Versa Lite step accuracy question

[Salanne]

I got in the car and my versa lite said I’d done 70 more steps than I had - I was driving so clearly not walking! It’s made me question how accurate it is? 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there @Salanne, welcome to the Community Forums. I'm sorry to hear that your Versa Lite added some steps while driving, I understand where your concern is coming from. I'll be glad to help you with this.

Fitbit devices have a finely-tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for intensity and motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking and running. When working at a desk, cooking, or performing other activities with arm movements, a device on your wrist may add some steps. When you’re doing activities that involve arm movement—such as working or cooking—you often walk a few steps in-between stationary periods as well, so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added by arm-based movement isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats. For more information, see How does my Fitbit device calculate my daily activity?

Your device has been tested against driving and riding in buses, trains, and other public transportation and shouldn’t add steps when you’re traveling under normal conditions. On bumpy roads or in a car with a stiff transmission your device may add some steps. For most customers, the number of extra steps added when driving isn’t significant when compared to your overall stats. If you want to remove the steps from your daily total, manually log the driving activity for the time you were in a vehicle. For more information, see How do I add, edit, or delete Fitbit data and activities?