Is there a way to make the step sensitivity less sensitive?

[Sunniva]

Hello,

Is there a way to make the step sensitivity less sensitive? My watch is counting everything as a step, like hand movements and even driving in a car if it goes slow enough. This is a real issue for me because the whole point of buying a watch was to see how many steps I walk trough a day, and it’s okey with small faults but my watch is showing 2100 steps while my health app on the iPhone shows 800. 

I hope there is something to do with this, because i really like everything else about this watch.  (Yes, i have chosen correct wrist setting for my arm) 

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[AlejandraFitbit]

A warm welcome to the Community, @Sunniva.

Regarding your inquiry, 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, I recommend taking a look at the help article: How does my Fitbit device count steps?.

Let me know if you need anything else. 🙂

[Sunniva]

Ehm... The clock counts steps even when u wipe ur **ahem** at the toilet. My watch has over 2000 steps more than my IPhone, its useless for training. I will return my watch and get my money back 

[AlejandraFitbit]

Thanks for getting back, @Sunniva.

If you are seeing that the amount of steps is being too high, you can restart the device by following the steps in the article: How do I restart my Fitbit device?.

You can also check the sensitivity by doing the following:

1. In the Fitbit app, tap the Today tab  , then tap your profile picture. 
2. Tap Advanced Settings > Sleep Sensitivity and make your changes.

Keep me posted. 😉

[Wakewalker]

Hello Alejandra,

I need your help. My brand new Charge 4 is so sensitive it basically is counting steps as I wave my arm whilst watching a movie. And yes, settings for my non dominant arm are correct.

I did restart the device, but it doesn't improve. Firmware is updated, etc.

You mention going to Sleep Sensitivity to change something. But this happens while I am awake, sometimes sitting on my desk, etc. I do't understand your explanation. It is way too short for me.

What should I do? Please be specific and guide me until the last option in any menu you  deem will help me solve my problem.

Thanks in advance.

[Flyer4life06]

I get the same thing.  I had over 200 steps in the shower this morning 🙄  I have over 400 steps before I even got out of bed.  Adding a few steps here and there I understand, but hundreds of steps a day is ridiculous.  I have the Versa 3, by Blaze never added that many.

[SunsetRunner]

Meant to say uts the new versa 3

[Stumpjumper125]

My charge 4 is so sensitive that simply the vibration of driving my semi counts as steps i had over 30,000 steps yesterday just from the vibration of my semi. Im really disappointed specifically bout it to avoid this.

[BeckQ]

Does the algorithm include lifting? I lift boxes over and over for 8 hours on Mondays, and my watch said I got 20,000 steps. Today it said I reached my 10,000, doing paperwork for a couple hours.

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello everyone. @BeckQ Welcome to the community forums!

Thank you for the information. Regarding your question, as mentioned on a post above, 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?

If you feel that your step count is inaccurate, confirm the following are correct in the Fitbit app:

• Your wrist settings (For more information, see Does the wrist I wear my device on affect accuracy? )
• Your height (For more information, see How do I manage my Fitbit profile?)

Hope this helps. 

[Collettca]

I have the same problem as everyone else, my wrist setting and height are correct, but my steps are way too high. For example, in the shower while standing still and washing my hair, not taking any steps, I logged about 500 steps. Granted, my hair washing process is intense, but that’s pretty significant when I have a mostly sedentary job. Is there really no way to correct this? 

[MsLadyL]

Mine too. I didn't take an official intentional step yet and I'm at 5,488.

[MsLadyL]

I drive a semi as well.

I've been reading through. You keep giving the same advice. But it's a problem.

Moderator edit: updated post. 

[JuliaDM1]

Exactly the same for me with the Fitbit Luxe.  Ridiculously high steps (almost double to those recorded on the health app on my phone which I believe to be true).  And reading through the responses above you don't really appear to be fully addressing the issue.  It's a pretty watch and comfortable to wear, but based on my experience so far telling the time is about the only accurate function.

[Kevn85]

Afternoon 

I am experiencing the same issue and am feeling disheartened with your products quality despite the price tag you apply to it. It logs steps and stuff even when resting, which would be acceptable for a handful but thousands at a time, show that this product is not fit for purpose, of good quality and as described. When customers try and bring this to your attention, they are simply replied to with a templated response rather than you looking at your “finely tuned algorithms” I ask that you review this products features as surely an update on the sensitivity and a firmware update may take you a little time but would result in a much more satisfied customer base. Otherwise I’m sure that they will seek a better product in your competitors.

[cherrypepsii]

Thank you for responding with the exact same answer as the first person while still explaining nothing. You might want to take "fine-tuned" out of that description consider we are all having that same problem. I haven't taken more than 100 steps out of my work chair this morning and I've somehow walked a whole mile! 

[sjch.67]

Speaking personally, just got the Sense 2, this seems to think I'm driving a Flintstone car! Logged about 400 steps in a an hours journey. Not sure what algorithm they use, but I suggest it gets revisited to improve.

[JNM1990]

I have a charge 5. It says I have over 5000 steps when I'm at work. I'm a teacher. I get having cumulative steps but it really is ridiculous. I waved my arm, extending it and returning it to a 90-degree angle and it counted that as three steps. Why should I buy the watch and subscribe to the app if it doesn't do what it was meant to? 

[Shal_R]

Just wanted to add to this onslaught.

I bought the flagship sense 2 in the hope that it would be better set up but my gosh was I wrong. 

From before I even opened the box I contacted customer services to try and validate if the product was genuine but couldn't and kept getting some scripted bs.

Now this step counting  oversensitivity is just the icing on the cake. I had a charge 2 and charge 3 before this which both malfunctioned right at the one year mark.

It's very clear that fitbit customer are complete **ahem**s - including myself. We clearly put our trust into a brand as opposed to purchasing products that function as they should do.

Never ever again will I be buying fitbit products. Its only a matter of time before fitbit collapse as a company especially with their finely tuned algorithm bullocks.

Should have bought a whoop instead.

[Brian2023]

No advanced tab under my profile picture