Versa Lite isn't tracking my steps accurately

[Bob_Stratton]

My Versa Lite isn't counting my steps the way I believe it should.

I noted the number of steps showing on my Versa Lite at the beginning of a walk and actually counted (in my head) the number of steps I took. I did this three separate times. Same result.

FitBit recorded 60% of the actual steps I took.

To me a step is when I pick one foot up, swing it out in front of the other and put it down. It has nothing to do with stride length (in my mind). Stride length X number of steps = distance travelled.

I realize you can alter stride length in the App but, again, I don't see what that has to do with number of steps.

Anyone have any insight?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @Bob_Stratton. Welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for the details provided in your post about the inconvenience with your Versa Lite. 

Since you wear a wrist-based Fitbit device and move your body while keeping your arms still (or vice versa), you may see a slightly different step count than if you wear a device clipped to your clothing. For more information, see How accurate are Fitbit devices? 

For wrist-based devices, it's important to specify whether you wear the device on your dominant or non-dominant wrist during setup:

• The dominant wrist setting decreases the sensitivity of step counting and should reduce any over counting of steps when your body is not moving. Your dominant hand is the one you use for writing and eating.
• The non-dominant wrist setting increases the sensitivity of step counting and should reduce any under counting of steps.

To start, the Wrist setting is set to non-dominant. Change your wrist setting in the Fitbit app.

[Bob_Stratton]

Thanks for your response.

It is on my non-dominant wrist (left in my case as I'm right-handed) and I have it set up that way through the app.

I've always had it set up that way but just double checked to ensure that it still is set up correctly.

Just for a lark, I'll try it in my pocket and see if it makes a difference.

[Bob_Stratton]

I did try carrying the Versa in my pocket instead of on my wrist when I went for a walk. I counted my steps and then checked the FitBit. The count was quite a bit better, though still not accurate. I think FitBit should admit their step count is only a rough estimate so people know up-front.