Exercise tracking - distance incorrect

[AliB58]

I am struggling with the exercise tracking function on my Inspire HR.

I completed an 18 mile bike ride which I tracked simultaneously on my Fitbit and on Strava.

The 2 maps are identical, and the times match to within a few minutes (Fitbit 2:08, Strava 1:56 - probably accounted for by Strava auto-pausing).  But the Fitbit only shows the distance as 0.32 miles.  I could understand this if the map was incomplete but both apps show the same route.

I am attaching screenshots from both apps.

Is there anything I could/should have done differently? Or is this yet another example of the Inspire malfunctioning?

Strava screenshot of same rideScreenshot from Fitbit app

[SilviaFitbit]

It's great to see you in the Community @AliB58. Thanks for the details mentioned and the screenshots attached. 

I would like you to make sure you're following these steps to track your GPS activity: How do I start a workout in the exercise app?

The connected GPS feature on your device works with the GPS sensors in your nearby phone. To get GPS data, including pace and route for your workout, select a GPS exercise from the Exercise app on your device and bring a GPS-enabled phone with you. We recommend that you turn off Wi-Fi on your phone when using connected GPS.

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.

Let me know how it goes. I'll be around if you need further assistance.  

[AliB58]

Thanks for your reply. I have read the article, and I did exactly as it says - I have previously had problems with only getting a partial recording (i.e. incomplete map) so am careful to wait for my Fitbit to connect before I start my ride. Surely the Strava recording is proof enough that my phone GPS was functioning correctly?

So far I haven't turned off my phone's WiFi, so will try that next time.

[SilviaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back @AliB58. Please let me know how it works next time that you turn off your Wi-Fi setting. 

I'll be around if you need further assistance.

[AliB58]

Unfortunately on this occasion I couldn't get the Fitbit to connect, so only the heart rate data has recorded - no distance or time.  So another 18 mile ride shows as 0.05 miles.

This is very frustrating - my Inspire HR is really only functioning as a very expensive pedometer & a sleep tracker. As an exercise tracker it is proving to be virtually useless.

[AliB58]

So, some (slight) progress. Have attached a screenshot of a walk I did earlier today. It started off OK (after quite a wait to establish a connection), but clearly the connection was lost partway round - it was a circular walk of about 3 miles so should finish back where it started. 

This function is currently so unreliable as to make it worthless.

[SilviaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back @AliB58. I appreciate the screenshot you've shared. 

In this case, I've shared your post with our Support team, they will continue assisting you and providing you with options. 

I'll be around if you need further assistance. 

[FSuarez]

AliB58 I'm having the exact same problem... Auto tracking/recognition doesn't work, starting the activity on the Fitbit is unreliable. I wait for it to connect, holding my phone with the app open right next to my wrist, put the phone away (pocket or back wich is max. 40 cm away from my wrist), and the Fitbit loses connection with the phone often, keeps vibrating on my wrist whenever this happens, making the whole thing so annoying.

I use it for daily activity tracking and bike commuting, as for proper bike rides I wouldn't trust Fitbit for anything... My Garmin has proven to be too reliable, not to mention I have extras like cadence, speed, and proper GPS.

As for the daily activity, I might just return the Fitbit and go for a Garmin Vivosport or Vivosmart, since I see a lot of people complaining about the same thing here, and no real solution...

Good luck!

[MYTY1998]

I am also struggling to get my Fitbit to track activities.  I get partial data but the full gps loop.  Rode 22 miles today and the fit it shows 10.31.   Correct length of ti.e and GPS map.