Charge 3 not recording distance accurately

[djdoena]

When doing recorded walks, while walking, the smartphone shows a larger distance than in calculates afterwards. This is a bit misleading when you tell yourself "I'm going to walk 8km now" and when you're done, several hundred meters are missing.

But even after data consolidation, the Android app still shows the incorrect data in the header:

When viewing the same walk on the website, the stats are different and agree with the on-map distance:

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @djdoena, welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for the details provided, I'll be glad to help you. 

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. 

I recommend taking a look at the help article: Why isn't GPS working on my Fitbit device? and follow the instructions provided there.

Also, for a complete information about the connected GPS in your Charge 3, see: How do I use GPS on my Fitbit device?

Fitbit devices calculate distance by multiplying your walking steps by your walking stride length and multiplying your running steps by your running stride length. We estimate your stride lengths using your height and sex. Track one or more runs using on-board or connected GPS, we evaluate that data to automatically update your running stride length. For best results, run at a comfortable pace for at least 10 minutes.

If you prefer to measure your walking and running stride lengths yourself and enter them manually, see How do I measure and adjust my stride length?

Note that when you're tracking an activity with GPS, Fitbit calculates your distance using GPS data rather than steps. If you begin moving before you get a GPS signal, the tracker will calculate distance using steps and stride length as described above until a GPS signal is found.

Keep in mind that your device uses your step count to calculate distance until it finds a GPS signal. In this scenario, your total distance calculated for the workout may be slightly less accurate than if GPS data were available for the entire duration. For more information, see How accurate is GPS?

After reviewing this factors, please go for another walk and see if the distance improves. 

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

[djdoena]

I have a Samsung A5 with Android 8.

I'm just wondering where these different distances come from with this one distance just shown in the header of the app but not on the app map or the website. See these screenshots: