My runs won't sync with Strava-Versa 2

[87TylerH]

Hey, all

I recently bought a Versa 2, specifically to sync with Strava so that I don't have to wear my phone on my daily runs.  I've been thus far unsuccessful at getting data from my Versa to Strava.  Looking forward to any help, as I'm out of ideas.  I've spent as much time tinkering with this as I have running this week.  

Thanks in advance!

Symptoms -- Strava app on the Versa 2 says "No Recent Activity."  Runs do not show up in my Strava feed. .TCX files exported from Fitbit show no data.

Troubleshooting steps taken:

• I synced my Fitbit and Strava accounts on both apps, and both show active, synced and logged in.
• I logged out of both apps, uninstalled and resinstalled them on my Phone.
• I uninstalled the Fitbit Strava app from my Versa 2 and reinstalled it.
• I re-linked my Strava and Fitbit accounts, successfully in both applications
• I ensured that GPS is ON on my Versa 2 for Running activities
• I exported a couple .TCX file from my Fitbit dashboard for a recorded run and attempted to import it to Strava, which failed because Strava said the file is empty.  
• I inspected the exported .TCX files from my Versa and verified that they are in fact empty.

Content of .TCX file for a Versa 2 recorded run:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="yes"?>
<TrainingCenterDatabase xmlns="http://www.garmin.com/xmlschemas/TrainingCenterDatabase/v2">
<Activities>
<Activity Sport="Running">
<Id>2021-01-13T17:26:49.000-05:00</Id>
<Creator xsi:type="Device_t" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
<UnitId>0</UnitId>
<ProductID>0</ProductID>
</Creator>
</Activity>
</Activities>
</TrainingCenterDatabase>

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[EdsonFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community @87TylerH.

Thank you for the information provided and for trying to resolve the issue you experienced before contacting us.

Your Fitbit Versa 2 doesn't have built-in GPS but uses the GPS sensors on your phone to capture GPS data (connected GPS). 

Note the following types of activities won't sync to Strava:

• Non-GPS activities
• Previous activities that weren’t tracked by Strava.
• Duplicate activities—that is, if you already recorded an activity with Strava, a Fitbit activity that occurs at the same time won't sync.

Please make sure that you are following these instructions to track your runs.

If you have any other question, please let us know.

[dotvicky]

I have all these problems and have tried all these solutions. My phone is definitely connected and GPS is definitely on. I am pretty disappointed that this isn't fixed - it definitely used to work.

[87TylerH]

Versa 2 "Connected GPS" feature relies on your phone GPS. The Versa doesn't
have a built in GPS.

If I have to wear my phone to log a run, might as well just log it in
Strava.

I bought the Fitbit to be a replacement for wearing my phone on runs, but
it's not well suited to that task. The battery life also takes a major hit
when using bluetooth audio. I couldn't make it through a typical day
without charging.

[Shawnzy]

I know I didn't have to have my phone with me to sync to strava why did this change? My run activity without my phone syncs to my fitbit app but not strava I guess. It used to.

[EdsonFitbit]

Thank you for visiting the Fitbit Community, @dotvicky @87TylerH @Shawnzy.

You don't have to have your phone with you to sync your activities to Strava. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. 

You have to have your phone with you during the activity to obtain GPS data. The information will be then transferred to Strava automatically as always. I just edited my post above for clarification.

If your data is not getting transferred to Strava, please check if the GPS route has been tracked. If so, please revoke the access between Fitbit and Strava and connect them once again. For instructions, please visit this article.

Hope this helps.

[Shawnzy]

Tried again today after revoking access and setting it back up. I get a no gps signal message two blocks away.

[EdsonFitbit]

Thanks for the update, @Shawnzy.

In this case, please visit this article, open the menu "Why isn't GPS working on my Fitbit device?" and follow the instructions.

In addition, you can restart your watch by following these steps.

If you have any question, please let us know.

[Shawnzy]

Restarting my versa worked when I reconnected to WiFi it synced to strava , however I don’t think the distance is correct. But it works again. I still get a no gps alert two blocks away from my phone is that expected?

[EdsonFitbit]

Thank you for your question, @Shawnzy.

To capture GPS data your Fitbit Versa 2 uses the GPS sensors on your phone, therefore your phone needs to be within 30 feet of your watch while performing the activity. It is expected that you get an alert if your phone is out of that range.

Regarding the issue with the distance accuracy, please set up your watch as a replacement device:

1. Tap the Today tab , and tap your profile picture.
2. Tap Set Up a Device.
3. Choose your device and follow the on-screen instructions to continue.

See you around.