issue with the distance tracking

[Emort]

an issue with the distance tracking on my Fitbit device. As you can see in the attached screenshot, I completed a 6 km run, but the device only recorded 4 km. This discrepancy is both frustrating and demotivating, especially when I rely on accurate tracking to monitor my progress.

I expect my Fitbit to provide reliable data, and this kind of inaccuracy undermines my trust in the device. Could you please look into this issue and let me know what might have caused it? I’d also appreciate any steps you can suggest to prevent this from happening again.

[Julia_G]

Hi, @Emort , there are two ways that Fitbit uses to detect distance: gps tracking and estimating distance using stride length.  Generally speaking GPS tracking is more accurate.  Your post does not indicate which method you used so I will provide information about both methods.

The Inspire 3 does not have a built in GPS chip, but instead relies on the chip in your phone using “connected GPS”.  Reasons that your run distance may be incorrect is if your Fitbit loses connection with the phone part way through a run or if your phone itself loses GPS connection (this can be due to physical conditions, for example tall buildings or significant tree cover blocking the signal).  Accuracy will also vary depending on your phone.

If you do not have connected GPS set to launch for your run, then the distance is calculated based on your stride length multiplied by the number of steps.  This will always, of course, be an estimation as few people have an entirely consistent stride.  Fitbit automatically estimates your stride based on height and sex.  You can view this estimate and edit it in your app.  Please tap on your profile picture/gear icon in the upper right of your app and look in the Settings section for Activity & Wellness > Exercise > swipe all the way up to Stride Length to make your changes.

Please note that most people have a different stride length for running than for walking.  To calculate your personal running stride length go to a measured area such as a track and run along it counting your running steps as you go.  Then divide the total distance you ran by the number of running steps to calculate your stride length.  Then edit the info in your Fitbit app as described above.

I hope this helps.  Good luck with your running progress!

[Emort]

Hi @Julia_G 

Thanks for the detailed explanation — really helpful!

I use stride length for day-to-day tracking, and I switch to the app with connected GPS when I do specific exercises like running. I’ll definitely double-check my stride settings in the app and try recalculating it using your method on a track. That sounds like a great way to improve accuracy.

Would it be better to leve the device at home when doing runnin an soly using the phone when on a exesise?

Appreciate the tips and support!

[Julia_G]

Hi, @Emort , I suppose it might help just to take your phone when running if distance is your main focus.  In both cases it is your phone that determines the distance if you use GPS.  The only difference is that you don’t have the potential issue of Fitbit dropping the connection with your phone.  I honestly don’t know how much that happens these days.  When connected GPS first came out I also was doing some running training and I found it very disappointing because the connection almost always dropped and I would get about the first 10 minutes or so of my run - as you say very disappointing and demotivating.  My understanding is that the system is much more robust now (though I have not tested this myself).  And if you do decide to leave your Fitbit at home you will lose what seems to me very valuable other data for running like your heart rate! (And also updated estimates for cardio load, fitness levels etc.  

On balance I would say keep your Fitbit and continue experimenting with connected GPS while also considering updating your running stride in the app.  If the Fitbit does lose GPS connection it will revert to stride length to calculate distance.