For many people, the Fitbit watch serves as an ideal accessory for tracking health stats. Thanks to its GPS features, the device can perform this activity without any issues.
But as with most watches, the Fitbit watch is not perfect. After all, the GPS tends to go off or stop working. When this happens, anyone can feel disappointed and start looking for other options.
Do you have a Fitbit watch with a non-working GPS? If yes, then you can use this post as a guide for dealing with this problem.
Fitbit GPS Not Working: DIY Fixes
Here are some of the best tips for dealing with a Fitbit GPS. But before using these ideas, we suggest that you check the owner’s manual for extra advice.
1. Reset the Fitbit
If you can not use the GPS settings on your Fitbit, it would help if you performed a reboot. But before you can get the best results, make sure you use the following steps:
For resetting the Fitbit Versa, Sense and Iconic models:-
- Press and hold the button for 10 seconds
- Wait for the logo to appear on the screen and release the button
here are the best steps for performing a reset on the Fitbit flex.
- Insert the charging cable into your PC.
- Plug the Flex into the charging cable
- Insert a paperclip into the hole at the back of the charger
- Hold the paper clip for 3 – 5 seconds
- Disconnect the charger from the watch
2. Reset the Smartphone
Asides from the watch itself, you might have to restart the paired device. However, this hack suits Fitbit watches that need to be used with smartphones or mobile devices.
If you are restarting an Andriod device:-
- Hold the Power and Volume Down Buttons
- Choose the Restart button
- Wait for the phone to restart
If you are restarting an iPhone:-
- Press and hold the Side button
- Wait for the Power Off Slider to appear
- Drag the slider and wait for the device to go off
3. Downgrade the Fitbit App
Using the latest Fitbit app might look like a great idea. However, this version can affect the GPS feature of your Fitbit watch. According to some Fitbit users, you can fix them by working with an older version of the app.
- Click on Settings
- Scroll to Apps – Fitbit – Force Stop
- Move to the top of your screen and click on the three dots
- Click on the Uninstall Update – Ok
If these steps do not work, you can uninstall the current app and download an older version from a third-party software website. But as you use this hack, make sure you visit trusted websites.
4. Move to a Better Location
Are you using the Fitbit underground or near buildings? If yes, then there is a high chance that your watch will have GPS issues. After all, these areas tend to block out the needed signals.
As soon as you notice any problems with the GPS, move to higher ground or somewhere with fewer structures. Then check if the GPS on the watch has started working.
5. Switch on The Location Settings
Upon setup, the Fitbit app requires that you allow it to access the location of your smartphone. If you reject the request, your Fitbit watch will have issues with its GPS.
- Launch the Fitbit
- Swipe down the top of the screen
- Click on the Location settings
6. Use the Right Fitbit
Some Fitbit watches do not have inbuilt GPS. For this reason, these watches cannot track workouts without depending on smartphones.
Are you still having GPS issues with your Fitbit? If yes, check if the device supports inbuilt GPS. Supposing it does not have this feature, you will have to perform the workout with a smartphone.
7. Charge Your Device
Make sure your Fitbit is at least 80% before your workout. If the battery becomes weak, the watch ends up with a weaker GPS connection.
8. Contact the Fitbit Support Service
If the watch still has issues, it would help if you reached out to the Fitbit Support Service. As expected, this platform provides the best advice for solving GPS issues. You can reach this service by email, telephone, or the Fitbit Community.
