The connected GPS on my Charge 3 doesn't work unless the phone's screen is unlocked

[Rob1972]

Since April 14 the Fitbit app only tracks GPS data when my smartphone screen is active during an exercise, where before the screen did not have to be active.
I powered my phone off/on and reinstalled the app, but that did not help.

Any help would be appreciated.

P.S. I am running version 3.18 and the update check result is "Charge 3 is up to date".

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @Rob1972, welcome to the Community Forums. We're sorry for the late response, due to recent events affecting our operations, we're taking longer to respond.

Thanks for the details provided about the functionality of the connected GPS on your Charge 3. Thanks for shut off/on your phone and reinstalled the Fitbit app prior to posting here, I'll be glad to help you.

Please verify the following requirements; then try the troubleshooting steps if necessary.

• Make sure that you have a clear view of the sky when you start the exercise. Environmental factors, including tall buildings, dense forest, steep hills, and even thick cloud cover, can interfere with your phone’s ability to connect to GPS satellites. If the signal is blocked—either because you're indoors, underground, or due to another reason—GPS won't work. 
• Confirm that Bluetooth on your phone is turned on, and your device is connected under your phone’s Bluetooth settings. 
• Make sure that phone is within 30 feet of your device.
• Make sure that your device can sync with the Fitbit app. For more information, see How do Fitbit devices sync their data?
• Make sure that your phone can identify your location and can track your location. For more information, see  How do I allow the Fitbit app to use my phone's GPS sensors?
• Confirm that the Fitbit app can run in the background on your phone and track your location.

Troubleshooting steps. See if GPS connects after each step:

1. Force quit, and reopen the Fitbit app to refresh the connection with your device.
2. On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth off and back on.
3. Restart your phone.

Note: To use connected GPS with your iPhone, make sure that Allow Location Access is set to Always for the Fitbit app. 

Let me know if you need further assistance. 

[goldfishbrain]

I've been having the same issue, and actually started my own thread about that.  Unfortunately, I've already tried all of the recommended steps, and none of them have addressed the issue.  I've followed all of the recommended tips I could find, still nothing.