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 for the update.have a great day

[Catchmeifucanjg]

I did the exact same things and I feel your pain so frustrating!!!

[Seastroller]

For past 4 days at least my step count has been unreliable. It seems to double near the end of a period of waking and then adjust by reducing somewhat about an hour or so later.  Also, at times, steps just don't seem to be recorded.  I'm very disappointed as I only purchased this device 4 weeks ago.

[Hillsgirl]

I have updated to 4.37 and…… still the same issue. Watch said 3336 steps, synced , now both showing 3016. Also lost 12% battery in space of 30mins and only sat at my desk! Fitbit is not what it was and neither is the customer service. No one actually cares about the issues. I’m off to Garmin. 

[SunsetRunner]

Amazing thank you! Glad I just saw this as I was about to leave fitbit and join the Galaxy club. Hopefully it's sorted soon or I'll have to take the plunge and buy a more reliable watch 😁

[AndrewStagsFan]

Having exactly the same experience. Problem has happened 3 days in a row now. 

[emdee60]

When I chose to delete the app, it says I will lose my data. I don’t want to lose the data. 

[emdee60]

I “chatted” with what had to be a bot. It said I’d be notified when the bug was fixed. I asked how I would be notified and it said come here. I see nothing here that is an official Fitbit/Google notification. I only see other frustrated users. A Google search doesn’t even get me to “it’s a known bug.” I agree with all your thoughts. 

[emdee60]

Thank you. Your post is the only way to know it’s a known bug. 

[Capon830]

Day 3 for me too....versa 3

[Fd-156]

No don't delete the app.the problem is on their end.They are trying to correct the issue.As it has affected  Alot of us.Hang in there.Have a great day!!

[emdee60]

Thank you!!

[Fd-156]

You are welcome!!

[Catchmeifucanjg]

I literally almost bought a new Fitbit thinking it was my device because it’s a few years old. I was so glad I came on here and other people were complaining before I spent money when it’s not my watch itself lol

[Tourdefarms]

Same. I was sure my Sense was old and having an issue. Started looking into replacing it with a Sense 2 when I found this group.

[RosieOK]

Any idea when the bug will be fixed? My patience is running low, I am seriously considering changing! 

[Tourdefarms]

To quote the immortal Nate Bargatze, "Nobody knows".

[siskiou]

Same here! At least it's not my watch only.

Hopefully it gets fixed soon!

[emdee60]

LOL! Love Nate! And you're right!

[Bevlar85]

My Sense has been mucking about with steps the last couple of weeks. 

for example got in after a dog walk tonight and watch was just over 12,000 steps. Sync the app all good but noticed some of the extra data hadn’t loaded in the app…….sync again and it jumped to over 24,000 steps - took 4 more syncs to get it back to the actual number of just over 12,000. 

I’ve checked it’s not connected to apple app etc. dominant hand etc fine. literally seems to be a sync problem on mine