It doesn't count all my steps

[Mazzoot]

My charge 2 has an issue when I walk it doesn't count all my steps,  I look at my clock start walking and see my steps again and they are the same, I don't know what to do

[HeydyF]

Hey @Mazzoot, it is cool to see new faces around! Let me ask you this, when you are walking are you seeing at the same time that the amount of steps doesn't change? And what happens when you sync? Is it syncing a different amount from the one that appears on the tracker? The reason I'm asking I used to see my tracker at the same time when I was walking just to see if it counts all of my steps live, but then I realized that it is not that some steps are missing, the thing is that sometimes, the Fitbit trackers just take a couple of seconds to picked up all the steps, and that is why you don't see the amount of steps constantly increasing all the time when you walk, but then you see them accumulated with the right amount. So I'd like to know if this is what is happening with yours, 'cause if that is the case, this is totally normal. If not, then let me know. I'll be happy to answer your doubts. 

Have a nice day! 

[Mazzoot]

I mean i start walking i check the steps they are 150 i continue walking then check my watch still 150 continue walking check again 150, for instance yesterday i went shoping for over 2 hours and it only counted 1000 for that 2 hours there is not a problem of not needing some time to add all the steps but not counting the steps.

[Foxy277]

I am also having the same problem with my charge 2 

[kcronin · Accepted solution]

@Mazzoot, When you are walking, do you make sure to swing the arm with the Charge 2?  To register steps arm movements are required.  Therefore, if your hands are in your pockets, if your handbag is over your shoulder and your arm is holding it still, if you are pushing a shopping cart with the arm wearing your Charge 2, if you are carrying books or a jacket or a shopping bag with your arm extended downward steps may not be counted.  I learned this the hard way.  I now carry my handbag over my other shoulder, wear gloves instead of using my pockets and push a shopping cart with one arm only.  If none of these issues apply to you then I hope someone else can offer some solutions.

[Rich_Laue]

Yes there is a screen refresh delay, but there is also a 5 step delay when first starting out on the walk. 

On the 5th step the dispkaydincrements by 5

[Mazzoot]

I had checked and even if i move my arms it wont count my steps, so this is not the problem.

[Mazzoot]

Believe me i have counted over 100 steps but on the screen there was not even 1 more step than before.

[Eiman]

I have the same problem, it counts my steps perfectly when i walk fast and moving my arms but, during the day when i do my activities it’s not that accurate, it misses many of my steps, i look at the number of steps then walk a bit and come back to see the same no of steps. I get disappointed when that happens. I tried resetting and charging my watch. Still same problem 

[Rich_Laue]

Since the tracker does not actually track steps. but tracks arm movements that is expected to be seen when the feet are moveing. yes tyeretwill be a discrepancy four periods of time when you're not on a walk or run.

The tracker will not add steps unless it sees a minimum of 5 steo like arm movements. 

Holding onto something, sometimes holding something in the hands, does often keep steps from being counted 

[karen_karen_]

Not solved.  Disappointing. Carts are too heavy to push and steer with one hand. 

[Rich_Laue]

Unfortunately @karen_karen_ your reffering to a limitation of trying to count foot steps by looking at the motions of the wrist. This is a limitation of every wrist based tracker on the market and a frequent complaint of the AW

[gailkelleher]

Rich, I have the same problem.  I think you are right about arm movement (though my husband walks with his hands in his pockets and seems to have his steps counted).  I have the same issue if I wear someone else's fitbit, too.  Wondering if I should just switch my handbag to my right shoulder so that my left arm swings.

But the strange thing is that when I walk around my house, it often does not track my steps.

[AbsolutBandit]

I have a similar issue when using a treadmill because I hold on to the bar.  It was counting less than 30% of my actual steps.  I'm also not a big arm swinger in general as I'm typically holding a purse or other items.  My resolution was to get the large size band and I strap it to my ankle when using the treadmill.  It works like a charm!

[gailkelleher]

Ty!!!
--
Cheers!

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Rich_Laue]

Yes @gailkelleher with hands on the pickers, it should count. As a person walks the core of their body bounces a little up and down, the pocket follows this bounce and counts there up/does movements. This is how the trackers that clip onto the belt work 

As for what your doing with or holding onto with your hands I'm not sure.

@AbsolutBandit be cautious if you are holding onto the rails, normally this is not advised unless the person has balancing issues. It can lead to serious peovlems like repetitive knee injuries, e arms keep the body in a single position. Among the other 8-10 issues is that it also has been shown to possibly unlearn the art of ballancing which can lead to injuries when free walking or running while outside. 

[Rich_Laue]

@gailkelleher as for walking around the house. 

The tracker is designed to not count anything under 5 steps between parties in walking.

I've also noticed that while walking around the house, I'm not simply walking, but my arms are reaching for stuff, opening doors, lifting, etc and yes some steps are lost.

However other times like chopping vegitables I find it get extra steps. It all washes out at the end of the day, week or month.

[Mrsk7753]

I am recovering from hip replacement surgery, using a walker. Does that mean my Fitbit won’t record my steps because I am unable to swing my arms?

[Eiman]

I believe your step count will not count if you don't move your hand. The
same happen when pushing trolleys or baby stroller.

Best of luck

[Rich_Laue]

@Eiman that is because the tracker mounted on the wrist is only able to monitor wrist movements. Technically it has no idea what the feet are doing, but understands what motions the wrist should be making as the feet are stepping. 

In the same light it is likely that steps will be counted while chopping veggies.