Fitbit not counting steps correctly!

[MaxC9]

I'm so bummed!! For the last couple of weeks my Fitbit Charge 2 has either been randomly not counting steps at all or counting steps when I move my arm or wrist. Nothing seems accurate anymore so I don't trust the calories burned etc. Is anyone else having this issue? Any troubleshooting ideas? 

[MarreFitbit]

Thanks for stopping by @MaxC9, hope you're doing great! Keep in mind that it's possible to get different readings if the trackers are worn in different locations (dominant vs non-dominant wrist). I'd recommend reviewing the accuracy information provided in this post. 

Once you've reviewed it, please try this step accuracy test:

1. Put your wrist-based tracker on your wrist or put your clip-on tracker on your hip or torso.
2. Walk 100 steps, making sure to count a step each time one of your feet hits the ground.
3. Pause, then check your tracker to see your step count.

Let me know how it goes!

[MaxC9]

I always wear my Fitbit on my non dominate wrist. I actually walk and watch the Fitbit and it will go minutes (up to 20 so far) where it's not counting anything.

Sent from my iPhone

[Geobell1]

The following is my response to Fitbit on my unsuccessful repeated attempts to find a resolution to wildly inaccurate step counts on the Charge 2...

Hello -

Since you requested a reply...

I'm an original Charge HR user (satisfied) that recently noticed that it was significantly over counting steps based on comparison with my wife's Charge HR. As a result, I purchased the Charge HR 2 about a week ago. It is not even close to correct when counting steps. I am a technical person who is very good at following instructions, and after reading many suggestions on the forum as well as calling support, it's accuracy is still wildly off. It appears from the forum entries from 2016 thru today that Fitbit has a major problem with this product. I will be returning the Charge HR 2 this week. I really tried. Sorry.

[Zip716]

I just starting using it last month and my step count is WAY off (too many). I wear it on my non dom wrist, and I am thinking of returning it. There doesn't seem to be a solution, and it's common with everyone I know.

[MaxC9]

That really sucks. I'm actually on my second Fitbit in the last 2 years. What a waste of money as these devices are not cheap. I want to have faith but I'm really disappointed with this product now. I wish I could return mine but I've had it for about 7 months and don't have any type of warranty. Perhaps I'll check out another tracker through another company. I'm sorry you're having problems too. 😞

[MaxC9]

I think I'm going to look into a different brand. For the price that I paid this thing should be much more accurate and durable. 

[LucyAP]

Thanks for stopping by @MaxC9, @Geobell1, and @Zip716! I really appreciate your feedback regarding your tracker and support. To ensure that your tracker is working correctly, restart it. 

If you feel that your step count and distance are inaccurate, first make sure the wrist placement settings are correct. Next, double check that you entered your height correctly. Since we use height to estimate your walking and running stride lengths, you may want to measure and manually adjust these values if your legs are longer or shorter than average. For more information, see How do I measure and adjust my stride length?

Sometimes, when you start walking you may notice that your steps may not update on your tracker right away. After about 10-15 continuous steps, you'll notice the steps catch up and start updating in real-time with each step you take.

To help with the accuracy of your Zip or One tracker, ensure that you’re wearing the clip-based tracker in the correct location. For more information on how best to wear any tracker, see How do I wear my tracker?

I hope this helps, keep me posted! 

P.S. You can take a look to this help article How accurate are Fitbit trackers? for extra tips on this. 

[alissaw]

My HR2 has been lagging in step counts.  When I look at the steps, they will catch up in real time like it says it does, but then I look again and the steps with be LESS!! For example, I was just walking down the hallway and it said 357 steps, then, after going off and me pushing again to see the amount, it said 350...this was after walking about 60 more steps (counting myself).  I am linking this to the Real Appeal app and those are the steps I am looking at.  It has been doing this for months, and I need to get accurate steps for the app for my HSA.  Please help, I may return and get my money back so I can get the samsung watch, but am hoping fitbit can resolve as I like the app.

[SunsetRunner]

Today I ran errands, went to three stores and, as I usually do, parked as far as I could from the doors and walked all around each store. I also took the dog for a walk around the block. My wife stayed home. Her Charge 2 says she has 300 fewer steps for the day than mine. Something is wrong. 

[LucyAP]

Nice to see you here @alissaw and @SunsetRunner! Thanks for sharing your experience with your Fitbit device. To make sure that your tracker is working correctly, please restart it. 

@alissaw Please double check that all your personal settings are correct and that double check the information on the help article How accurate are Fitbit devices?

@SunsetRunner It's possible to get different readings if the trackers are worn in different locations (dominant vs non-dominant wrist). We recommend reviewing the accuracy information provided on our help How accurate are Fitbit devices?

Keep me posted! 🙂 

[monkel12]

I've been having issues with mine randomly not recording steps. And today it didn't record over 6,000 steps or 3 miles that I had done. Due to this I do not trust my calories burned or the accuracy of this device. And after seeing that imI far from the first person I am thinking I need to return it for something else

[Jlcn]

My new FitBit versa lite is not counting steps properly. It showed 53 steps before I got out of bed, 88 when I sat up, and now 507. I haven’t moved. Help!

[BHLR45]

Mine has started to do this also.  This is my third Fitbit.  They are too expensive to keep rebuying.  I may have to look for a different device.