Sense 2 GPS doesn't work

[FatSkiBum]

Why won't my Sense 2 GPS work?  Have tried a number of times using some of the suggested ways to get my GPS to activate and it will not work.  This does not allow me to map any of the activities on the smart(?)watch.

Edit:  After having tried all of the suggestions for connecting my Sense 2 to GPS, I would like to report that none of them worked.

Fitbit you have to get this problem solved!

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity. 

[t.parker]

It looks like some people seem to have issues with the GPS connection. I'd recommend return the device or replace. GPS is one of the not many things that actually work well on my Sense 2 so I believe some units may be faulty.

[FatSkiBum · Accepted solution]

I had done all the fixes I could see on the community and tried unknown number of times to get this to work.  I reset  up my old Sense and them shut it down.  Set up the Sense 2 again and tried again to access GPS and OMG the device finally picked up the GPS.  I even tried it mutiple times and it started working every time.  I don't know what changed but I am a little happier now.

Now would like to see the music apps restored to the app lineup, as well as, third party apps.

[t.parker]

"Now would like to see the music apps restored to the app lineup, as well as, third party apps" - for that you'd probably need Pixel Watch as there is no any indication that features you'd like to see ever come to Sense 2.

[FatSkiBum]

Where did you see the that Fitbit was not going allow any 3rd party apps?

[giuseppe.congiu]

I had the same problem but eventually I managed to make the GPS on my sense 2 work. However the GPS is extremely inaccurate. At the end of my workout I can get the map on the app, but it looks like the watch is taking only very few points on the map and it draws straight line between them to compute distances. Clearly distances are completely screwed up. I believe this might be a software problem. Has this happened to anybody else?

[Crazykeef]

I’ve had the same problem, my gps starts me 100m from my actual location. 

[giuseppe.congiu]

Did you manage to fix the issue? If yes, can you share your solution? Thanks

--
Giuseppe Congiu

[shiblon]

Same happens to me, but didn't used to. It used to be plenty accurate, then three weeks after it arrived, it started acting as you describe. Incidentally, it appears that *everything* involving an antenna (BT, GPS) is no longer working well. I suspect faulty factory processes.

I'm returning mine and going back to the Sense 1. Never had this issue with that one.

[giuseppe.congiu]

For me it looked like it was working when I changed location for my workout
(moved ~60Km away from where I usually exercise); Maybe it was because of
the topology of the terrain (more plain and straight paths). Anyway it is
back to crappy accuracy so I think you are right it must be a faulty GPS
module or perhaps a software problem.

[Mottarello]

I Quote you, outside my home is not working but mysteriously, this week I was in Paris and  a walk on the evening started automatically and on the same time the GPS tracing. The same walk on the morning started as well automatically but this time there was no GPS. Of course, coming back in the UK no GPS again. Paris is not the best place for having a clear sky... doesn't make sense.

[jfunk]

The GPS on my sense 2 is usually at least a half mile off.  So frustrating!!!!  I compare it to map my walk as well as reviewing the number of steps walked when I am done.  Today I had 10,500 steps on my walk and the gps said I was at 4 miles.  I’m not happy with this devise!!!

[eascpa]

I was frustrated and disappointed with Sense 2 because the GPS won’t track my walks. Then, I saw your post. (1) I removed Sense 2 from my Fitbit app (2) Reset the watch to factory setting (3) “Forget Device” on my Bluetooth setting on iPhone (4) Restarted my iPhone (5) Added Sense 2 on my Fitbit app (6) Paired Sense 2 with my iPhone Bluetooth (7) Installed the latest update on Sense 2 (8) Clicked on Exercise > Walk (9) While Walk app on Sense 2 is booting to start (before the walk app starts), I swiped up to see the settings (10) I saw the GPS and it was turned off so I turned it on (11) I turned on the walk app again, then I see that the GPS arrow was activated on Sense 2. Just finished doing my walk and I see the map is recorded on my Fitbit app just like how it was when I was using Versa 2. Btw, I signed up for Fitbit Premium (free for 6 months) before doing all the reset and I am not sure if this has something to do with that.

[mabenz22]

Have the exact same problems. I run around a large block and the map shows me running through houses. It's driving me nuts to the point that I am seriously looking at switching to Garmin. 

[PabloViejo]

I agree with all the comments about Sense 2's run-tracking inaccuracy.  My Ionic and first-generation Sense were very accurate at tracking my runs.  The Sense 2 overstates distances run by 15 to 20%.

Another problem" The Sense 2 doesn't track pool lengths when swimming.  The Sense tracked pool lengths perfectly.

Fitbit should offer full refunds to those who purchased a Sense 2 expecting that it would be an improvement over its predecessor.  I will make it a point to discourage anyone I know from buying one.

Sense 2 is a watch, nothing more.  A very disappointed, and once-loyal Fitbit customer.  Time to look at Apple watches, I guess.

[giuseppe.congiu]

Agreed, I think I will give this to my mom, as it is still good for tracking sleep and heart rate, and buy an Apple Watch ultra next (mostly because of the better battery life over Apple Watch 8). Very disappointed on the sense 2. I am amazed by how Fitbit can release an “improved” sense that is worse than the previous generation.

[PabloViejo]

I gave up on the Sense 2 and went back to my Sense.  (I came to my "senses".)  Now I know how far I run and how far I swim.