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GPS/Distance recordings on identical walks do not match

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‎02-18-2020 07:06 - last edited on ‎09-08-2020 10:23 by Fitbit Moderator

‎02-18-2020 07:06 - last edited on ‎09-08-2020 10:23 by Fitbit Moderator

My husband and I both have the Charge 2, and both have identical phones. When we walk together the distances recorded are completely different, sometimes by 2 or 3 kilometres! 

I understand why our step count is not identical, but surely the distance should be the same.

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‎02-19-2020 10:52 - last edited on ‎01-22-2025 06:26 by Fitbit Moderator

‎02-19-2020 10:52 - last edited on ‎01-22-2025 06:26 by Fitbit Moderator

@nihahi Welcome! It's nice to have you on board!

Let me help you with your GPS distance detection. Your device uses your phone's GPS chip to detect this data so I suggest you refresh the link between your phone and your tracker by doing the following:

  1. Go to your phone's bluetooth settings and remove all devices listed there.
  2. Restart your phone and restart your device. 
  3. Check that no battery saving app/feature on your phone is affecting your Fitbit app.
  4. Also, if you are using an Android device, check that your app has the necessary permissions (settings > apps > Fitbit > permissions) and make sure bluetooth and location services (GPS) are on. 
  5. You can find troubleshooting instructions here.

Let me know how it goes.

Alvaro | Community Moderator

If a post helped you try voting and selecting it as a solution so other members benefit from it. Select it as Best Solution!

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‎02-22-2020 19:27

In response to AlvaroFitbit

‎02-22-2020 19:27

I did what you suggested. Now...it's worse. Now, it tracks just a straight line from starting point to end point, while my husband's tracks, maps and records the actual route and distance. 2 different attempts...mine recorded a straight line of 1km, he had 6.65 of a meandering route. The second attempt, I had .73km and he had 1.75. 

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