Millage was off on bike ride-Versa

[tallulahtech]

I couldn't wait to track my bike ride today, as the Versa came in the mail yesterday. I was disappointed when I got home to see that it was off by at least 4 miles (short). I started it from the Versa and hit pause until I was ready to ride, then I hit the "start" arrow. I saw that it was counting time, so I took off. I had my phone with me while I rode. I synced when I got home.

I'm not sure what happened. Feedback is appreciated.  Also, does it "auto pause" when I stop, then restart when I start peddling again? 

I've attached two photos - one from the Versa, and one from the Samsung app. The time is accurate, but the mileage is short.

Thank you - Lisa 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity 

FitBit VersaSamsung Health app on my phone, different day.

Moderator edit: added label

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[LucyAP]

Welcome to the Forums @tallulahtech! Thanks for sharing your experience with your Versa and for the pictures you attached. 

Regarding the millage of your bike activity, all GPS devices whether your phone or a Fitbit device, require a direct path to these satellites in order to receive their radio transmissions. If the signal is blocked—either because you're underground, near many tall buildings, or as a result of atmospheric effects—GPS won't work.

While GPS gives you a more accurate measure of distance, the actual accuracy depends on both your environment and the weather. This might be the reason why you got a different result.

About your question if this activity may auto pause, various settings for each exercise type right on your watch. For example, you can choose to turn GPS on or off, automatically pause an activity when you stop moving (known as Auto-Pause), receive alerts when you reach certain milestones during your workout (known as cues), and track runs with GPS automatically without opening the Exercise app (known as Run Detect). You can also choose to keep the screen on during exercise (known as Always-On Screen).

To do so, take a look at the help article How do I use exercise apps and modes on my Fitbit device? on the section: How do I customize exercise settings on my watch?

Keep me posted! 🙂 

[tallulahtech]

I'm sending it back.

When I use my husband's Garmin, it works. When I use a different tracking app on my phone, the GPS works. I connected the Versa to my phone which is 6" away the entire ride, and still losing about 2 miles each ride. I have never had an accurate ride tracked on my Versa. 

I understand how GPS works and I can accept variables, but if my phone GPS is accurate, and the Versa is connected to my phone, it should be close. 

After reading through other community posts, it seems quite a few activities are not recording accurately. Some lose 10 minutes or more of a workout. For $200 I should get some accuracy, or it defeats the purpose of my purchase. 

[AndyCyclist]

Unfortunately, this is a well-known problem that, as far as we can tell, Fitbit is pretending doesn't exist. There are several threads on this issue, and it has nothing to do with your GPS signal. If you lose Bluetooth communication between your phone and the Fitbit during your ride, that distance is not logged until they reconnect.