Why Isn’t Your Fitbit Charge 4 Tracking Steps Accurately?
If your Fitbit Charge 4 from 2020 isn’t logging steps properly, it might be due to a dirty sensor, incorrect stride settings, or a software glitch. This fitness tracker is great, but after years of wear, it can lose precision. Here’s how to fix step tracking and ensure accurate data.
Tools You’ll Need
- Soft cloth and rubbing alcohol
- Smartphone with Fitbit app
- Measuring tape (optional)
- USB charger
Step 1: Clean the Sensors
Dirt can confuse the tracker.
- Wipe the back of the Charge 4 with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
- Focus on the optical heart rate sensor—ensure it’s spotless.
- Dry thoroughly before wearing.
Step 2: Calibrate Your Stride Length
Wrong stride throws off counts.
- Open the Fitbit app and go to Account > Exercise > Stride Length.
- Walk 100 steps, measure the distance (e.g., 70 meters), and divide by 100 (0.7 m/step).
- Input this manually instead of auto settings.
Step 3: Update Firmware
Old software can glitch.
- In the app, tap Account > Charge 4 > Update.
- Charge the device to at least 50% and keep it near your phone during the update.
- Restart the tracker afterward.
Step 4: Wear It Correctly
Placement affects accuracy.
- Wear the Charge 4 two finger-widths above your wrist bone, snug but not tight.
- Test on your non-dominant hand if errors persist.
Step 5: Factory Reset (If Needed)
Reset clears deeper issues.
- Go to Settings > About > Factory Reset on the device.
- Re-sync with the app—data may be lost, so back up first.
- Test step counting after setup.
Your Fitbit Charge 4 should now track steps accurately. For battery drain, see this guide. For Bluetooth issues, check this fix.