Inspire 2 counting steps while working

[TonyaHunt]

I work with my hands. How can I fix my fitbit to count my steps correctly and not my hand movements. I've logged over 20,000+steps today 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity. 

[AndreaFitbit · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @TonyaHunt. Thanks for reporting that your Inspire 2 is registering steps while you work.

Fitbit devices have a finely-tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for intensity and motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking and running. When working at a desk, cooking, or performing other activities with arm movements, a device on your wrist may add some steps. When you’re doing activities that involve arm movement—such as working or cooking—you often walk a few steps in-between stationary periods as well, so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added by arm-based movement isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats. For more information, see How does my Fitbit device calculate my daily activity?

[Heather_ilm]

Yes! I feel like this thing is useless. I deliver mail for a living. My Fitbit is registering steps every time I move my arm to grab another piece of mail. I'm so disappointed...i want to know what my accurate step and calorie count is, but if it's giving me grossly inflated numbers then all the data is useless. I just logged 30 steps this morning patting my dog on the head. Ridiculous 

[AndreaFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @Heather_ilm. Thank you for your feedback regarding the steps registered by your Inspire 2. 

For wrist-based devices, it's important to specify whether you wear the device on your dominant or non-dominant wrist during setup:

• The dominant wrist setting decreases the sensitivity of step counting and should reduce any over counting of steps when your body is not moving. Your dominant hand is the one you use for writing and eating.
• The non-dominant wrist setting increases the sensitivity of step counting and should reduce any under counting of steps.

To start, the Wrist setting is set to non-dominant. See How do I change the wrist setting on my Fitbit device?

I hope this information helps. 

[PippaHadfield]

I have the same problem - sitting in bed reading I've counted 18 steps in just a few minutes. I've set "dominant" in the app - is there any other setting to reduce the step counting sensitivity? Otherwise I'll need to send this back, as it's data is useless!

[ManuFitbit]

Hi @PippaHadfield. Welcome to the Fitbit Community.

Thanks for the details regarding the inconvenience with your Inspire 2.

Before other options, and if you still consider the steps are not accurate, please make sure that you've tried the restart procedure as described in this article, then check if you continue to experience the same behavior. In the meantime, you can find more useful information about the accuracy of Fitbit devices and how to adjust your stride length and dominant hand settings here.