Versa 3 GPS distance is not accurate

[SilentKidA]

I have a versa 3 and I’ve noticed the stats shown for a walking exercise are not accurate. Specifically, the last brisk walk (fast pace, tracked with GPS enabled) I took lasted 1h07m and the following was recorded: 5,975 steps, 4.86 miles. This equates to a stride length of over 51”! (4.86*5280*12/5,975). My walking stride length is closer to 30” and is set in the app at 30.7. Either the distance is off (unlikely) or the amount of steps has been miscalculated. Anyone else with this issue? How can I get a more accurate step count? Seems like I’m getting shorted in steps here.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @SilentKidA. Thanks for stopping by in the Community Forums and sharing the details about the inconvenience with your Versa 3.

Please note when you track an activity with GPS, your device calculates your distance using GPS data rather than steps. If you begin moving before you get a GPS signal, your device calculates distance using your steps until GPS connects.

To update your stride length, track a run with GPS or measure your stride length manually. For more information, see Can I change my stride length in my Fitbit account?

For more information about GPS, see How do I use GPS on my Fitbit device?

Also, note that if you're in a new location farther away from where you normally walk, it may take a few minutes to connect.

With that being said, I'd like to know if you've recently changed your normally location? How long do you wait for the GPS signal to connect? If you've noticed it's less than 5 minutes, please let your watch try to connect for at least 5 minutes before cancelling the exercise. Your Versa 3 will continue to try connecting and you can go about your walk.

Also, please make sure your Versa 3 meets the requirements for connecting to GPS. For more information, see Why isn't GPS working on my Fitbit device?

Moreover, please be advised that environmental factors, including tall buildings, dense forest, steep hills, and thick cloud cover, can interfere with your device’s ability to connect to GPS satellites. If the signal is blocked—either because you're indoors, underground, or due to another reason—GPS won't work.

Hope this helps.