Distance not accurate on Charge 3

[SunsetRunner]

Just got my Charge 3 earlier this week.  Today, went for a 3.0 mile walk (tracked using the Walk exercise selection).  Unfortunately, the Charge 3 only recorded 2.47 miles.

I've got it set up for automatic stride tracking.  Not sure I want to change it to manual, as then I fear it would use static stride distance for day-to-day walking as well longer walks (i.e. exercise). 

Any suggestions or other people experiencing the same problem?  I just saw that a new firmware update was released so I'll see if that fixes the problem.

Thanks!

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

Welcome on board @SunsetRunner, it's nice to see you here! 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.

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

I'll be around, keep me posted! 

[Kasham76]

The exact thing happened to me today too. I have had my Charge 3 for 8 days and it’s undercalculating my distances as well. I need to know where to set up manually. I followed the how to calculate steps. Thanks

[SunsetRunner]

Kasham76 -

I ended up returning my Charge 3. Best of luck in finding a solution.

- David

[MarreFitbit]

Welcome on board @Kasham76! Sorry to hear you've been having inconveniences with your distance. Give a try the steps provided and let me know how it goes in the next few days. I'll be around!

Sorry to hear you go @SunsetRunner! If there's anything else I may assist you with, don't hesitate to let me know. 

Have a nice day guys! 

[Lyndeelewis]

My Fitbit distance has. Been consistent with my steps since I bought it in June until today. 12,500 steps equals over 5 miles.   Today it is only 2.79 miles.  How do I fix it?

[MarreFitbit]

Hi @Lyndeelewis, thanks for stopping by. 

I'd recommend taking in consideration the information provided in this post to verify that your Charge 3 is tracking your steps and distance accurately and that this was a one time exception where the the distance was logged incorrectly. 

Now, depending on the exercise, you can choose to edit the type of exercise, start and end times, distance covered, and calories burned. Note that you can only edit activities in the Fitbit app. For detailed instructions, see: How do I edit or delete an exercise or activity in the Fitbit app? 

Give this a go and let me know if you need further assistance. 

[alexishs_]

Happened to me too! Walked 5+ kilometers and says I walked 650 meters. Also only measuring about 2/3 of my steps.

[Lyndeelewis]

I called tech support and they factory reset the Fitbit and it works fine!

Sent from my iPhone

[Kasham76]

So frustrating, indeed. I’m definitely going back to Garmin this year. I’ve also had to have two replacements in the year that I’ve had this watch. Wow!

Sent from my iPhone

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Juniper918]

How do you know when you get a GPS signal? I think that's what's happening with mine. I walk the same trail every day and the last few days my map looks weird and it is calculating half as many miles as I've walked. I know this because each lap is 1 mile and after doing 4 laps it shows a little over 2 miles. How do I correct it?

[Lyndeelewis]

They told me to reset the whole Fitbit and it worked. I called tech support!

Sent from my iPhone