Mystery Steps for Versa

[tamara37]

 I had the Versa on the charger base and when it finished charging it showed false steps for today when of course I did not have it on. Yesterday similar issue where in that case had it on and all of sudden around 8:30 pm the step count jumped to another false number by displaying an additional 13,000 steps. Considering returning and sticking to my Charge HR 2 for alittle while longer.

[greenbyrd6]

Having same problem. Just took it out of the box and havent moved from the couch yet I have burned 1500 calories and walked 91 steps. I'M SO DISAPPOINTED. My first fitbit device ever. 

[Katzakiora]

Also getting extra steps. I can gain a few hundred steps just sat watching TV. This is my first Fitbit so didn’t know what to expect, a little disappointed at the moment. Hope they have a fix sorted soon. 

[Goddfadda]

I had my Versa for a week now and I noticed extra steps as well.  My watch was on a table (and not anywhere where a vibration would cause extra steps and we did not have an earthquake either). There were 270 steps on it.  So, unless my Versa took a stroll around the house during the night, there is definitely an issue with the firmware.  There are other help titles with similar problems so I am hoping for a firmware update soon.

Updated: 4/29/2018

I found this information on another Fitbit forum thread regarding extra steps (I don't believe the order makes a difference):

1. On the mobile Fitness app turn off "All Day Sync"

2.  Restart your watch

This did not clear my current steps but this morning my Versa showed 0 steps when I first put it on.

Hopefully this helps others.

[Katzakiora]

Thank you, I shall try this.

Kind Regards
Yvette Wilson
Katzakiora

[geepondy]

I just saw this thread after starting my own.  I see there is no response from any Fitbit support which is disappointing.  My Versa will be returned to Best Buy then.  It's too bad as I like the watch.

[Goddfadda]

@geepondy, I know the feeling.  I had the box and Best Buy receipt ready for return as well.  Although no support from Fitbit yet, I did find some workarounds in the forum and hopefully fixed some issue I was having, even if temporary.  I was considering the Apple Watch Series 3, but at over $100 more I am waiting for some permanent fixes from Fitbit.  Plus, I have a few more days before BestBuy' return policy expires.

Have you tried turning off the All Day Sync option?

[geepondy]

I did turn off all day sync this morning.  Maybe it fixes the problem but doesn't reset the step count.  My confidence is blown.  I could live with it locking up once in awhile requiring a reboot but I can't live with the false steps.  I'm usually part of a bunch of weekly contests.  I started a Fit bit chat and they offered to replace the device but it's easier to return to Best Buy.  I told the chat person other's have complained about the same issue so I doubted very much mine was a singular occurrence.  I have to think it's a firmware issue.  Maybe something gets jolted when it's removed from the charger.

I still have my Fitbit One (now discontinued as a backup)

FYI, thank you for your reply, Goddafadda.  Was the information to turn off all day sync given to you by a FitBit rep?  This problem was new to the chat person I spoke with.

[Goddfadda]

@geepondy,  I completely understand.  No, I believe the suggestion to turn off the All Day option was from someone who was having the same issue. I didn't save the post and can't find it now.

[geepondy]

Even though it did not need charging, I put the Versa back on the charger last night and this morning, I was again awarded 9500 plus mystery steps so unfortunately turning off all day sync did not solve the issue.  I wonder and strictly presumption on my part f there is any debounce activity going on while the tracker is being removed from the still USB powered on charger.  Debounce is that small fraction of a second when the tracker is removed in that there is intermittent on/off contact between the Versa and charger metal contacts.  This could possibly cause a voltage jolt that would cause the false readings.  Typically manufacturers correct for debounce either with electronic  circuitry or via firmware control.

If I had more time, I would try a few experiments.  One would be checking the step count before and after removing the Versa from the charger and another would be to unplug the charger USB power connection before removing the Versa from the charger.  Unfortunately I only have two more days before my return window closes and as mention I think at this point, it's best to just get my money back and wait for a period of time to see if FitBit acknowledges there is a problem and puts forth a solution.

[tamara37]

I agree there must be some type of firmware issue but I have not seen any response from Fitbit Support to correct the issue.  Sadly, I returned my Versa as I tried some tips by other users that didn't work and it was rather cumbersome attempting to try to keep up with what were actual steps.  I will continue to use my Charge 2 and look to upgrade again later.

