apps > Gear Icon > Special Access > Battery Optimization.2. System Settings > Device management > Battery > Sports Tracker > enable/allow app to work on the background3. System Settings > Device management > Battery > Google Maps > enable/allow app to work on the background