How to Fix Fitbit Charge 4 Not Tracking Steps Accurately From 2020
Your Fitbit Charge 4 from 2020 isn’t counting steps correctly—either missing steps or adding extras—making your fitness goals harder to track. This can happen due to sensor issues or settings misconfiguration.
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.