Charge 6 -- location not working

[doug135]

Recently I bought a Fitbit Charge 6, replacing my Charge 5 as the battery failed. When I log a walk, I cannot get the app to display a map of my route, one of my favorite Fitbit features. I’m using iPhone with iOS 18.7.1 and Fitbit app version 4.53 (latest version). iOS App settings has Location: Always, Bluetooth: On, Background App Refresh: On. I’ve tried restarting phone, updating Fitbit Charge 6, updating Fitbit Bluetooth. I’ve tried all the “GPS” settings on Fitbit itself (Phone, Dynamic, and Built-In). Before starting, I make sure Fitbit app is open and shows location symbol at top of iPhone and “share heartrate with phone” is selected on Fitbit Charge 6. After the event, the Charge 6 shows bluetooth disconnected symbol. Any suggestions? As is, I’m left concluding location/map tracking on Charge 6 doesn’t work. This is especially frustrating after losing altitude sensor when “upgrading” from Charge 4 to Charge 5.

[MarioSFitbit]

Hi @doug135 and welcome to the forums. 

I really appreciate your message, and I'm sorry to hear about this situation regarding the location / map tracking on your Charge 6. This is not the experience wanted for our customers, and I totally understand your feelings. 

Thank you for the additional information provided. In fact, we are currently on version 4.55 - iOS app version 4.55 is now available - 10/29/2025-. In order to update the Fitbit app, please read and follow the steps shown here: How do I update the Fitbit app?

[doug135]

Hi @MarioSFitbit. Thank you for your reply. I updated my iOS app to 4.55.1 and tried again. Location / map tracking still doesn't work. I tried with GPS settings on Fitbit in "Phone" and "Dynamic" settings, and it still doesn't work. I'm wondering if this is no longer a supported feature due to the Charge 6 not having an in-phone GPS receiver? I was very surprised to learn that feature was removed. Any help you could provide would be appreciated.

[MarioSFitbit]

Hi @doug135 and thank you for your message! 

I really appreciate your efforts updating your Fitbit app. 

Your device's GPS functionality works by connecting to your phone's GPS. This is explained in the following help article: Does my Fitbit device have GPS?

In order to connect your Fitbit device to GPS (Phone (connected) GPS) please read and follow the advice shown here: How do I get my Fitbit device to connect to GPS?

[doug135]

Hi @MarioSFitbit. Writing to report I figured out the problem, so perhaps this will help somebody else out:

I had previously looked at that reference you posted, but it wasn't until I watched a Youtube video I figured out the problem. After selecting Walk (or other activity), but before pressing Start button, you have to swipe up to reveal a hidden menu. A few entries down is GPS "on/off" slider. This has to be enabled for it to work.  Turns out my Charge 5 worked the same way, but I suspect it defaulted to "GPS on" as I don't remember having to make that selection. Good day!

[MarioSFitbit]

Hi @doug135 and welcome back to the forums. 

I really appreciate your message and the feedback you just provided. I'm sure this advice will be very helpful to those in the same situation.

Let me invite you to visit our Health & Wellness board where you can make new friends, create topics and share your experience while reaching your goals.