GPS doesn't always connect

[lmacmil]

When I start a walk, sometimes the GPS connects within a few seconds after I get to the walk screen, sometimes after I've walked 50 or so yards and sometimes not at all.  I'm always standing in the same spot (in the middle of the street in front of my house) when I start the walk.  I walked a route today that I know is 2.3 miles and the tracker reported 1.83 miles (which tells me it used my step length which is clearly too short.)  Is this just the way it is or is there something I can do to make it connect reliably?  I'm using an iPhone 11 with the latest iOS and Fitbit app updates.

[Gr4ndp4]

Hi, @lmacmil, welcome, you will see a comment on GPS in How do I use GPS on my Fitbit device?  How accurate are Fitbit devices? Different devices produce different results you may find this video of interest.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

[lmacmil]

Thanks for the links but it wasn't any help.  It's been several days since it connected to my phone's GPS.  This thing is really erratic.  It's been way off measuring my heartbeat during my last couple of runs also.  If I'd paid for it, I'd be annoyed but since it was free with my health insurance I can't complain too much!

[Gr4ndp4]

Hi, @lmacmil, I think you have every right to expect your Fitbit Inspire 3 to function correctly regardless of how you got it. As you know your Inspire 3 uses your mobile phone's GPS to track your exercise. Check your phone's GPS settings, ensure the phone's battery saver is disabled for the Fitbit app, and that your Bluetooth connection is sound. You can see the resulting map & track once your "run" is "Finished" but not during the exercise. Your device displays pace & elapsed time while exercising & more information on completion while after syncing you can review the map on your phone. As explained earlier, results vary from device to device, my experience walking with my Inspire 3 is pretty good in a small market town & urban area (no NYC buildings here)

You mention your HR discrepancy but do not say what you are comparing the device results with. How do I track my heart rate with my Fitbit device? provides detailed information on issues.

If you are still stuck you can contact "Customer Support" using the chat facility or phone for a prompt response. Before starting your call it's a good idea to get all your ducks in a row so the agent can identify any problem accurately & quickly.

I hope this helps.

Cheers

[lmacmil]

I am in a suburban setting so no buildings to obscure the signal.  I have not changed phone settings either.  It just sometimes works, i.e., connects with the GPS, and sometimes doesn't.  As far as heart rate goes, my cheap tracker has shown a consistent heart rate during my runs of 134 to144 bpm for over 2 years.  For the first 10 days or so, the Inspire showed the same range.  Then my last couple runs, it showed 160+ even though my pace was the same as was my route.  So I'm chalking that up to the Fitbit and not some drastic change in my body.  Thanks for your help.