Trying to hit 10,000 steps, but your Fitbit is undercounting your steps? Don’t let Fitbit’s inaccurate step count issue ruin your goal. Let’s fix the inaccurate step count on your Fitbit with our help, now.
Many Fitbit users often complain that Fitbit is either overcounting or undercounting their steps. Sometimes, this device even counts steps when hands are moved while in a sitting position. If this is the case for you, let us reveal how to fix inaccurate step count on your Fitbit.
Why is your fitbit counting steps incorrectly
Fitbit uses a 3-axis accelerometer to detect motion patterns that resemble walking or running. However, if the readings are incorrect, these may be the reasons:
- If the device is worn too loosely or too tightly on the wrist.
- If personal details are not regularly updated (height, weight, stride).
- If your firmware is outdated.
- If you’re not swinging your arm naturally while walking.
- If your Fitbit’s battery is low.
How To Fix Inaccurate Step Count On Your Fitbit
Let us share some useful methods to take care of the situation. Here is what you have to do:
Fix 1. Wear Your Fitbit Device Correctly
If you are wearing your Fitbit incorrectly, then this can have an impact on your step tracking. Here is a quick checklist that you have to follow to ensure that you are wearing the Fitbit tracker correctly.:
- Wear your Fitbit on your non-dominant hand.
- Fitbit is correctly secured on your wrist and touching your skin.
- Make sure that the Fitbit is not strapped too tight or too loose on your wrist.
Fix 2. Restart Your Fitbit
If there are any glitches or connection issues, restarting Fitbit is the easiest way to resolve the problem. If you are wearing your Fitbit correctly, then simply restart the device by holding the side button for a few seconds and releasing the button when the logo is shown. It will take only 10 to 15 seconds, and the issue will be fixed.
Fix 3. Update Your Fitbit Tracker
If you find that your Fitbit tracker is reading steps incorrectly, check if you are missing any firmware updates. If any update is available, update your Fitbit as soon as possible. Here is a quick guideline for you:
Step 1: Launch the Fitbit app.
Step 2: Tap on the profile icon and choose your device.
Step 3: Tap the Update button, if available.
Wait a few minutes till the firmware is updated. Also, make sure that your Fitbit has at least 40% charge and is kept near the paired smartphone to complete the update, or plug it into the charger.
Fix 4. Recalibrate Your Fitbit’s Stride Length
Recalibrating Fitbit may seem like a complicated process, but if you follow the instructions step-by-step, then it is doable.
Step 1: First, go to an open, flat space. A running track would be ideal.
Step 2: Walk or run at least 20 steps while counting.
Step 3: Measure the distance you have covered and divide it by the number of steps you have taken to complete that distance. The result will be your stride length. Convert your Stride length from meters to centimeters or inches.
Now, manually change the Stride length in Fitbit:
Step 1: Launch the Fitbit app. Open your account.
Step 2: Choose Activity & Wellness under your profile.
Step 3: Choose Exercise.
Step 4: Select Stride Length next.
Step 5: Manually change your stride length with the data you have calculated.
Done! From now on, your Fitbit will show the correct step count for you!
Fix 5. Charge Your Fitbit Tracker
If your Fitbit tracker has less than 30% charge, it may stop reading many parameters. So, make sure that your Fitbit smartwatch has enough charge to track your step count and heartbeat to share correct insights with you.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is super easy to fix the inaccurate step count on your Fitbit. It may seem critical to manually calibrate the stride length, but if you follow the guidelines carefully and do the step calibration accurately, then there is no chance that Fitbit will show you the wrong data! Happy walking!
If you’re experiencing step-tracking issues, you may also find our guide on Why Is My Fitbit Not Counting Steps and How To Fix! helpful.
