Using Charge 3 while running

[Clorraine]

Hi. Can anyone explain how the charge 3 works for running with gps. I understand that’s it’s not built in and I need to connect to my phone but I’d like to see pace and distance run on the charge 3 screen while I’m running. Will the charge 3 show me this or do I need to look at the phone screen post run? 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

Hey there @Clorraine, thanks for stopping by! The connected GPS feature on Charge 3 works with the GPS sensors in your nearby phone. To get GPS data, including pace and route for your workout, you must select a GPS exercise from the Exercise app on your device and bring a GPS-enabled phone with you. We recommend turning off Wi-Fi on your phone when using connected GPS to improve the experience.
 
When you choose a GPS exercise, your device vibrates when your phone finds a GPS signal. If your phone doesn't find a signal immediately, keep in mind that 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. 
 
For best results, wait for your phone to find the signal before you start your workout. However, if you don't want to wait you can start your workout and GPS tracking begins when your phone finds a signal. 

Note that your device uses your step count to calculate distance until it finds a GPS signal. In this scenario, your total distance calculated for the workout may be slightly less accurate than if GPS data were available for the entire duration. For more information, see How accurate is GPS?

• Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and your tracker is connected (paired) to the phone. To confirm, go into your phone's Bluetooth settings and make sure you see Charge 3 on the list of devices.
• (Android only) The Fitbit app is allowed to run in the background on your phone. For more information, see Why is the Fitbit app sending a notification to my Android phone?
• You selected an exercise type from the Exercise app that uses connected GPS. To check on Charge 3, swipe up on any exercise and check that Use Phone GPS is listed and set to On.
• Your phone is within about 30 feet of your device.
• Your phone can identify your location and can track your location when you're not using Wi-Fi. For more information on which phone settings you may need to adjust, see How do I track my workouts with my Fitbit device?
• (Android only) If your mobile device is running Android 6.0 or later, see Why do I receive access requests from the Fitbit app on my Android mobile device?

After verifying all the requirements, try using GPS again by following the instructions in How do I track my workouts with my Fitbit device?

I'll be around if you need further assistance! 

[DavidNorton]

Hi Maria,

I have the same question as Clorraine and you didn't seem to answer it.

The question was and still is "Can I see pace and distance on the Charge 3's screen or do I have to look at the phone screen?

Kind Regards

David

[Clorraine]

Hi David

Claire here...  So i now have the charge 3 and have been using it for running no problems.  I do need to take my phone out with me but i always do this anyway.  

The screen shows pace and distance and once home and synced I can see my route (similar to the old surge i had).

Really pleased with it so far!!

[DavidNorton]

Hi Clorraine,

Thank you very much.

I was worried I would have to keep taking my phone out of my belt to see the info during the run

Kind Regards

David

[DavidNorton]

Sorry just realised your name is Claire!

[Florencee21]

Hey there @MarreFitbit  I still can’t figure out how to view my speed while I am actually running. My charge 3 is connected to my iPhone GPS but I can’t figure out where to look at while running to see my current speed. Do I look at my Fitbit or on my iPhone??? And where on the screen??

Thanks a lot for helping me solve this!!

Florence

[Heather-S · Accepted solution]

@Florencee21 You need to look at your Charge 3.  Once you're connected and off and running, you can tap on the screen to see different stats about your run.  The top stat is your distance you've ran.  The middle stat can show you pace, average pace, heart rate, calories burned, steps, the actual time, distance, and time elapsed.  The bottom stat is simply time elapsed.

So while I'm running, the first state I see is my pace.  This is what I leave it on because I like to make sure I'm not going too fast for my long runs.  So the middle stat I believe defaults to pace at the start, but you can tap on the screen once to get to average pace if you prefer that, or any of the other stats I mentioned above.

Hope this helps!

[Clorraine]

Hi

If you tap the screen while running the pace comes up at the bottom of the screen. You can then scroll through the screens to view other data.

Kindest

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[no0108]

Thanks for this useful thread.  Does the screen of the charge 3 stay on as you run?  Or do you have to tap it?  Thanks

[Jilucas]

So you have to buy the Fitbit coach to use the feature? That would be lame...

[Clorraine]

No need to buy the coach add on. It works great for running but you need to tap the screen to see the stats. 

[BryanO]

The pace I see while running seems different than what I think I should see based on the average pace at the end of the run. Do you know how the current pace is calculated? Last 30 sec? Last 10? Thanks!

[Jobonner]

I noticed these stats flash up once I’d finished my run but how can I see them again?

[Clorraine]

I use the app for looking at my stats after the run.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[MCremer]

Similar question:  Part of my walking workout involves doing 12 sets of stadium bleachers when 2/3 of the way finished with walk portion.  Worked fine with my old Alta that recently 'fitbit' it.  My new Inspire works fine until I get to the bleacher part.  For some reason, it ends my workout as soon as I start the bleachers, even though the workout continues for another 40 minutes.  Any ideas how to avoid this?