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Versa 3 - switch from built in GPS to connected GPS?

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‎04-06-2021 14:15 - last edited on ‎12-18-2022 20:47 by Fitbit Moderator

‎04-06-2021 14:15 - last edited on ‎12-18-2022 20:47 by Fitbit Moderator

Hello

 

i have the Fitbit Versa 3, and after having the Versa 1 & 2 (which all connected to the gps on my iPhone) I can’t help but notice that the built in gps on the Versa 3 is so inaccurate and has completely messed up my running tracking.

 

Does anyone know if it’s possible to turn off the build in gps and switch on connected gps instead? If not il refer back to my Versa 2! 

 

 


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6 REPLIES 6

‎04-07-2021 09:21

‎04-07-2021 09:21

Hello @Sarahb9212, welcome to the Fitbit Community forums. 

 

Thank you for sharing that you've been having trouble with your Versa 3 watch. 

 

As you can review in this article, the Versa 3 only has a built-in GPS and does not have the option to switch to connected GPS. However, this idea has already been posted on the Feature Suggestion board of the Community; make sure to add your vote and comments as this helps to keep track of popularity and demand over time. 

 

In the meantime, and before considering other options, please confirm if you've tried all the steps listed here below:

 

  • Confirm that the exercise type uses built-in GPS. For more information, see How do I start a workout with GPS on my Fitbit device?

  • Make sure that you have a clear view of the sky when you start the exercise. 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.

  • Check that GPS is turned on for the exercise. For more information, see How do I turn on GPS for an exercise on my Fitbit device?
  • Make sure that your device is charged to at least 80%.
  • Confirm that your device is syncing with the Fitbit app. The more you sync your device, the faster your device can connect to GPS.
  • Avoid trying to start an exercise with GPS several times in a row, which can prevent your device from connecting to GPS.

If you continue to see the same behavior and your GPS is not getting disconnected, make sure to try following the steps listed in this article to complete a restart and check if you still see the same behavior. 

 

Hope this helps. 

 

Davide | Italian and English Community Moderator, Fitbit


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Best Answer

‎09-23-2022 06:05

In response to DavideFitbit

‎09-23-2022 06:05

Same problem for me. The GPS keeps dropping its signal.  While my previous fitbit when I connected to my phone GPS was much more accurate.  I am moving to runkeeper. 

Best Answer

‎10-13-2022 07:06

In response to vlbell

‎10-13-2022 07:06

Welcome to the Fitbit Community forums, @vlbell. 

 

Thanks for sharing that you're also been having this inconvenience with your Versa 3.  

 

Could you please confirm if you already tried all the recommendations mentioned here earlier, including the restart procedure? Let me know if you continue to experience the same behavior afterwards. 

 

I'll be around. 

Davide | Italian and English Community Moderator, Fitbit


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‎10-13-2022 08:04

In response to DavideFitbit

‎10-13-2022 08:04

Hi,
Yes I have tried all of the recommendations. The issue is that the GPS
keeps disconnecting and then restarting. And of course while its trying to
reconnect its not tracking. My assumption is that the signal strength
doesn't compare with that of your telephone. I had to purchase a Luxe so
that I could use my phone to track my walking activities in the park.
Best Answer

‎10-28-2022 11:55

In response to vlbell

‎10-28-2022 11:55

Yep, the GPS on this watch is officially garbage and needs to be able to connect to a phone. Pretty poor that the fitbit guys just post the same canned response about making sure you are not near to buildings or in a forest as opposed to just admitting they need to fix it. Very disappointed in just the lack of appreciation for the problem. No other GPS device I have has the same problem, including phones, other watches and bike computers.

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‎07-09-2023 19:16

‎07-09-2023 19:16

Same issue for me. I used the ionic and versa 2 (both connected to my phone GPS) and never had an issue till I switched to the versa 3. It only connected to the GPS a couple of mins into my run and even after that, the connection was intermittent and it just completely gave up near the tail end of my run. Recorded my usual 5.5km route as 4.5km instead which made it impossible to check my average pace for each km.

Pretty disappointed that there isn’t even an option to switch back to rely on my phone gps. 

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