Connected GPS does not work

[tfk]

Moderator: please read this carefully before posting a generic cut and pasted response

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I am standing out in the open and a full gps fix is on the phone. On the phone google maps works super fine. So the GPS signal is great on the phone.

I repeated on different days this on an android smartphone and on an ipad. same result. no conencted gps.

I have 100% ensured that the versa is only paired to one phone at a time and done a sync first (which works and which demonstrates the bluetooth connection TO THE PHONE is fine 

yes i have restarted the versa several times. It makes ZERO difference

[azjerry]

I can't even get mine to sync consistently.
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Jerry R

[SunsetRunner]

Ok.  So I have found the Versa is working just great with the iPhone se for both syncing and connected gps.  It’s still flaky with Motorola and Samsung.  I recently got a used LG Stylo 3 and the Versa works great with the LG as well.  Seems phone dependent but this has been the case for two years with me.  I am now using Endomondo for all my GPS activities because I like the extra data and ability to write notes and add pics which is something many of us have been asking for years from Fitbit.  So pretty much Fitbit app is just my dashboard.  Your heart rate data will be synced to the Endomondo activity once it comes over to Fitbit.  But Fitbit still has the best overall health data for non athletes so alas I stay

[freddybigs10]

I had the same issue with my Versa which started about 2 or 3 updates ago. I use the Pixel XL 2 and I always use Bluetooth headphones when I'm out running. Wether I start it manually or allow the Versa to auto detect the run it will connect at first but will disconnect about 2 minutes later and get stuck on "connecting". This makes the Versa think I've only run 5-6 miles when in fact I've run 8 miles. I tried everything else that Fitbit says to do and nothing worked. I have now found a solution, at least for my phone and it's simple. I did install and setup Strava to access my Versa and I don't know if that had anything to do with it it not. What I think actually fixed the Versa "connecting" issue is that I went into my Bluetooth app settings and cleared it's cache and data. After that I went into the Fitbit app and accessed the Versa through there and it was paired to my phone again. I've now gone on 2 runs and I've had no "connecting" issue and it correctly detects my run distance. 

[danwms]

You said you cleared the cache of the Bluetooth app settings. Did you. Mean fitbit app itself? I can not find the option to clear Bluetooth cache. 

[freddybigs10]

Bluetooth app only . It is a system app so it does not show up in your app list by default. 

[TZimm]

I am having the same problem.  When I called customer support I was told this was the first time they have heard of this issue.  Apparently, that is not the case!!  I hope they find a fix or at least allow to return and pay the difference to get the Ionic.

[danwms]

Found it cheer, will give that a go to see if it fixes it. 

[mikecyprus]

Hi man. You make a good point in your article. The fact that there are so many android phones manufactures with different battery saving policies makes this situation like a hell. I feel like your phone is killing the connected gps bluetooth connection after some minutes. And its not only that. Maybe you have a phone that it works, but if the user install a 3rd party (battery saving) app on his phone this also maybe can cause issues. I feel that fitbit can't trial every different situation, but they must find a solution to this. To design and make calculations based on a "straight line" when the connected gps is off isn't the best solution because the stats are getting wrong and you have situations like it looks like you walk on a lake.

Me i have LG G6 and i never had issue, but i read other users with same phone had connected gps issues. And i am still on Android 7. LG release an update to Android 8 but i dont want to upgrade before im sure that this will not cause any issue with my versa connected gps.

[danwms]

You are right that fitbit should not be expected to test against third party battery saving apps but doze is an android feature. 

If they are to release on android they shod be testing against that. The fact that Strava does not have an issue shows that it can be done.