Versa 3 won't connect to GPS

[MacGuini]

I just got the Versa 3. It's an amazing watch except for the GPS connection. I've scoured the internet and spoke with customer service. I've tried reconnecting Bluetooth, restarting my phone, and even a factory reset (that took over an hour to complete). All it says is "GPS connecting..." for about 5 minutes and then says "No GPS."

Is there any ACTUAL solution to this problem? From what I'm gathering from the internet, it's a known problem and there is no actual solution for it. Perhaps there's some way to use my phone's GPS signal as a tracker? If not, Fitbit really dropped the ball on this one. Why wouldn't that be a feature in the event the watch's GPS signal craps out?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @MacGuini, Welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for trying to troubleshoot the issue with your Versa 3 before reaching out.  We‘re taking your comments and sentiments with regards to our products and services into consideration.

Please note that if you're in a new location farther away from where you normally run, 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 run. 

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.

[JulieSNz]

And if none of the advice you've given in this 'best answer' works ?

I have a Versa 3 and it will NOT connect to gps .   And please don't bother repeating the supposed helpful suggestions - they don't help.

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there, @JulieSNz. Thanks for stopping by in the Community Forums. 

I've seen you contacted our Support Team after posting here and they're still helping you to get this issue solved. Please stay tuned to your inbox, someone will reply back to your last email soon. 

[MacGuini]

That seems to have answered my question. However, I would like to point out how very unreliable of a feature this is. I know that the versa 3 is capable of using my phone's GPS, which would be much more reliable. However, there is no way to switch over to my phone's GPS. Please forward this to your development team. Every other fitness tracker I've had used my phone for gps location. It is completely unacceptable to require users to have to wait that long to track their exercise. It shows that your development team doesn't understand the concept of working out. I won't be able to test your advice out on a real exercise for a few months since it's so cold where I live. But after what you said, I'm wondering if I'm on a bike ride, am I going to just lose gps data if I ride to a new area too fast?

[MacGuini]

I agree. This is completely unacceptable. They should have an option to switch to the phones GPS. The versa 3 is capable of doing that. But there is no feature. Clearly there is a lazy development team behind Fitbit.

[JulieSNz]

I also would hope it gets solved *soon*  however I have little hope.

Several times I have contacted Fitbit help through chat and email.  I keep getting it promised that the issue will be passed on to high level help techs and I should hear back in 24 hours or so.

THIS IS NOT HAPPENING

So some actual assistance if you please !

[karimm10]

I’ve been trying to track my running but the GPS is not tracking my map. I have a Versa 3 and an iPhone… already tried everything listed in your “best answer” but nothing is working. Already did a factory reset to my Versa, re installed the Fitbit app, verified Bluetooth and data connection… everything seems to be ok. 

i haven’t changed my location and a few months ago all my maps for running were loading just fine in my app… just stopped working out of nowhere.  Please help!!!

[JulieSNz]

I found that my Versa 3 just would NOT under any circumstances connect to GPS.  I've since acquired another one and it connects pretty quickly - usually in a matter of seconds.  I can only surmise that my original Versa 3 is faulty.

[karimm10]

@JulieSNz 😞 mine used to work exactly like that… not sure what happened but just stopped mapping the track and the worst of all is that now I’m unable to see all my running stats 

[julydesmarais]

Same issue for me! I bought the versa 3 for the GPS, and it's always trying to connect. I have just recieved my new watch and read all those posts... Now I am planning to return the watch and ask for a refund

[JAR67]

I have a new Versa 3 (replacement for the ionic) I have tried all the suggestions and it still will not connect to GPS. 

[JulieSNz]

I would say it's faulty.  

[Dollyccph]

Hi!  Tried the instructions you provided, but my Versa 3 GPS still wont connect. 😞 help!

[downunder_]

Has this been resolved? 

I bought new Fitbit Versa 3. Sync to Fitbit apps on iPad. No issues. Updates done.

But it keeps saying "GPS Connecting..."

I followed all the things suggested that might fix the issue but still no success.

 Anyone found solution to this issue ?