Versa 3 won't track my distance accurately when on a treadmill

[paolabez]

When I use the treadmill my verse 3 doesnt count the kilometres right. For example it says that I have walked 300m in 30 minutes when in fact the display on the treadmill tells 2,5 km

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[t.parker]

@paolabez Fitbit isn't able to know the distance on the treadmill. All it does is an estimation based on arm movement. Looking at the numbers, are you holding the treadmill handles? This prevents the watch from counting steps and updating the distance and that would explain why it registered only 300m.

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @paolabez. Welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for the details provided in your post about the inconvenience with your distance data. @t.parker Thanks or your input! 

Please note that 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?

As for the screen wake feature, please go to your quick settings and check that screen wake hasn't accidentally been turned off. Swipe right from the clock face on your watch to access the quick settings. Change whether the screen turns on when you turn your wrist.

If this settings is set correctly, please try restarting your Versa 3 by following these steps: How do I restart my Fitbit device?

Hope this helps.