Charge 3 not fit for service

[SunsetRunner]

I bought a Charge 3 in November 2019 based on reviews saying the device was reasonably accurate, would eventually have SpO2 monitoring and that it would sync with MyNetDiary.  Well, it performs the last function reasonably well, but the other two seem to be poorly implemented.  I can almost understand that my arm movements during sleep might be mistaken for walking so having a reading of 30 - 40 steps over night isn't too bad.  But having the device show a floor count of at least one, when I live in a single story house is less than acceptable.  I can also increase my step count significantly by grinding coffee in the morning.  I have a small, hand-held grinder which results in a hand movement of about 40 - 60 mm while I'm using it.  Grinding my morning coffee can increase my step count by a couple of hundred.  Surely it would be possible to have a device that distinguishes small movements from those involved in walking. 

Another issue is connectivity with the phone app.  This morning, it kept disconnecting and reconnecting every few seconds, resulting in a totally useless record of the morning's walk.  It doesn't do this all the time, but it's impossible to tell when it will.  Surely a device that is supposed to be at leas reasonably accurate should be able to maintain connection with it's phone app on a regular basis. 

The device itself still does not record my sleep, even though I've followed some of the suggestions on this forum.  I'm not even going to attempt to get it to link to my messages. 

The SpO2 function now appears to be only going to track overnight levels.  If the device can track pulse rates continually, why can't it do the same of SpO2 levels?  That is, of course, if it does actually get rolled out to everyone.  It's supposed to be available by the end of this month, which isn't that far away.

The device does sync to MyNetDiary which makes it reasonably worthwhile.  But, since the step count can't really be relied on, is it all that worthwhile. 

I'd be interested to see if anyone else has similar problems or if there is a fix that can resolve my problems.  I've found the receipt and, if I can't get a reasonable fix I'll be looking at trying to get a refund.  The only function on this device that I have any confidence in is the pulse monitoring.  Probably the only thing I'll miss on it. 

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @SunsetRunner, welcome to the Community Forums. I am sorry to hear that you are going through this situation. I appreciate your feedback for the Fitbit Charge 3. 

For the steps and floors, I'd recommend taking a look at the article: How accurate are Fitbit devices?

Several things can affect the number of steps your Fitbit device records, including where you place the device, if you wear it on your dominant or non-dominant hand, and your stride length. If you're pushing a stroller or shopping cart, try putting your device in your pocket or use GPS to record your activity, if possible.

If it still seems like your device is overcounting steps, try a step test. While you perform your step test, make sure you: 

-Walk at a normal pace
-Don’t hold anything in your hands
-Put your arms down at your sides, swinging naturally
-Count 1 step for each foot
-To avoid getting an additional step when you bring your feet together, after you reach 100 steps:
1. Freeze in a split-stance. 
2. Move your hand up gently to check the step count on your device.  

Here’s the step test:

1. Restart your Fitbit device.  
2. Put your device on your wrist or put your clip-on device on your hip or torso.
3. Walk 100 steps, making sure to count a step each time one of your feet touches the ground.
4. Pause, then check your device to see your step count, and write down the number of steps you took and the number of steps your device counted. 
5. Perform the test 2 more times, walking 100 steps 3 different times. Each time, write down the number of steps you took and the number your device counted. 

About the synchronization, while reading your post I was wondering if the mobile device you're syncing with is included in our list of supported devices? You can see the list at: Which phones and tablets can I use with my Fitbit watch or tracker?

Please keep in mind that when a device is not supported we cannot guarantee its functionality with the Fitbit app. It might work at a certain time and then it can stop working out of nowhere after an update. This is because the app is not optimized to that device and any change could impact the performance. You can try following the troubleshooting steps provided in the article: Why won't my Fitbit device sync?

On the other hand, thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback regarding the Estimated Oxygen Variation graph. This graph will provide users with an estimate of the variability of oxygen levels in their bloodstream. The data is derived from a combination of the red and infrared sensors on the back of your device, which are part of the SpO2 sensor.

As you may have gathered, this feature has been rolled out to a small percentage of users and we are hoping to provide more news about Estimated Oxygen Variability soon. 

Let me know if you have any questions present. 

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks for you reply.  I found that the best way to get the step count to have a reasonable degree of accuracy was to put the Charge 3 on my non-dominant wrist and setting it to my dominant wrist (I hope you understand what I'm saying) which seems to have had a reasonable result.  But it is still too sensitive and records steps when doing things that involve even small hand movements. 

The floor count is widely inaccurate.  It often records floor climbs when staying on the same level. 

The connectivity issue is annoying.  I checked that my phone was compatible before I bought the Charge 3, so that is not the issue.  But having the device continue to lose connection with the phone while walking is beyond annoying. 

I've uninstalled and reinstalled the device since I posted my comment.  It will be interesting to see if this improves things.

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @SunsetRunner, thanks for getting back and for the details provided. 

I went ahead and created a case for you with our Support Team. Someone will reach out to you soon to offer their assistance. Please keep a lookout in your inbox to the email address associated with this account. 

Let me know if there's anything else I may do to help you in the meantime. 

[SunsetRunner]

Thank you,

They've been in touch and I will continue to work with them.  Is there any news on when the SpO2 graph will be rolled out?