With each passing day, sensor technology improves. However, as amazing as it is, problems will arise from time to time. If your Fitbit isn’t accurately measuring your steps, here’s what you should do.
Fitbit’s method of calculating steps
You might be curious about how a fitness tracker or smartwatch calculates steps.
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What to Do If Your Fitbit Isn’t Accurately Tracking Your Steps
Accelerometer with three axes
It accomplishes this with the help of a triple-axis accelerometer. This is an electromechanical sensor with the ability to detect both gravity and linear accelerations.
It is housed inside the wearable and tracks movement in all directions. It can also determine the body’s orientation, inclination, and tilt, as well as take inertial position and velocity measurements. To put it another way, it is capable of determining if a person is walking, running, or standing motionless.
You will be asked to provide physiological facts such as their weight, height, and gender while setting up your tracker. There’s a reason for this. This information is used with accelerometer readings to produce an estimated step count.
What should you do if your Fitbit step count is incorrect?
If you feel there is a disparity in the measurements, this explanation will help you figure out what to do. Make sure you’ve entered your height accurately. Fitbit estimates your walking and running stride lengths based on your height.
These numbers can also be manually adjusted. If your legs are longer or shorter than average, this is also a viable option.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you are wearing your tracker properly. Wear your Fitbit a finger’s width above your wrist bone.
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What to Do If Your Fitbit Isn’t Accurately Tracking Your Steps
But, before you do anything, double-check that your step count is correct. This can be accomplished by taking 100 steps and counting each time one of your feet touches the ground. Compare the result to your device’s step tally.
It’s worth noting that the discrepancy isn’t always attributable to human error. When it comes to tracking steps, wearable technologies aren’t flawless. Because the count is based on arm movement, common activities may cause misleading readings. If you’re in a car, for example, vibrations may cause the tracker to add a few steps.
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If your gadget has completely stopped counting steps, try restarting it a few times while it is still plugged in. Hopefully, this will take care of the problem. If not, it’s time to get in touch with Fitbit’s support team.