Maps of walk routes while tracking on phone are not complete

[DanRichards]

I use a Samsung s21+ and as of 3 to 4 months ago I can no longer see a clear accurate route of my walks or hikes. When I walk I track my walks from my phone. It samples about 2 to 3 random points of my total walk and connects the points for my walk. I normally walk for about 4 to 5 miles, and total milage recorded is 1.2 to 1.5 miles with a strange tracking on the map, as if I would have flown point to point. I updated android is, updated Fitbit app, uninstalled/reinstalled several times, the behavior is the same.  Any ideas?

[laygan]

try to isolate if it is due to tracker or phone. there are some posts about GPS issues with S21 model. use another phone model to see if the problem persists.

[DanRichards]

I believe it's related to the phone app. I tracked a walk on my wrist device (Charge4), and it synced up with a beautiful, accurate tracking of the path I walked. When I only track on the phone, the map is skewed. I'll upload a few samples.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sg2cRFPN3qsP2CoN9

[laygan]

I always use Built-In GPS for runs and never encounter any problem.

It's still possible that the phone's GPS is the issue rather than the app. I read few comments about S21 series's GPS problem. Here is one https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s21-series/gps-issue/m-p/4602457

Not an issue if you intend to stick with Built-In GPS. 

[DanRichards]

I researched GPS issues while the screen is off, and a "power saving" mode on the phone disabled GPS activity unless the screen was on.

With that, those random points that were displayed, are actual points where I checked my phone for messages or taking a call.

I disabled power-saving mode and now the GPS on my phone is tracking while the screen is off and the phone is in my pocket.

[laygan]

gotcha, Fitbit needs to update its manual 😀 https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1874.htm?Highlight=GPS%20troubleshoot 

To use connected or phone GPS, make sure that Allow Location Access is set to Always or All the time for the Fitbit app on your phone.

Need to add that power saving mode must be disabled!