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Versa 3 won't count my steps while I'm on the treadmill

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‎06-04-2021 13:29 - last edited on ‎12-18-2022 20:47 by Fitbit Moderator

‎06-04-2021 13:29 - last edited on ‎12-18-2022 20:47 by Fitbit Moderator

My fitbit versa 3 will not count my steps while on the tredmill.

 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

 

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‎06-04-2021 13:32

‎06-04-2021 13:32

Probably because you are holding hand rail with fitbit wrist, keeping is still.

But you will still get good calorie burn data from heart rate.

Or you can put tracker in a pocket to get better step count but no heart rate data.

Before posting, re-read to see if it would make sense to someone else not looking at your Fitbit or phone.

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‎06-05-2021 05:46 - edited ‎12-26-2023 08:21

In response to JohnnyRow

‎06-05-2021 05:46 - edited ‎12-26-2023 08:21

Hi there, @grammieevert. Welcome to the Community Forums. 

As @JohnnyRow has mentioned, your Versa 3 may not detect the number of steps if your arm is not moving. If you walk with a normal arm swing on the Treadmill/Elliptical, it should count the proper number of steps and calories. Take a look at the article: How does my Fitbit device calculate my daily activity? 

Also, remember that if you are using the Treadmill exercise mode on the Versa 3 it will use the Walking Stride Length and not the Running Stride Length for calculating distance from the number of steps. This will cause the distance to be off substantially. So, if you are running on the Treadmill/Elliptical, it is better to use the Run exercise mode, assuming you have correctly set up the stride lengths for Walk and Run. However, keep in mind that it is important that your arms swing freely in order for the Versa 3 to count steps, and not held next to the body.

To properly 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?

Hope that helps. 

Maria | Community Moderator, Fitbit


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‎02-20-2022 19:33

In response to MarreFitbit

‎02-20-2022 19:33

I have used a Charge 2, Charge 4 and Versa 3 and all of them count only a fraction of the steps on a treadmill. And no I do not hang on the the handle bars while running or walking. Arms are swinging freely. It works in the pocket but no pulse or credit for a work out. It also works on the ankle but difficult to strap and also no pulse. 

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