Inaccurate GPS data & bluetooth connection unstable

[raydlevel5]

Super-frustrated with my Charge 2.  I've had some decent improvements with my jogging pace, and I can't really evaluate it because of incorrect data capture.

The connection to my Charge 2 has been extremely finicky recently:  The last 4 of my exercises are not collecting accurate GPS data.  On the map, my running or biking path appears as straight lines.

Observations:

1. I open the app to confirm the "signal" is active.  I swipe down to refresh/sync.  The icon goes from gray, to blue, to green.  This process is taking longer and longer.
2. I lock the phone screen, and I put the phone in my runner's belt.  
3. Sometimes, after I've already started jogging, the phone says, "check fitbit app".  That is so frustrating when that happens.
4. So I'll sync again, or try again... looking for the "green" signal in the app
5. When the run is over, I find that it recorded the heart rate, time, and an "estimation" of the distance, but the GPS data is bogus
6. Yesterday, during my run, I observed that "phone" icon on the Charge 2 had a line through it
7. Whenever I open the app, that signal icon is never Green.  It's always Gray.  I have to swipe down to get it to go Green.
8. It takes FOREVER for this thing to sync.... (swipe-down manual sync)
9. This is a new problem... I have had this specific phone, in my runner's belt, without previous problems
10. It's like it's not keeping the connection alive throughout the day... or it's losing its connection to the phone for some stupid reason

Here's what I've tried to do to fix the situation:

1. removed/reinstalled FitBit app
2. updated phone OS/patches
3. updated firmware on Charge 2
4. restarted Charge 2
5. confirmed WiFi is turned off (during runs)
6. Confirmed I had a GPS signal (like, from Google Maps)
7. confirmed the exercises are all "GPS - enabled" (run, hike, bike)
8. Make sure "always connected" and "all-day sync" was enabled
9. made sure the app had permissions to Location
10. I use this phone with other bluetooth devices, and they seem fine
11. I use this phone with Google Maps, and Waze, and my GPS location info is accurate

This is super-frustrating as this is the active season for me and I'm trying to record my progress.  Is there any way to confirm that the Bluetooth connection on the Charge 2 is stable?  Is there something on the Android that would kill the connection?  What's going on man -- this is a new problem!

Is this part of the planned obsolescence?  Is the Charge 2 sweat and water proof?  Is the Bluetooth transmitter on the Charge 2 susceptible to damage?

What do I need to do to get this GPS tracking working again?

Phone:  Moto G5 Plus

Android version:  8.1.0

FitBit Charge 2, firmware version:  22.22.58.0

FitBit App version:  3.3.1

[AlvaroFitbit]

@raydlevel5 Welcome to the Fitbit Community! I hope you're doing well!

Let me help you with GPS tracker with your phone and Charge 2 and thank you for troubleshooting this issue. You can try refreshing the link between them by doing the following:

• Go to your phone's bluetooth settings and remove all devices listed there.
• Restart your phone and restart your device. 
• 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. 
• You can find additional suggestions here.

Also I want to clarify that your Charge 2 isn't water proof but it is sweat resistant. Regarding android you can check that there isn't a battery saving app/feature that disconnects the Fitbit app when you turn off the screen.

Let me know how it goes.

[Aoabdhj]

I've tried all of this and my Charge 2 still won't connect to my mobile. 

[AlvaroFitbit]

@Aoabdhj It's great to have you here! 

Let me help you with you Charge 2 not connecting with your phone and thank you for troubleshooting this issue. Since the issue persists I have created a ticket so our Support team can further assist you via email.

Let me know how it goes.

[Aoabdhj]

Thank you, yes I had actually given up trying to connect them. The phone
symbol never shows at all anymore when running (with Bluetooth and GPS
turned on on my phone). How can you help me?