Unreliable step counting bug

[Guy_]

There is an issue with the step counting as shown here, with the dated Core Stats.

At 15:38 the watch was indicating an erroneous 13,256 steps

After a sync it was showing a more accurate 8,536 steps

How or why this bug has appeared is unknown. It is due to improper syncing/server processing.

There is nothing a user can do to fix this bug, any attempts could make matters worse and be a waste of time.

If the watch is not connected to the Fitbit App, by closing the app [often not possible] or better by turning off Bluetooth, and the steps are correct it would confirm that as the cause.

For Versa/Sense users [not Versa 4 or Sense 2], the SimpleCheckUp app [first screen] might help to know on the watch when the watch last synced.

When turning on Bluetooth again, it is necessary to manual sync a few times to get the correct steps to show.

This bug is NOT related to any watch firmware update or Fitbit App update and applies to all phone and watch types. There will be no update issued to fix it.

Steps counting bug - Update March 20th

It seems this is still not entirely stable and Google may still be introducing changes.

Small adjustments can appear when auto syncing [every 15 minutes about depending on connectivity] or even manual syncing randomly.

Steps counting bug - Update March 19th

After some more testing and in the absence of any official information from Google - the app finally appears to sync correctly without any unwanted adjustments.

Of note, no action by the user was/is necessary for the syncing to be correct, as the error was only at the Google end.

Steps counting bug - Update March 17th

Some people still noticed minor adjustments to the watch steps when syncing, meaning the problem is still not fully fixed.

Steps counting bug - Update April 7th:

The ensuing minor steps adjusting bug that was still prevalent seems also fixed now.

Steps counting bug - Update March 13th:

This may finally be fixed - check steps on your device and manually sync, If the app then shows the same for you it is fixed. However some minor adjustments still seem to occur.

Stress Management Score - Update March 7th:

The missing Stress Management Score that affected all user types [regular or premium] is supposedly fixed now without any user intervention. Though the missing history is not recovered.

For those still not getting it yet please make a separate post/investigation.

[Fd-156]

Thank you so very much for the update.I don't think the person who I spoke about it knew there was a problem. She just stated to me about the new version coming out.

I think personally it is the app itself. But let's keep calling them.the more people who call.Will be better.Have a great day!!

[Sherlls]

Same problem. Yesterday & today, both days at 4pm, I got a 10k notification then drops to less than I'd seen on it just a few minutes before. I've left feedback as suggested. Just hope there's a fix soon! 

[Fd-156]

Yes I agree with you.i sure hope there is a fix soon!! Have a great day!!

[Mom2Jacob]

Personally I think, with Versa 3, it starts with watch and the crap it’s calculating.  I don’t access the app first thing.  I get the incorrect notification from watch.  It says you got 10K or whatever you set but you know you didn’t walk enough to get that amount.  When you sync with app, the shenanigans continue.  The watch either creates the different amounts or follows the app, but both reflect each other.

I decided to close out the app and shut off Bluetooth and manually jot down the amounts as I get them and maybe I’ll update at end of day.

[Grimmi]

I am now looking at getting a new watch, which is a shame as I have been with Fitbit forever but this is just too annoying I am constantly losing steps every time it syncs and also losing more steps I know I hit over 12,000 steps but when it only says i’m doing 7,000 then not happy . It also keeps losing Bluetooth connection when I even have my phone in my hand . Fitbit /google need to sort this out it’s now been 4days 

[Fd-156]

We all are in the same boat.I don't think getting a new watch is going to help if you are going to stay with Google or fitbit.

[Suzbaus]

I'm a sense and Android user.

[Fd-156]

Im as well.have a great day.

[DocSMA]

Twice I've synced my Sense and tracked a certain amount of steps (+20k 1st time, +12k 2nd time). Then, when it syncs again, it erases thousands of steps (+5k 1st, +3k 2nd). Why does it keep doing this and how can I fix it?

[SunsetRunner]

Hi all! I'm looking for help!

I hit 13300 steps today which was displayed on my fitbit versa 3. When opening the app and syncing it with my watch, my steps went down to 7000 on both my watch and app. I finally get back up to 10000 steps and sync..... guess what? Back down to 8500. What is going on with my watch? Is there a way to fix this or will I have to go and get a different watch that will be more accurate?

[nlsalvatore]

I’ve been having the same issue the past few days.  My step count suddenly jumps up by a few thousand, then drops back to what it was a few minutes later.

[nlsalvatore]

I’ve been having the issue the past few days where my step count randomly jumps up by a few thousand, shortly after I sync my device & app, and then a little while later it stops back to what it should be.

[Suzbaus]

Yes, this is the second day in a row that I have experienced the step count issue and I have that latest update to the app. Come on Google stop the BS and fix the issue.

[ManuFitbit]

Hi everyone and welcome to the forums to the new members.

Thank you for taking the time to share all this details and screenshots regarding this difficulty that we are experiencing with steps and thank you for trying to fix it on your own. 

Please note that our team is investigating the issue and working on a solution.

Could you please share the cell phone model and software version you are using. This information will help in the investigation, eg iPhone 8 IOs 18.1, Pixel Phone Android 13, etc.

[Fd-156]

I have an Samsung galaxy 20 android. Software version is android 13.

Thank you for looking into a fix for this problem. As it has been very frustrating. 

[ben_13]

android version 14

fitbit app ver 4.36.1

samsung S22Ultra

been a week of this for me, super frustrating. 5ksteps , pull down refresh, now 9k steps, refresh, 3k steps....  its no longer reliable and I am ready to move on.  Versa3 for almost 4 years now.

[Tourdefarms]

Pixel 6a, Android Ver. 15.

Fitbit App Ver 4.37 Sense watch 

[Mom2Jacob]

iPhone 12 ios 18.3.1/versa 3

[Suzbaus]

Samsung 23 Ultra.

Android version 14

[dbottorf]

I may be mistaken so please excuse me if I am.  This isn't a fix for a problem that has just recently been happening.  I'm always syncing my Fitbit Sense to my phone app.  This "Fake" step count that adds, then deducts steps has been happening within the past week.  My Sense did the Firmware update which is draining my battery within 3 days.  My husband's didn't do the update and he is having the "Fake" step count issues.  I like several here are wanting answers that fix both problems.