Versa over counting the steps

[blueyz44]

Is there going to be an update soon to fix the extra counting of the steps you take with this ? I would like to know because if not, I will be returning my Versa. Only have had it 5 days. Really do like it, but cost to much to be having this problem.

[SunsetRunner]

Can you be more specific? When is it over-counting?

[Marrrmaduke]

@blueyz44 I'm assuming you're referring to ghost steps being recorded when you're not walking or performing activities. My advice would be to set Wrist Placement option in the Fitbit mobile app to Dominant. It will make versa a bit less sensitive.

[tibialpursuit]

I just received my Versa yesterday and I've also noticed it's been way over counting steps. I have noticed it three times tonight. I have it on my left wrist, which is the non-dominant side, but have it set as my dominant side on the app. It gave me over 100 steps when I was washing my dishes (scrubbing with my right hand), 50 steps when I was brushing my teeth (also with my right hand), and 40 steps when I was just laying in bed talking on the phone (while holding the phone with my right hand again)... I agree with the original post - I am strongly considering returning my versa because this seems a little ridiculous for the price I've paid for this piece of equipment. I would think the technology would be up to par with the other items on the market. 

Can anyone advise as to whether this is something that I can expect to be fixed any time soon?

[Marrrmaduke]

@tibialpursuit Perhaps you could perform factory reset? I know it is a hassle but this way Versa will download the newest firmware (.19) that for now can be accessed only after wiping versa. The newest update is supposed to address versa's counting ghost steps while charging, so perhaps overal sensitivity has improved as well. Good luck!

[tibialpursuit]

@Marrrmaduke Thank you for the tip! However, my version states its 32.12.19 -- is this the .19 you're referencing? Since I just received the Fitbit I think it may be at the newest version already? If it's not the same version you're referencing, would you mind explaining how I can locate that information?

Thank you!!

[Marrrmaduke · Accepted solution]

@tibialpursuit that's the version I was referring to. It's not unusual for a hand tracker to count steps when one performs vigorous activities with hands (scrubbing dishes 😭), but it is entirely different matter to count steps when one is lying in the bed. I would recommend performing several reboots in a row. If this doesn't help, unfortunately I would attempt a factory reset. If the issue persists when you're not moving, I would contact customer service so they can guide you through the next steps. Fortunately, your tracker is still under warranty. For comparison, I wear my versa on the nondominant hand with the dominant setting in the app and never get steps while resting or not moving vigorously. Scrubbing dishes is a different matter... 😊

[falblambiz]

I just bought mine 3 days ago and I am having the same issue. Mine updated to 32.12.19 right after I powered it on the first time.  Did you have to factory reset it to make it work correctly? I have seen lots of posts about this in forums without a clear solution so I am seriously considering returning mine. 

[blueyz44]

It is counting steps while I am driving in my car. 

UPDATE:

I have only had it a week, should have updated when I cut it on and connected to fitbit.

[Marrrmaduke]

@blueyz44 It can happen if the roads are bumpy or you're driving a truck etc. Change the wrist placement setting to dominant. Also, to negate the ghosts steps from driving log Driving activity manually for that time period. You have to do that either in the Fitbit mobile app or on the Fitbit website. There's plenty of info on how to do that on this forum. I hope it helps! 

[MarcoGFitbit]

Hello everyone, I hope you're doing well. 

I appreciate your participation in the Forums and for sharing your experience with us. Please note that 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 doing other arm movements, a device on your wrist can pick up some extra steps if it thinks you're walking. Many of these situations—such as working or cooking—do include a few steps in-between stationary periods so the device tries to give you credit for those steps. For the vast majority of customers, the amount of stray steps accumulated is negligible when compared to the entire day. For a more technical explanation, see How does my Fitbit device count steps?

Your device has been tested against driving, buses, trains, and other public transportation and should not give you extra steps when you’re traveling under normal conditions. On bumpy roads or in a car with a stiff transmission you may get extra steps. Though a few extra steps won't affect your trends, it's possible to log a driving activity and remove the steps from your account totals. For more information see How do I edit or delete Fitbit data and activities?

I hope this can be helpful, if there's anything else we can do for you, please feel free to reply. 

[ElizabethH123]

 I've only had my Versa a few weeks.  I just downloaded the update.  I changed it to "Dominant Hand" as suggested.  And, as I'm sitting here, I just gained 36 steps!  It doesn't count floors, like my One did.  It doesn't even give me credit for walking up hill.  However, I gained two flights of steps just watching TV.  I really hate this thing!  

[Marrrmaduke]

@ElizabethH123 This is not normal behaviour. Just to confirm, by update do you mean firmware (Versa OS) update or Fitbit mobile app update?

[ElizabethH123]

@Marrrmaduke  The firmware update.  

[Marrrmaduke]

@ElizabethH123 At this point, I think you should contact Customer Support to guide you through the next steps. If the factory reset has failed and the recent firmware upgrade has not resolved the issue, I am afraid you will need more help than this forum can provide. 

[tibialpursuit]

Just to let everyone know — I actually ended up returning mine this week. For the cost it needs to be more accurate. I’ve reset and updated and changed dominance and everything I’ve been told to do and it was still in accurate. My calories were also all over the place. 

I’m looking forward to getting my money back. Also beware that Fitbit makes you pay to return the item — for paying over $200 on the watch I think it’s pretty messed up that they make you pay to return it. There are cheap clothing stores that provide you with free returns online. 

Good luck to all as you make your decisions!

[CoachTK007]

One day old purchase and I did not move from my desk today and it counted 6000 steps!! How is this possible.? Most annoyed with the gross inaccuracies of such an expensive piece of equipment 

[MarcoGFitbit]

Hello @CoachTK007, thanks for joining the conversation, have a warm welcome to the Fitbit Community. 

I appreciate your participation in the Forums and for sharing your experience with us. Please note that Fitbit devices use a 3-axis accelerometer to understand your motions. An accelerometer is a device that turns movement (acceleration) into digital measurements (data) when attached to the body. By analyzing acceleration data, our devices provide detailed information about frequency, duration, intensity, and patterns of movement to determine your steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, and sleep quality.

Fitbit devices have a finely tuned algorithm for step counting. The algorithm is designed to look for motion patterns that are most indicative of people walking. The algorithm determines whether a motion's size is large enough by setting a threshold. If the motion and its subsequent acceleration measurement meet the threshold, the motion will be counted as a step. If the threshold is not met, the motion won’t be counted as a step.

Other factors can create enough acceleration to meet our threshold and cause some over counting of steps, such as riding on a bumpy road. Our engineers have worked diligently on your tracker's algorithms to make sure that it does not pick up false steps or activity recordings while in a car. Unless you are driving in a car with a stiff transmission or on back country roads, your tracker should not give you credit for any work that you don't do. If you do pick up some steps while driving, see How do I delete data? for instructions on removing steps.

I hopes this resolves your inquiry, if there's anything else I can do for you, please feel free to reply. 

[Littlemagpie]

Could it be from GPS drift? Just a thought. I'm logging steps in my sleep. Obviously this means my calories are off. Wonder what else is.

Just bought this its 2020. Versa 2. I'm very frustrated. 

[crys_d_]

im in the same boat. my fitbit came 1/10/2020 it was fine for the first few days, but now its over counting steps like crazy. i have reset it like 4 times, and clicked on dominant hand. i dont know what else to do