Fitbit isn't syncing swims to Strava

[jonathanknee]

Hi, I bought the charge 4 recently to track my swim and bike exercise - which it does on the fitbit app BUT only the bike activity is synching with my Strava account, not the swim. Very frustrating, any help welcome. 

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @jonathanknee. Welcome to the community forums. 

I'm sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for the detailed information. At this time, I'd like to let you know that Strava is primarily used to track cycling and running exercises. Strava exercises that are synced with Fitbit are labeled as a manually logged activity in the Fitbit account.

Also, take into consideration that only GPS data recorded with a Fitbit device is synced to the Strava app. Non-GPS activities won't be synced to Strava. 

For more information, I recommend visiting this help article: How do I connect my Fitbit account with another app?

Hope this helps. 

[jonathanknee · Accepted solution]

"Non-GPS activities won't be synced to Strava"

Thanks for confirming Wilson - I'm a bit stunned by this to be honest and wish it had been made clearer to me as it would have put me off buying the fitbit Charge 4. Is this situation going to change in the future? The device records my swims perfectly well within its own app and I am keen to better understand why my swim data can't/won't be shared with Strava?

[t.parker]

@jonathanknee it's been designed like this for years and I wouldn't expect Fitbit will change it. I think Fitbit synchronizes activities to Strava by uploading generated on Fitbit side TCX file. Only for GPS activities, the TCX file is generated (it's a kind of activity timeline data). Such data is not being stored for non-GPS activities hence there is nothing to upload to Strava.

[Giampi71]

Hello @jonathanknee, 

you might want to try a the tool suggested by DC Rainmaker in this article here.

The tool, that you can reach directy at FittoStrava.com, is not specific for Swimming but you might want to give it a try and report for your fellow community users.

Thanks

[Rich_Laue]

I've noticed that only, runs, walks, Bikes, and hikes with GPS are transferred. And Outdoor workouts, with GPS, on the Charge 4 are not sent. 

[newbiefitbee]

I have just discovered this also and am really really annoyed.  I bought the charge 4 specifically to track swims and to have them logged on my Strava. I researched what sports watches synced with strata, checked it worked with swims etc and then invested in a new charge 4. I am so annoyed now I am going to send it back and ask for a refund as it is not fit for purpose and I feel I was very misled.  

Moderator edit: all-caps

[OfficialThomas]

Yeah, non-GPS activities don't sync up but you can add a manual Strava activity by going to their website or mobile app. It will still count towards challenges and stuff.

Hope that helps!

-Thomas

[Jc97062]

Same here. Disappointed.

[EdsonFitbit]

Hello everybody, thank you for visiting the Fitbit Community.

There is a feature suggestion called "Activate GPS for swimming on the Sense". You are welcome to vote it and if there is any update it should be communicated as soon as possible.

Have a nice day.

[steve223]

same here quite disappointing 

[zzptichka]

Not just swims. It doesn't sync GPS-enabled cross-country ski activities as well. What a joke.