Can’t get the map from Interval workout

[Rach684]

I did a run today (intervals) which recorded perfectly on my ionic, using GPS. When I synced with the app the map would not show, although I can see it on the desktop dashboard. All I get is the spinning circle. It also hasn’t uploaded to strava, even though previous runs have. Scrolling down previous runs with maps have also turned into spinning circles. I am using the app on my iphone. I have tried all the obvious turning things on and off, deleting and installing the app again, checked I have latest iOS and app version. Any ideas anyone?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community @Rach684! To get a map for your interval training you need to make sure that GPS is turned ON.  For each exercise there is a default setting.  In the case of interval training, the default for GPS is OFF.

If you would like a map of your activity you will need to select your Interval Exercise from your Exercise shortcuts, and then click on the little gear icon (top left) there you can set GPS to be "On".

Once you have confirmed that GPS is ON and the timer is set to your preferred interval, then when you are ready to start just tap the screen and press the bottom right button when you see the "Let's go" screen.

Also, I'd like you to restart your Ionic and then make sure you're doing this procedure to track interval training. Since, your watch has GPS built-in you don't need your phone to track the map. 

At the end, after stopping your workout and syncing, you should see a map on your app.

If you keep having any issue, please provide me with an image of what you're getting when you track this activity without your phone. 

I'll be around, keep me posted! 

[Rach684]

I understand how the GPS works and it was on. The map has uploaded to the desktop site, it just won’t load on my Fitbit app on iphone and therefore won’t sync to strava. So it would seem that the problem sits with the app rather than the Ionic?  I attach a photo of what I have had since I synced the Ionic with the app. 

[MarreFitbit]

Thanks for the picture provided @Rach684! Let's try doing the following steps:

• Make sure that your Fitbit app is up-to-date. iOS is on version 2.75 as of today
• Log out of your Fitbit app
• Force quit the app
• Turn off the Bluetooth
• Shut off your phone and turn it on after 1-2 minutes
• Turn on the Bluetooth
• Log back into your Fitbit app
• Sync

As you know, the maps of your activities won't be shown immediately once Strava is selected, but it is necessary selecting each activity in order to access them. On your Ionic you will be able to see the last 10 workouts. For information about what data will be transferred between your accounts please check out this post. The following activities won't be synchronized to Strava:

• Non-GPS activities 
• Previously completed activities
• Duplicate activities—that is, if you already recorded an activity with Strava, a Fitbit activity that occurs at the same time won't sync.

Give this a shot and let me know the outcome! 

[Rach684]

Thanks for your suggestions. Tried all of that and it is still the same unfortunately.

[Iljaverweij]

Same problem here. A time ago the interval workout on the fitbit Ionic did not have the possibility to map gps. Now it has this ability, but it never synchronizes with Strava. And i never can download the tcx file from the fitbit website to upload the file myself to Strava, always get some kind of error. Very frustrating. Tried everything.

[Rach684]

It is frustrating. I would just record it as a run, but then I won’t get the interval timing. It is still just a map with a spinning icon in the centre now!

[Rach684]

Today I thought I would try some intervals and a straight run to see whether the GPS would sync. It did so straight away for the run and just a spinning circle for the intervals with gps. Fitbit, you need to fix this please, clearly a problem your end.

[SunsetRunner]

Hi Rach,

Could i ask you to check if you can download the TCX file for any of these Interval Training activities?

You need to log on to fitbit.com on a computer, then go to fitbit.com/activities, then select the interval activity and lastly select the menu with the 3 dots near the top right of the page and choose export TCX.

I believe that there is a fundamental issue with the Fitbit OS that does not allow for a proper creation of this TCX file meaning you don't get a map, and the workout will not sync to external providers like MapMyRun or Strava.

Thanks!

Gearóid

[Rach684]

Hi Gearóid

No I am unable to create the TCX file (I tried it before and have just tried again). It says that Fitbit are looking into this issue, when I try and get the 'unable to do this’ message.

The activity syncs to my desktop Fitbit profile with a map, but without the map on mobile devices and won’t sync to strava.

Rachel

[SunsetRunner]

Hey Rach,

We have a very similar, if not identical issue that I believe is rooted in how the activity is recorded and processed. 

I get a map on the Android app, but it does not sync to Strava and the TCX file is unavailable.

There is a very big issue here and Fitbit should be doing much more to address it. I have been trying to get information for weeks and have been involved in 2 different messaging threads with Fitbit employees @Gordon-C and @KateFitbit where I answered all their questions. Both seemed eager to send the issue to someone else but neither will take responsibility for getting it fixed. I haven't had a response 10 days about this issue.

It's very disappointing when you consider the cost of the devices.

Thanks a million for checking for me!

Gearóid

[Rach684]

It is disappointing as I do quite a bit of interval training, and I really want to be able to record it to my strava. I really don’t think it should be that much of an ask!

[KateFitbit]

@Rach684, @SunsetRunner this is currently a known issue on iOS, I've passed along both of your information to our team. At this time I don't have a timeline for fix, but will update this thread when I hear further. 

[JetHawk]

I am having the same problem. I just did two run/walk cycles using my ionic and the maps in the apps just spin. Is there an update to the fix.

[Fioolewj]

Same problem here On my IOS device.

With the interval next to the GPS that doesn’t work properly, it would-be nice to also set the sport you are going to do (bike instead of running) and to set multiple different intervals!

[Cairney17]

Hi there, did you ever manage to fix this? I cannot seem to get mine to work.  Thank you

[Cairney17]

How do I find the default settings?  The activity GPS is switched on, but I still cannot get it to work.  Thanks,

[Rach684]

No I am not aware that it has ever been fixed although they said they were working on it. I’ve had shin splints though so haven’t run any intervals for several weeks now.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Rach684]

So disappointed that months later I  thought I would have another try with intervals and gpd, but the issue is still not resolved. Defeats the point of being able to leave my phone at home (I have been using the run function so have to use my phone for interval timer. Poor show for an expensive fitness tracker.

[SunsetRunner]

@Rach684 you have to be patient. Fixing anything takes the Fitbit minimum of 2 years.