Ionic, Step Accuracy, and the Shower

[azrael777]

Hey guys, so I'm new to owning a Fitbit Ionic (also bought an Aria 2). These are my first Fitbit products that I've owned and used and I'm wanting to make sure that I'm getting the most out of the Ionic. I know that the accuracy on steps isn't necessarily the best for the Ionic, and I've been testing it different ways. I've noticed that when walking, it seems to count the steps pretty accurately. However, I've noticed that when just moving my arm around for different activities, like washing hair in the shower, getting dressed, making the bed, drying my hands on a paper towel, etc, the step count goes up. I'll wake up in the morning and have 100 steps by the time I get in the shower or what not, but after the shower, it'll say I'm at like, 350 or something. I've chalked this up to arm movement while washing. Is this normal for the Fitbit Ionic? My coworker has one as well and his doesn't seem to do the same thing. And even when like, drying my hands on a paper towel after washing my hands, I'll be at like, 500 steps, and after drying my hands, I'm suddenly at 530. Is there a way to improve the step count?

Sorry if something similar has been asked before. I searched a little bit but couldn't find it and am at work and can't search too indepth. Thanks for any help!

[JohnnyRow]

See Why do I get extra steps sometimes?

As the above article suggests, Fitbit detects steps from the normal swinging of the arms when walking.  It uses algorithms to try to discern other arm movements from steps but can't always get them right, as is the case for any wrist-worn tracker.  Most people find that over the course of a day, the errors are relatively small.

Also check that you have it set correctly for the wrist you are wearing it on. 

As for in shower, some people find that a good time for charging your device, 10-15 minutes a day there pretty much takes care of all your charging needs.