Charge 3 counting steps while driving

[tjhanke]

As first-time Fitbit user, I wanted to like charge 3, I really did but after trying it for a week it has been a major disappointment. My biggest complain is that it is wildly inaccurate. I get 1400 steps while driving my car on a highway, nothing bumpy, just regular rush hour traffic with stop and go. And don’t even think about brushing your teeth while wearing it. Fitbits response has been that this is how charger operates or to modify the count to “driving” to get accurate steps reading. I tried the driving trick but to mess with dashboard twice every day is not very user-friendly. Better solution would be to have a driving button that stops counting when you reach pre-defined speed. Come on Fitbit your engineers are surely capable of that. Charge 3 has some nice features but for me its main role is to count my steps and it fails miserably in this aspect. My $5.99 Walmart pedometer is more accurate. I am returning my Charge 3 and I think I give Apple Watch a shot. First impressions Fitbit ...

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[Slimstinator]

Today's test, same route as previously, but this time I turned off my phone's Bluetooth, so the Fitbit would not be able to access GPS data. This time my steps went from 340 to 353! Only 13 steps compared to 54 steps which were recorded driving with Bluetooth / GPS on.

So my current thinking is that making sure your Fitbit cannot access location data (GPS) helps not track erroneous steps whole driving

[crashtx1]

Very interesting and glad you found a solution.  I do have bluetooth sharing on and it doesn't seem to cause issues for me. Unrelated, realized I managed to scratch the face sometime in the last few days.

[OtherBondy]

Dude! I've been looking for an answer for this and one of the articles you posted is from 2014! This issue has been known for 5 years and the solution is still take it off or turn it off? Is there some sort of update so it doesn't log steps while not moving yet or no?

[djd_oz]

So .... what is the verdict on the new firmware. Does it solve this issue or is it smoke and mirrors?

[crashtx1]

It fixed it for me.

[MMFitz]

Issue is improved but not fixed. Still add 1000s extra steps on a UK motorway 150 mile trip, but not as much.

[Slimstinator]

@djd_oz The firmware definitely makes a big difference. If my Fitbit is connected to my phone via Bluetooth and GPS is enabled, then it still counts extra steps, but less than before.

If I turn off my phones bluetooth it is very accurate.

So the firmware is a big improvement, but I would not say it is perfect yet.

[KatyaL]

I just got a Charge 3 for Christmas.  Did the update and was connected to phone via bluetooth.  Rode ATV and got steps added.  Is there a way to differentiate between ATV, walking, and horseback riding?  I did all three today and got almost 10k steps which is way overstated.

[Taff52]

I have the same problem..

As an example drove 1/2 a km the steps take was over 12,000..!!

I have a Huawei phone and included as a free app a similar piece of software - THAT IS FAR MORE ACCURATE..

The only thing good for me is that it tells the time, and my phone does that..

Not satisfied, and as I live here in the Falkland Islands, difficult if not impossible to return the **ahem** thing..

[LeachCuck]

You are right. This is really uncomfortable. The same situation is with swimming.

[AbigailRobertso]

Also, the data is shown incorrectly on display. But toggle the button each time when I get to the end of the pool is a nightmare. You know, when I drive, my pulse rises to the same extent as when I swim. I'm just a beginner, and so far, I feel not confident behind the wheel. I signed up for a defensive driving course online. They offer a simplified program for those who want to know how to drive safely. To be honest, I conscientiously studied at a driving school, and I learned everything. But I feel that I am missing some secrets and tips for a more confident and safe ride.