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 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.

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.

[Paintedhorse007]

I still had issues last night, let's see how today goes 

[Mem11]

@andyyapsg  So far so good, I haven't had any step syncing problem since last night, hopefully it's fixed. We'll see how the rest of the day goes...

[siskiou]

Still not fixed here! 😕 

[6down3togo]

Is this occurring with steps collected WITHOUT use of an Exercise function being invoked?

i.e. just from steps collected when walking around, no extra tracking function enabled.

I've only seen this on days where I select a specific Exercise function off the watch face that then starts up GPS tracking, in my case the "Walk" exercise.

.

[d7e]

Yes it occurs WITHOUT the exercise function being invoked. Also no GPS tracking on. this is on my sense 2

[DerPeisi]

There was an update to the Fitbit app last night. Steps are now displayed correctly again 

[Mom2Jacob]

It’s still 4.38, what update are you referring to?

---

Hey I think it is fixed!!!! I’m trying next 5K notification and not shutting off Bluetooth 🤞🤞🤞 

[Mikasa48]

Inaccurate step count on my Fitbit seems to occur in the early morning hours, approximately between midnight to 4A.M.  Count seems to stabilize after 4AM.  I have 2 Fitbit Sense watches and counts on both are erratic. One morning I had my 10k step alert 3 times w/in 3 hours. 
Do you know if I delete & reload the app from my phone will it still show my saved stats from previous years or will I start from “0” again?  Would hate to lose my saved stats

[DerPeisi]

Apparently, version 4.38 was installed on my phone last night. I went running today, and my step count was correct before, during, and after. I hope it stays that way.

[andrewbrobinson]

Yesterday and so far today, my step counts have been consistent and not doing the wacky jumping around stuff.  Fingers crossed.

[Suzbaus]

Same here.

[Guy_ · Accepted solution]

Hi all, Steps counting bug - Update March 13th:

Not seen any official response from Google yet confirming a resolution has been applied for everyone, but there is hope the bug may finally be fixed!

To check, observe steps on your device and manually sync, If the app then updates to show the same number of steps, then for you it is fixed.

A better test can be done by leaving Bluetooth off for a while and then do the above, and note the app changes, from the last synced steps to the new steps that is showing on your device and remains , even if you sync again.

[SenseEdmonton]

So far it seems ok but will keep watching

[ManuFitbit]

Hi @SenseEdmonton. 

I hope everything is going well. Please let us know the news.

[6down3togo]

No issue today.  On v4.38.

(why does this forum not allow dates in posts? ie yyyy-mm-dd and even March dd yyyy date format?)

.

[Mikasa48]

Count seems to be ok as of today March 13th.

[eculbertson]

Unfortunately, mine is still not acting properly. Does not seem to have quite the wild swings it had before. But while my app will say 1550 steps my watch will say 1600. If I swipe down numerous times eventually my watch will match my phone. Should really be matching my watch as that should be the correct steps. So not fixed for me. And yes I have done all the updates that are available in the Play store. I am on a pixel.