Connected GPS issue

[Peterv555]

Dear fitbit

When will the update roll out to everyone, and most importantly, wil it fix the "connected gps" issue? Because honestly, my charge2 did this flawlesly. Too bad it stopped working after 3 months, luckily the reseller just reimbursed the product while fitbit support was utterly useless.

Against my better judgement I went for the fitbit versa, 2 days ago, and I'm already regretting it. Tracking my runs is the main reason why I wear this, so I just blew 200EURO on a device that doesn't do the one thing I need it to do.

Please let us know when the update will roll out and if it fixes the connection drops the Versa is currently experiencing, because my patience is wearing thin and the Garmin devices are looking more and more attractive every day...

Moderator edit: format 

[Peterv555]

And please do not reply with "toggle this or that setting and disable 85% of the features on your device" because all of us have already tried it. We can use the search function on this forum, we have tried all combinations of settings, we have tried deleting and re-adding the device, uninstalling the app, going back to factorysettings, etc.

The software (or the device) is faulty and we need it fixed. I swear if you're going to suggest to toggle "all day sync" or something like that, I'm running straight to the store to return the Versa.

[Mwright53]

My Versa never connects to my phone's gps at all.

[Jayelo]

My now dead Versa would be always “connecting” during my connected gps walks. It never once held the gps.

[KymberlyD]

I tried it today and mine didn't work. Thought I was doing something wrong

[Z06tim]

I had mine connect by going out of the exercise and back in while it was trying to connect the first time. Had that work twice.

Unfortunately it stayed connected to my phone for less then a minute before it goes back to "connecting" and never leaves that state once it's in it.

[MrMold666]

I've just come to the conclusion that the GPS doesn't work and that Fitbit doesn't know how to fix it.

[Peterv555]

The fact that Fitbit isn't communicating about the issue probably means you're correct. GiGon sleep a night on it but I'll probably gonna exchange the versa for the Garmin vivoactive 3 tomorrow

[calumthomas]

Curious to know which device you’re using? I’m using an iPhone X and haven’t had any problems with connected gps at all, it takes about 20 seconds to connect, but keeps the connection throughout the run ☺️

[Jayelo]

i use a Samsung s7 edge. could it be your carrier too? does that affect the gps? 

[Z06tim]

Carrier would have no impact. I use a OnePlus 5. Maybe it's only Android's having the issue then.

[Peterv555]

I have a Moto G5.

Until a few days ago I had a Fitbit charge 2. Also works with connected GPS and it worked like a charm. Nothing has changed with my phone in between. It's also a pain in the a$$ to install a new clock face or app on the versa, but who cares. Main thing for me is being able to track my run, which I can't despite sheeting out 200€

[Peterv555]

So after a forced update to firmware version 32.32.10.20, some messing around with settings, taking the fitbit app out of the battery-optimization of Android Nougat, keeping the fitbit app running in the foreground, disabling wifi(was suggested somewhere) and a bunch of other trials and countless reboots of phone and versa, the connection issues did not improve. 

On the contrary, if anything, it got worse! Now it loses connection after about a minute and simply does not reconnect until you end the workout and restart it, so you can enjoy yet another 2 glorious minutes of having GPS tracking. 

Great job, fitbit. You made a 200$ pedometer. Big round of applause, really.

I did, however, find a solution: The solution is simply to return this overpriced pedometer and buy a different device from a reputable source. If you must have a fitbit device for some reason, and you need GPS tracking, you could go for the charge2, which will last you about 3 months, but don't expect any meaningful interventions from fitbit support though.

[Mothrasue]

I wonder if this is a compatibility problem.  I have an iPhone 6 and haven’t had any problems with the connected GPS, at all.  Seems that while Android may have quick replies, unlike iPhone, there are other trade offs.

[Peterv555]

No, it's a device or software issue on the device. The fact that is doesn't affect the iphone doesn't change that. Connected GPS worked flawlesly with my Charge2 on the same phone. The only downside is that I'm not willing to buy a new Charge2 every 3 months, but at least it worked.

Thinking about getting the Garmin Vivoactive3 but I've grown weary about "reviewers". They just read what's on the box and then unbox it. If any of them would actually use the device - which to me seems essiantial the review it - at least one of them would have noticed that you can't actually track your runs/walks/bikerides with this overpriced p.o.s.

[BamIAm]

@Peterv555, check out this Versa review, he struggled with the GPS connection. 

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/05/fitbit-versa-review.html

If he has a Garmin review too it's probably just as comprehensive.  

[Peterv555]

Seems to me his GPS worked pretty good. I should be so lucky.

[Gmoney]

I have an iPhone 8+ & new Versa & trying to set up for a bike rode. GPS stays in “Conmecting” with iPhone directly beside the Versa.

Fail! Resorted to Strava which tracks fine, of course it doesnt use my Versa

[Karako]

So because Versa does not have GPS, does this also mean that there is no way to track my location without me bringing my huge af phone with me? Going on runs by myself, I would feel safer if my location could still be known to my fiancé. Will auto replying to text roll out for Apple users? I don’t like that I can’t even reply to a text to check in. The only fix I can see is to bring my phone which I would like to avoid. Any thoughts on this?

[BamIAm]

@Karako, you'd need your phone with you for this.  The Versa uses the phone's connection and GPS to work.  

Without it, you can still measure walks and runs, but it just uses step counts and time to calculate them.  No GPS map or location services.

The Ionic has built in GPS, but no cellular connection.  It would still need to sync to your phone to report your location.

I'm considering the iPhone SE to get away from carrying a large phone (and no more Fitbit Android issues!).  The 2nd generation is rumored to be released next month, even the one out now seems OK in a retro kind of way.