Inspire 3 didn't track my GPS data accurately

[lmacmil]

I walked with my wife this morning on her normal 2 mile route.  We both have Inspire 3s and started and stopped them at the same time.  The GPS connected on both at the start.  Our step counts were close and the time was within a second.  The GPS reported only about 1.5 miles.  My normal running route is 2.5 miles and it's been pretty accurate for my runs.  Could it be that inconsistent?  Or maybe it lost the signal and was using steps to calculate the distance.  Anyone experience accuracy or consistency issues with the GPS?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there, @lmacmil. Thanks for stopping by in the Community Forums and sharing the details about the inconvenience with your Inspire 3.

Bear in mind that hen you track an activity with GPS, your device calculates your distance using GPS data rather than steps. If you begin moving before you get a GPS signal, your device calculates distance using your steps until GPS connects.

For more information about GPS, see: How do I use GPS on my Fitbit device?

[lmacmil]

I waited until I got the GPS connected signal before I started my walk.  I'll see how it works on my run tomorrow.

[MarreFitbit]

@lmacmil Sure thing! 

I'll be around if you need further assistance. 

[lmacmil]

I ran today and the GPS wouldn't connect at the start and I don't think it ever connected (how can I tell?)  Looking back through my runs (I've only had the Fitbit for a week), only one time did my run data show a map, which I assume means the GPS was connected for the entire run.  I don't start until I am outdoors so I'm not sure why it's not connecting reliably.  Same thing for my wife's (also an Inspire 3).  Any suggestions?

Edit.  Does the Inspire 3 need a phone to record GPS data?  I do not take my phone with me when I run.  I assumed that when it says "GPS connected" that there's a built-in GPS.  Further reading indicates that it does need the phone.  When I saw "GPS connected" I was probably within range of my phone but as soon as I started my run, I lost the connection.

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

@lmacmil Please try these tips:

• Go outside; then connect to GPS and start your exercise.
• Make sure that your device can sync with the Fitbit app. For more information, see How do Fitbit devices sync their data?
• Confirm that the Fitbit app can use your phone's GPS sensors
• Confirm that the Fitbit app can use your location (Allow Location Access is set to Always). For instructions, see the Apple help article.
• Confirm that Background App Refresh is turned on for the Fitbit app. For instructions, see the Apple help article.
• Check that GPS is turned on for the exercise. Note that only exercises where you cover physical distance use GPS. For more information, see How do I turn on GPS for an exercise on my Fitbit device?
• Make sure that your phone is within 30 feet of your device.
• Note that heavily wooded areas and tall buildings can increase the time it takes to connect to GPS satellites.
  
  

If the inconvenience persists, please try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Force quit, and reopen the Fitbit app to refresh the connection with your device. For instructions, see the Apple help article
2. On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth off and back on.
3. Restart your phone.