Charge 4 GPS disconnecting during exercise

[CharlotteFitt]

Dear,

My Charge 4 Fitbit GPS keeps disconnecting while doing a run or bike ride. I bought this devise especially because of the built-in GPS, so there is no need for me to bring my GSM. I have tried tips here on the community site and on the internet. But it keeps disconnecting. I am very disappointed. 

How can I get a refund? 

Thank you, Charlotte 

[DavideFitbit]

Hello @CharlotteFitt, welcome to the Community forums.

Thank you for sharing this information about the trouble you've been having with the GPS that is disconnecting during exercise. 

If possible, let me know which are the steps on the forums that you already tried. Also, before considering other options, make sure that you've followed the steps listed here below for the Charge 4: 

• Confirm that the exercise type uses built-in GPS. For more information, see How do I start a workout with GPS on my Fitbit device?
• Make sure that you have a clear view of the sky when you start the exercise. Environmental factors, including tall buildings, dense forest, steep hills, and thick cloud cover, can interfere with your device’s ability to connect to GPS satellites. If the signal is blocked—either because you're indoors, underground, or due to another reason—GPS won't work.
• Check that GPS is turned on for the exercise. For more information, see How do I turn on GPS for an exercise on my Fitbit device?
• Make sure that your device is charged to at least 80%.
• Confirm that your device is syncing with the Fitbit app. The more you sync your device, the faster your device can connect to GPS.
• Avoid trying to start an exercise with GPS several times in a row, which can prevent your device from connecting to GPS.
• Note that Charge 4 vibrates and a notification appears if the tracker can’t connect to GPS after 10 minutes. You can choose to end the exercise, change the GPS mode, and start the exercise again. To change the GPS mode, see How do I manage the GPS settings on Charge 4?

Please keep me posted on the outcome. 

[Lee57GP]

This is a device problem. I have tried everything. The exercise that I am attempting is SUP, so there is no obstruction. 

[Needsacoffee]

I also have the same problem.  I run outside every day and since being gifted my charge 4 at Christmas it's logged my route great (albeit sometimes the distance varies on the same route).  The last couple of runs, GPS signal has been lost which is really frustrating.  Any suggestions to keep my GPS connection would be appreciated. Thank you

[JackyEs]

I have a fitbit for several years, recently I noticed that it is loosing GPS signal often. I have it on automatic sync. 

[DavideFitbit]

@Lee57GP @Needsacoffee @JackyEs Thank you for sharing that you've been experiencing the same issue with your Charge 4 and that you already tried the troubleshooting steps suggested.  

In this case, since you already tried the recommendations mentioned earlier and you continue to experience the same problem with the GPS accuracy, I recommend that you get in touch with the Customer Support team for further assistance with this. They will let you know how to proceed. 

The best way to get help for this problem is to chat with us online or give us a call. Click here to get connected. 

See you around. 

[BTTan]

in the last 2 weeks. i had 12 workouts. only 2 had successfully connected to GPS for the entire workout. 1 ride was 1/2 tracked by GPS. all other outdoor runs were not GPS tracked (each workout has successfully connected to GPS at the start... and GPS connection failed 10 to 15 mins into a run.
 

In my latest troubleshooting step. I was advised by Customer service to fully charge my device, reset the device... and today I had GPS fail for 3 straight workouts. (each time the GPS failed, i stopped the run and restarted another run. and each time, it vibrated to indicate that GPS was connected successful at the start of each run (only to fail at 6:14pm (25 mins), 6:40pm (12 mins) and 6:53pm (i gave up and GPS failed after 15 mins into the run). i was outdoors without any cover for the whole period 6:14pm to 8:30pm). so i ended the day with 3 separate workouts, all without GPS data in more than 2 hours. This is a phenomenon that has been happening in the last 2 weeks.

[Tubanana]

my Charge 4 has been serving me well for the past few months until the recent few weeks. Unable to connect to GPS.

[BTTan]

that is exactly my point.... either the device is failing or fitbit had change some GPS setting (like power saving mode) or the device no longer detects the phone. (but from my experience, the GPS connection fails either way, with or without the phone, under clear sky with no cover)

[Tubanana]

Thought fitbit is not mentioned, not sure if this is relevant

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2022/07/gps-accuracy-issue-impacted-garmin-suunto-and-polar-watches-over...

[BTTan]

the other device was inaccurate GPS... but the workout was still tracked... for my charge 4... it just outright stopped tracking GPS 10-15 mins after it had successfully connected to GPS at the start of the workout.