GPS Sync Issues

[ScottyDontKnow]

Background: 

Purchased my Ionic May of 2018. Overall its been a positive experience. I bought my Ionic because I wanted to be able to GPS track my runs without worrying about starting an app on my phone, putting it away, running, pulling the phone back out, etc. 

To this point, I've had occasional GPS issues but they generally pass. This is the first time I've experienced major failures several days in a row.

Everything was fine up until this past Sunday. I started a new run through the menu options and went off, not realizing GPS hadn't sync'd. After 14.5 miles (really closer to 14.2 or so) it still hadn't connected. Went for a run Monday, same issue. Ran about 1.2 miles, stopped running and the workout, saved the data, and rebooted the watch. Started another run, same, no GPS sync. 

Tuesday I tried again, no sync. So instead I left the run workout and just started running. It auto-detected my run and BOOM, GPS worked too. This worked similarly for my runs Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Thursday I tried to start a run through the menu again, and after a couple minutes GPS connected. It worked through the entire run, so I figured the issue had maybe past. 

Come to today, nothing worked. Starting a run exercise through the watch menu, no sync. Started a run to see if it would auto-detect the workout, nothing. So about .6-.7 miles into my run, I started a run through the menu. I ran about 3.5 miles and then GPS finally kicked in and worked for the remainder of the run. 

Again, I've had intermittent issues but nothing like this. I've reset the watch multiple times but am not sure what else I can do. This is very frustrating to deal with as I rely on the GPS tracking to control my pace and effort. 

Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

On Mon

[DonaldMReif]

I started having problems with syncing around the same time as you.

[Smiffyblackpool]

I am having the same problem. Probably for about 6 weeks. At first I started an on line chat with fitbit. I felt like I was going round in circles now I have been referred to technical support. They have admitted there is a problem but can't give a fix timeframe. Just told me to run with my phone. I bought the ionic primarily for the GPS so I didn't gave to run with a phone. I am not happy so have now asked for a refund. 

[ScottyDontKnow]

This is why I have a love/hate relationship with FitBit.

[DonaldMReif]

Sunny day where I live. GPS took about 15 minutes to connect, MobileRun worked instantly.

[Blistz]

Took me 15 minutes to get a GPS lock on my run today, after running 6 miles last weekend failing to get a lock the entire time.

Have performed a factory reset, but it has made no difference.

#NotFitBit for purpose 

[DonaldMReif]

I feel tempted to ditch Fitbit and spring for a Galaxy Watch Active soon if Fitbit doesn't do something.

[KingStephen]

I have the same problem, since a couple of weeks ago. GPS reliable and fast to lock on has suddenly become almost unusable. Lost one run entirely, a hike today took 20 mins before locking in. It is also now inaccurate to the extent of showing me 50 yards from my actual position

[ScottyDontKnow]

Welp I was going to give an update a couple days ago as things were getting better, but unfortunately things have completely gone the polar opposite. 

Last week things seemed to get better. Monday the GPS locked after about 3 miles, then Tuesday was about 2 miles. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday it locked on within 30-60 seconds for my entire run. Sunday I ran a 13.1 and GPS  locked on initially well but crapped out after 4.5 miles and I don't think it ever came back. Yesterday was an issue as well. 

Today... sitting at my desk at home (due to the virus outbreak), THE SCREEN LITERALLY FELL OFF MY IONIC. It's done. The screen completely popped off, the glue obviously failed. I found another thread where this is apparently a very common issue since it came out, to current day (same forums here). 

Suffice to say, I'm giving up on Fitbit and moving on to Garmin. If I were y'all, get one of those protectors that can hold the face on so you don't potentially have the same issue. 

[Smiffyblackpool]

Just remind me how much does this watch retail at? What a complete waste of money. Fitbit you should be ashamed and refund us our money!!!Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

[ScottyDontKnow]

I bought mine on sale for like $270 (Adidas Edition). I think you can get the base model on Amazon now for around $200.

[Zpandur]

Hi, I have the same problem but I have Versa 2. The problem started around 2-3 weeks ago.

Is there any possible solution yet?

[ScottyDontKnow]

I fixed my GPS issue by buying a Garmin Forerunner, lol.

A few weeks ago while working at home, sitting at my desk, the face of my Ionic literally fell out of the casing. All the electronics ripped off. That was the last straw for me.