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Steps totally inaccurate!

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‎08-25-2019 02:14 - last edited on ‎11-17-2020 10:43 by Fitbit Moderator

‎08-25-2019 02:14 - last edited on ‎11-17-2020 10:43 by Fitbit Moderator

Hi,

I have had this fit bit 3 for 4 days and I am amazed how inaccurate the step counter is compared to my iPhone pedometer. I had done 10,000 in no time at all, I was shocked, my iPhone had recorded 4,072. Something isn’t right!
If I swing my arm once, I can see it has add 6 or 7 step, this was on my non dominant arm too.

 

It is pretty pointless really other that telling the time......which is accurate 🙂

Is it generally inaccurate please? 

 

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‎08-25-2019 04:21 - edited ‎08-25-2019 04:22

‎08-25-2019 04:21 - edited ‎08-25-2019 04:22

@SunsetRunner Welcome to the forums!  

 

I would not trust the iPhone pedometer.  It's rarely correct, as it has to be carried with you at all times to even be close to being right.  For example, my iPhone says I've taken 45 steps this morning -- well that certainly isn't right because I've been walking all over my house, but my phone has been sitting on the kitchen counter or office desk!

 

Another thing to consider is that the Charge 3 isn't a simple pedometer, it's an activity tracker.  So lots of hand movements can trigger steps to be counted.  The device doesn't know if you're actually walking, it merely goes by your physical activity and swing of your arm.  But, if you go to the grocery store and push a shopping cart, you probably won't get any steps because your arm isn't moving.

 

Take a look at this Fitbit article to learn more about your steps and how to change the sensitivity of your Fitbit device.

 

Best of luck and happy stepping!

Heather

Heather | Community Council | Eastern Shore, AL
Want to discuss ways to increase your activity? Visit Get Moving in the Lifestyle Discussion Forum.
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‎08-25-2019 07:53

In response to Heather-S

‎08-25-2019 07:53

Hi

Thanks for your reply.
My iPhone was with me for the whole distance, that is why I am so shocked at the difference in steps! I have always found accurate.
I have measured this afternoon with my mums inspire HR and my Fitbit 3 is registering just under a third more steps, so something definitely wrong with my Fitbit.


Sent from my iPad
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‎09-30-2020 23:59

‎09-30-2020 23:59

I know this is more than a year later, but I recently got a fitbit 4 charge and in our current situation in lockdown paired with the fires in California I'm not able to get much outdoor activity.  According my fitbit I still hit 4.92 miles walked today even though I didn't leave the house, due to smoke. Worth noting I'm not running circles around my apartment, I'm just taking some down time. So I don't see how nearly 5 miles is possible. Seems very inaccurate. 

 

 

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