GPS connection

[ssteinman2]

I have a Versa and I am noticing that my fitbit app on my phone needs to be open and running at all times in order for the GPS on my phone to work (for example, when I run or hike, my watch will only stay connected when the app on my phone is open). I checked the location settings on my phone for the fitbit app and it is set to "always" allow location. I don't mind having my phone in my pocket but would prefer not to run the app during a 2 hour hike as it will use way too much data. Any help is greatly appreciated to fix this issue. 

[wtksk8r]

That's odd. Some questions:

1. Did you start the exercise from the Versa or from the phone app?

2. Did you check the run/hike options on the Versa to make sure Connected GPS is turned on?

[Krobe]

I’m having the exact same problem. It started a couple of days ago... if I start an exercise such as running, it says “connecting” and also connects to the iPhone and the GPS. But as soon as the phone display turns off, the Versa goes back to “connecting”. If I look at the recorded exercise later in the Fitbit app, it just shows a dot on the map where I started. I already tried to unpair the Versa and pair it again as a new device. I also did a full reset of it, but nothing seems to help. Honestly, I cannot leave my phone display on the whole time! I don’t mind to bring my phone along, but I need GPS tracking - without it, the Versa is not half as useful to me!

[ssteinman2]

I started the workout from my watch. I click "exercise" and then I choose "walk". At the top it just continues to say "connecting..." unless I open the fitbit app. Even if I open the app and it goes to "Connected" as soon as I close the app it goes back to saying "connecting...".

My watch says that GPS connection is on for Walk, Run, and Hike. None of them seem to actually connect though. 

[wtksk8r]

What should happen is after you select walk or run the connecting icon should clear up in less than 30 seconds (at least in my case) and switch to connected and then you can start the walk or run. I have never had to open the app. You should get with the customer support at: https://help.fitbit.com/?l=en_US&cu=1&fs=ContactUs to see if there are other avenues to check out. Just be prepared to walk through the usual restart, reboot phone, uninstall and reinstall app to get to the heart of the matter. Hope things work out for you.

[Krobe]

By the way: I have a Versa 2

[wtksk8r]

I have a Versa 2 as well. My phone is a Pixel 3. I know they recently changed the app so that it syncs automatically throughout the day (they too away the All Day Sync option and made it the default). That means the app runs in the background. I have not had to open the app to get the connection to GPS.

[Krobe]

I have an iPhone. It used to be that I don't have to open the app to get a
GPS connection. But now it's not even working if I open the app - as I
mentioned... Strange...