Ionic battery draining and counting steps fast

[mjbates]

I used GPS on the Bike exercise setting on Saturday for the first time.  Since then, my battery has drained to 0% in 8 hours or less three times.  Once I get it charged again, it doesn't count any steps for a while (even when I am moving) and then will suddenly start counting steps ridiculously fast...as if I am running at 30 mph.  Yesterday I was very sedentary and I ended the day with over 15,000 steps and charged the battery twice.  I also notice that the heart rate monitor is no longer working.  I have shutdown the ionic 3 times and turned GPS off on the Bike and Run exercises.   I was at 100% battery this morning at 8:30 am.  It is 9:30 and my battery is drained to 74% and I have been sitting at my desk the entire time. It is as if the GPS is running continuously in the background.  Please tell me there is a solution to this.

Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity 

[SilviaFitbit]

Welcome to the Community @mjbates. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with Ionic. 

It's pretty weird that your battery level is decreasing fast and your steps are not tracking at a normal speed. In this case, I've shared your post with our Support team and they've mentioned that you already have a case with them, please continue the communication through email. 

I'll be around if you need further assistance.

[Runnels]

For the past 24 hours, I’ve been experiencing the identical problem: even when I am not wearing it, my Fitbit ionic begins counting steps as if I’m jogging  a 6-minute mile with the battery dropping 1% every 5 minutes. All the while, im just looking at it with my eyes wide. I’ve used factory reset 7 times, restart 20 times, changed the watch face 9 times, and even updated the newest version of the software - to the same results. I was sent this as a replacement last December and is WAS working flawlessly. Now, it’s possessed by a battery draining ghost of a marathon runner. Of course, I cannot now use it. Also, I am currently in China.  HELP!!!!

[Runnels]

I’ve also shut it down 8 times - and get the same result: a fully-charged Fitbit Ionic that logs about 20,000 steps in 20 minutes, then runs out of battery life, and shuts down. Please help...

[mjbates]

I hate to tell you but after several hours in an online chat with Fitbit, they determined that there was nothing they could do.  The Fitbit was no longer usable.  Since I had purchased the Fitbit 13 months ago, it was out of warranty, so my only option was to buy a new one.  I was offered a coupon to buy at new Ionic for $150.  However this was my third Fitbit that malfunctioned, so I decided to buy an Apple Watch with GPS instead for $200.  Sad to leave the Fitbit world but hoping for more reliability.

[Mz81]

My Ionic is doing the exact same thing. Even sitting still I am gaining steps placing my 9000 steps beyond my average day. 

[Mz81]

Is it true that there is no fix other than to purchase new? If so, you will be losing a Fitbit customer. 

[mjbates]

My Fitbit was purchased more than 12 months ago, so the only option they offered me was to buy another one.  If yours happens to be younger than mine, then yours will be under warranty and should be replaced.  I would use the website chat feature.  They will walk you through a million different settings and restarts.  If they are able to fix it congratulations.  Unfortunately they were unable to fix mine and they lost a customer.

[Runnels]

First, thank you so much for your reply, mjbates!

Second, it is telling that I’m hearing from former Fitbit users before hearing from Fitbit, itself. 

Third, I’ve still heard nothing from Fitbit - 😳 - so lame.

Fourth, this is my third ionic as well, due to different hardware/software problems.

Fifth, this is now their official third strike and it looks like a technologically superior Apple Watch for me! As I’m currently smack dab in the middle of the Gobi Desert, I wait for this exciting new purchase for when I’m back Stateside.

Thanks again for your reply!

[SilviaFitbit]

Hey everyone. Sorry for the delay reply. 

Welcome to the Community @Runnels. Thanks for the troubleshooting tried and the details mentioned. I've shared your post with our Support team, they will continue assisting you. 

Thanks for getting back @mjbates. I appreciate that you've shared your experience with our Support team, they are always working to provide you with options that are based in the Fitbit Warranty. Hope you can give us another opportunity in the future. 

A warm welcome to the Community @Mz81. I appreciate the troubleshooting that you've tried. I've shared your post with my team and they've mentioned that you already have a case with them, please continue the communication through email. 

I'll be around if you need further assistance.