My device records about 400 steps less than my elliptical machine does for my 5000 step workout . .

[Tam-tam]

I do go backwards every once in a while . . . could that be the problem? I know the elliptical is correct as it counts each rotation (step) Any one else have this issue?

[SteveH]

Your fitbit only accurately tracks step based activities. For other activities, such as your elliptical, you need to manually enter the activity to get accurate results.

[Cybertekkno · Accepted solution]

I know that my Fitbit Flex does count steps going forward and sideways, but it does not count steps going backwards.  I agree with the prior suggestion to manually log the activity.

[clay_mccandless]

I have not had this issue, and I also train mostly on an elliptical. The only thing I can think of is if you set your stride length or not.

[slysam]

My Fitbit One definitely counts steps backwards, I sometimes take 5-6 steps forward and back while watching TV when I am close to my step goal or if I just want to test how well the fitbit counts my steps. It always counts my backwards walking and running steps. The tri-axis accelerometer in the One (and I thought other fitbit devices) tracks movement forward and back, side to side and up and down. I haven't tested this on the elliptical maybe there is something different in the backwards movement pattern?

[Tam-tam]

Thanks for all the responses. I've paid attention to my form when I go backwards on the elliptical and realize I go much faster backwards and almost in a circular pattern as opposed to an up down, step pattern.

[Cybertekkno]

I tried the Flex walking backwark with my phone app up and found that it did not log any steps and then started logging steps going forward.  I did this several times and it did not count any backward steps.

[slysam]

Interesting about the Flex not counting backwards steps. The One definitely does. It is interesting how the devices are different.

[GreenLight]

I do the elliptical and have never had an issue till today. Mine was off by over 1k steps and a mile and a half. No idea why it's not recording accuratly. I used their advice and tried to change my stride length, but can't figure out how to do it. 

[tooty]

I just tried  and the Flex definitely counted my backward steps mmm.

[RJB626]

Yesterday, Nov 5, my fitbit showed I did 18,351 steps. But on the web site it showed 17,XXX. How can that be? Included in yesterdays steps was 30+ flights of stairs, does fitbit ignore those steps when transferred to the website? I would think not because they are steps too.

thank you.

[Giraff59]

My Flex did not register backwards steps for me today. The S Health on my Samsung mobile phone registered about 1,000 extra steps than the Flex did. Guess I won't be doing that anymore!

[Donna_52]

I have the HR Charge and it works great on the treadmill, but is waaay off on my elliptical, that is frustrating. I did 800 calories and it said my workout was only 321 calories in 1hr and 10 minutes.

[DominicJ]

Because you dont "run" on an eliptical it has trouble counting steps, the C:HR should have no trouble tracking your heart rate and working out your calories from that.

[Nell42]

I was distressed that I had walked a mile carrying books in my arm with the fitbit attached and did not rack up any steps. Therefore, I was very interested when I  read your post. After experimenting with my Charge HR, I discovered today that if you dont swing your arms as you move, the steps do not record. However, if you stand and just swing your arms and not move your body, the armswings are recorded as steps. I would think that if you are on the eliptical or skis the count might be inaccurate due to not swinging the arm with the device on it as you would when walking. Just my 2 cents...