Charge 4 is tracking too many random steps

[Connie999]

A few times now Fitbit has randomly given me steps. Once in a workout it add 90,000 (all at once), a few times 20,000, this morning I woke up with 23,000 but it was 0 steps at midnight, has 0 activity minutes, and heart rate was low since I was sleeping.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @Connie999. Welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for the details provided in your post about the issue with your Charge 4. I understand where your concern is coming from. 

I'm wondering if you're using another app connected to your Fitbit account that will add more steps? Mobiletrack maybe? Low-power step sensors inside your phone track your steps and send the data to the Fitbit app. We recommend using MobileTrack if you forget your Fitbit device at home.

Note that adding more than one Fitbit device to your account gives you the convenience of switching between devices while still seeing a holistic view of your daily activity on your dashboard.

Fitbit devices have a finely-tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for intensity and motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking and running. When working at a desk, cooking, or performing other activities with arm movements, a device on your wrist may add some steps. When you’re doing activities that involve arm movement—such as working or cooking—you often walk a few steps in-between stationary periods as well, so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added by arm-based movement isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats. For more information, see How does my Fitbit device calculate my daily activity?

For additional information, see Does the wrist I wear my device on affect the accuracy? and What can I do if my step count seems inaccurate?

If you want to negate the extra steps, see How do I add, edit, or delete Fitbit data and activities?

Hope this helps. 

[Connie999]

Thank-you. I checked my setup. Mobile option is off, no other fitbit device is connected, and I was sleeping - not enough arm movements to wake my husband. Definatley not enough for mysterious 23,000 steps. The other really noticeable one was the addition of 90,000 steps during a work out - done all at one second.

[MarreFitbit]

@Connie999 I appreciate you had followed the tips and recommendations provided above.

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.

We hope your issue is solved soon.