[Goddfadda]

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@geepondy wrote:

Even though it did not need charging, I put the Versa back on the charger last night and this morning, I was again awarded 9500 plus mystery steps so unfortunately turning off all day sync did not solve the issue.  I wonder and strictly presumption on my part f there is any debounce activity going on while the tracker is being removed from the still USB powered on charger.  Debounce is that small fraction of a second when the tracker is removed in that there is intermittent on/off contact between the Versa and charger metal contacts.  This could possibly cause a voltage jolt that would cause the false readings.  Typically manufacturers correct for debounce either with electronic  circuitry or via firmware control.

If I had more time, I would try a few experiments.  One would be checking the step count before and after removing the Versa from the charger and another would be to unplug the charger USB power connection before removing the Versa from the charger.  Unfortunately I only have two more days before my return window closes and as mention I think at this point, it's best to just get my money back and wait for a period of time to see if FitBit acknowledges there is a problem and puts forth a solution.

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That does make sense.  With all the issues with the firmware and workaround attempts for fixes and lack of actual Fitbit support, my versa is boxed up and ready for return as soon as Best Buy opens.  Since I have an iPhone, I will be purchasing an Apple Watch Series 3.  I spoke with someone who has the Series 2 and music transfer is easier and directly from the phone so no need for a desktop app. As an added bonus, many of the apps I have on the iPhone are available on the Apple Watch.  No need to purchase any additional apps.  Moving on.

[geepondy]

Yes, I will have to return mine as well which is regretful as I like it and it pretty much is working ok for other functions.

I'm assuming the Charge HR does not have this issue?  Do you know if the Charge HR similar to Versa, will automatically detect your exercises (elliptical, running, walking for me) that you can later view the stats on the Fitbit dashboard similar to the Versa?

I read FitBit may release a slimmer updated Charge later on this year that will also have a real touch display.

[Goddfadda]

I liked the look and functions of the Versa which is why I kept it as long as I have.  Unfortunately, the function not always function properly.  Yesterday, my notification stopped working and the option was turned on.  I honestly can't say everything worked as should for on complete day.

I'm not too familiar with the Charge HR, but I believe there is also a Dashboard to review your stats.  Since the charge has been around I wouldn't think there would be these issues.  It was a fitness watch I was considering, but I would like to have a smartwatch where I can listen to music while working out and not having to carry my phone.

[geepondy]

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@Goddfadda wrote:

I liked the look and functions of the Versa which is why I kept it as long as I have.  Unfortunately, the function not always function properly.  Yesterday, my notification stopped working and the option was turned on.  I honestly can't say everything worked as should for on complete day.

I'm not too familiar with the Charge HR, but I believe there is also a Dashboard to review your stats.  Since the charge has been around I wouldn't think there would be these issues.  It was a fitness watch I was considering, but I would like to have a smartwatch where I can listen to music while working out and not having to carry my phone.

I'm sorry, I meant the Charge 2 which I believe is the latest.  I get the model numbers mixed up.

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[Goddfadda]

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@geepondy wrote:

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@Goddfadda wrote:

I'm sorry, I meant the Charge 2 which I believe is the latest.  I get the model numbers mixed up.

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 It looks like the Charge 2 will track the information you need:  https://www.fitbit.com/charge2

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[geepondy]

I can attest that the latest firmware update did not fix this problem so regretfully I returned it yesterday.  Best Buy offered to do an exchange but I did not want to get stuck owning the product until there was a certain amount of confidence this Versa wide problem has been fixed.  As of yet, I've yet to read that Fitbit acknowledges this a platform wide problem and it is being addressed.  I would imagine it will be some period of time before another firmware version is released.

If anybody receives more insightful information from Fitbit support, please reply back.

[pdxalexa]

Bummer. The distance on my Versa continues to be WAY off on biking and still pretty bad on walking. Also, seems to take forever to "connect" and then doesn't stay connected. Wondering if this is part of the problem.

Fitbit, What are you DOING about these issues??

[Cdonaubauer]

Mine was on a charger in front of a pretty powerful fan. Powerful enough to flap the band. Good to know this may be the cause... 

[Aholder]

I just bought the Versa last week for my husband. We love it, but today we left it off as we would be fishing all day in salt water. When we returned, it had 58,000 steps!!! Any solution or update FitBit? Seems like this is a very common theme with many threads. I hope we don’t have to return it and go to an Apple Watch! I was so hopeful this watch would be a long lasting all inclusive device!

[Tigerlil56]

Mine got 16K steps while I was sleeping - I wear it, so the issue is not the charger in my case.  I have tried restarting - multiple times.  That did not work.