not connecting to GPS

[Mags7272]

ive had my new Fitbit Sense 2 for not even 2 days now. been trying to connect it to GPS so I can go on a run but not once has it been able to find a signal. ive tried it in various locations and different spots on my trail but nothing. if anyone has any tips to resolve this, it would be greatly appreciated. Im currently boxing up the watch as we speak. so disappointed 😞 Ive been using the Fitbit Versa lite previously and it has no problem connecting to GPS no matter the location. is the build in GPS less reliable on the Sense 2? 

[Coach643]

On the Sense 2 go to run and then scroll up to turn on GPS. Hope this helps

[Mags7272]

Thanks for the reply! I’ve tried many times “connecting to gps” is continually shown until it says no gps found. I even tried the system shutdown to reset the watch and now it won’t even connect back onto my phone. 😞 I guess I will be returning. 

[Slooks]

Yes, you can start the GPS from either run or walk and that is what I do but it still loses the GPS! I use GPS with other devices, not smart watches, and I know that it does depend on getting and maintaining the signal but there must be something fundamentally wrong with that part of the app - grr.....

[Mags7272]

Thanks! I could try that. I run long distance so the build in gps feature of the watch is pretty important. Not sure if I got a faulty watch or if anyone else is maybe having this same problem. Thanks for the advice! 🙂 

[ebreymeyer]

I’m having the same problem. I tried what Coach643 said and it tried to connect but ultimately it said gps not connected 

[Mags7272]

I just returned my sense 2. I’m thinking maybe becasue it’s a new device maybe it’s still got some issues and updates that will help. If you ever do get your gps working, I’d love to hear how the watch is overall. I really don’t want to switch from Fitbit because I’ve been using one since 2016 lol 

[SunsetRunner]

I understand your frustration. 

What ended up working for me was to set the watch in a exercise profile that utilizes GPS (like hiking). I then just started the exercise.  It took about 28 minutes to get an initial GPS fix and after that it seems to take anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes.

[Slooks]

From what I understand, the GPS fix is separate to the smartphone so in theory, switching off the smartphone wont have an impact but maybe I have got that wrong. It strikes me as bizarre that a fundamental part of the Fitbit seems to have so many problems which should have been sorted before going to market. I have now discovered that if the Fitbit is set to stop GPS if it thinks there's no movement, then that of course will mean no record so maybe that is something to try providing of course the Fitbit has got a GPS fix in the first place!

[SunsetRunner]

@Slooks you are correct the Sense 2 does not have dynamic GPS where it leverages the phone's GPS module (unlike the Charge 5). But it does leverage the phone by providing some location info to help with a fix.  See section under "Best Practices" under Built-in GPS.

(ref: https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1874.htm?Highlight=gps)

BEST PRACTICES

• Charge your device to at least 80%, as built-in GPS can cause the battery to drain more quickly.
• Go outside; then connect to GPS and start your exercise. To make sure the GPS connection is stable, you can wait up to 30 seconds after you see "Connected" on your device's screen to tap the play icon and begin moving.
• For Fitbit devices, sync your device regularly with the Fitbit app (at least once every 24 hours) to reduce the time it takes for the built-in GPS sensors to connect to GPS satellites. Make sure the location permission for the Fitbit app on your phone is always allowed. For instructions, see the Apple help article or the Google (Android) help article.
• Check that GPS is turned on for the exercise. Note that only exercises where you cover physical distance use GPS. For more information, see How do I turn on GPS for an exercise on my Fitbit device?

Regardless the initial fix (cold fix) seems to take a while after that the Sense 2 usually will connect around a minute.

[Albysea]

I have the same problem with the new sense 2, I can't get a GPS  connection and  having sleep function  it is as unreliable as the sense.  I intend to call for support tomorrow, but an so disappointed and for the cost I expected so much more.

Good luck with your Fitbit problems.