Fitbit Air users have recently voiced concerns regarding the accuracy of their fitness tracking on platforms like TikTok and Reddit. If you find yourself facing similar issues, there are three straightforward steps you can take, based on direct testing results.
Understanding the Limitations of Fitbit Air
A technology journalist from Tom’s Guide tested the Fitbit Air for nearly a month, engaging in various activities such as walking, running, hiking, and cycling. The device was compared with other wearables and the Strava app, yielding mostly impressive results, although some technical shortcomings were noted.
Improving Auto-Tracking Features
The auto-tracking feature of the Fitbit Air requires further development. Currently, it can only detect walking, cycling, “exercise,” and “other activities.” To keep the tracking active, you need to engage in supported activities for at least 15-20 minutes continuously, which can be restrictive.
For beginner runners who typically run around two miles outdoors, their training sessions often last less than 20 minutes. As a result, the Fitbit Air may not record these workouts automatically. A simple solution is to manually start your workout session in the Google Health app (formerly Fitbit app) before exercising. This ensures that every workout is accurately logged. For more insights on health features, check out our article on how Fitbit calculates calories burned.
Addressing Step Count Accuracy
One of the most common complaints regarding the Fitbit Air is its inaccurate daily step count. It's essential to understand the reason behind this issue. The Fitbit Air lacks an internal GPS, meaning it relies on your paired phone’s GPS signal for precise step tracking.
If you frequently leave your phone behind during activities, don’t be surprised if your daily step data is inaccurate. For accurate running, walking, or cycling data in your post-workout reports, carrying your phone is necessary. Without it, metrics like distance and speed will be significantly off. In testing, starting an outdoor workout from your phone and then leaving it behind still yielded the best results from the Fitbit Air for tracking location-based statistics, but the reliability was still in question.
The Need for an Altimeter
It's also worth noting that the Fitbit Air does not include an internal altimeter. Similar to GPS, this wearable depends on your phone to provide elevation data. Google might need to consider adding a notification in the Google Health app when users initiate outdoor workouts, indicating that the phone is required for accurate data. Alternatively, all location-based metrics could be disabled in post-workout reports when GPS or altimeter data is unavailable.
These steps can help users better grasp the technical limitations of the Fitbit Air. By understanding how the device operates, you can optimize its use and achieve more accurate fitness data.
Source: https://telset.id/how-to/3-cara-atasi-akurasi-fitbit-air-kurang-akurat
