Fitbit & Strava distance discrepancy

[AdamRV]

I recently started tracking runs using Strava in addition to Fitbit as I thought there were some inaccuracies in the total run distance Fitbit reports. I recently ran a 25kmtrail run which Fitbit logged as 28km. Other people who tracked it using GPS watched and Strava logged 25km. Yesterday I went for a run which Fitbit logged as 7.5km. Starav logged it as 6.6km. Both apps map the route accurately, but there is an discrepancy of around 15%. Can anyone help? I'd like to be able to use my Fitbit and have it feed into Strava directly, but can't trust its accuracy.

[AlvaroFitbit]

@AdamRV Welcome! Thanks for being part of our Community! Sorry to hear that your Fitbit app isn't getting the correct distance when using the GPS. Are you using this with your tracker as Connected GPS? Or are you using only the app? Try going to your phone's bluetooth settings and remove all devices listed there. Restart your phone and restart your device. After this try syncing them. Also, if you are using an Android device, check that your app has the necessary permissions (settings > apps > Fitbit > permissions) and make sure bluetooth and location services (GPS) are on.

Let me know how it goes!

[AdamRV]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I'm using my Fitbit connected to the GPS on my phone. Will try your suggestion and go out for a run tonight.

Last night was much the same, Strava logged 10km exactly on a road running (confirmed with Google Maps) and Fitbit logged 11.16km.

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello @AdamRV.

Please do give it another shot after following all of those steps and keep us posted on how it goes. 

Feel free to reach out with any updates or questions you might have.

[AdamRV]

I followed the steps you listed and went for another run last night. Results below:

Fitbit 5.82km

Strava 5.2km

The 10% difference remains. Have you got any other suggestions?

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello @AdamRV.

Thanks for giving that a shot and sharing the results. 

I'd like to ask you some questions:

• What Fitbit are you using?
• When did you first notice this happening?

In the meantime, maybe you could try selecting a different activity that's not Run and see if that helps. Maybe try Walk or Hike and see if there is any improvements.

Look forward to your reply.

[AdamRV]

I'm using a Fitbit Charge 2. I first noticed the issue in August when I ran a measured 25km race and found my registered distance was 28km. I then started experimenting using the Strava app and the Fitbit app to track runs and the 10-15% variation has been constant.

I tried using 'Hike' last night. Unfortunately the same 10-15% variation was present. Interestingly, my Fitbit auto-recognised that I was running last night and tracked the run distance and time accurately (as per the Strava app). Something seems to be going wrong with the track exercise that is activated by the user via the watch or the app.

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello @AdamRV.

It is possible that this might be happening because there is some issue with the connection between your Fitbit and your phone when you are connecting to GPS. I'll be sure to pass this on to the rest of the team but for the time being I'd recommend to continue using the Strava app to track your activities.

Let me know if there is anything else that I can help you with.

[AdamRV]

That’s really disappointing that there is no fix for the issue. 

This GPS issue coupled with the poor quality of the straps if enough to turn me off of Fitbit for good. I’ll be looking at GPS watches now. 

Thanks for your time and efforts to fix the issue. 

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello @AdamRV.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. 

Please know that we are always looking for ways to improve the overall Fitbit experience. Hopefully you will consider Fitbit again in the future.

Let me know if there are any questions I can help you with.

[APipes]

Did you ever find a solution to this? My Charge2 is now doing this, though mine records as being a lot shorter than Strava. I recently did a 16.2 mile hike which Strava recorded fine, Fitbit said I had done 14.8 miles...

[Fishman72]

Just got the fitbit charge 5 and did my first run. Logged as 10km on fitbit, and 9.5 on Strava.  It looks like GPS has not been fixed - very disappointing.  

[Patty5685]

Mine is doing the same

my friend always track her charge 5 from the Fitbit I use the charge 5

mine registers 3.98 miles hers 3.2 

tracked on Strava to see and the app n strava are correct, I got the watch so did have to have my phone with me. Not ideal