Fix: Fitbit Versa 4 GPS Not Working or Not Accurate 

A well-known and trusted brand, Fitbit has been manufacturing amazing fitness smartwatches with practical features for its customers. One of its most recent models, the Fitbit Versa 4, features an integrated GPS for simple pace and distance recording, as well as the ability to view the workout’s map through the Fitbit app. The integrated GPS on many users’ smartwatches, however, has been reported as not functioning. In this article, we will talk about the various methods and how to address this problem on the popular smartwatch.

What Causes the Fitbit Versa 4 GPS Not to Work? 

The GPS feature on the Fitbit Versa 4 can occasionally be unreliable. The battery life of the device, GPS signal obstruction brought on by external variables, software problems, and Fitbit synchronization issues are some of the most frequent causes of GPS malfunction, but there are a few additional things to take into account. 

• Exposure to extremely high or low temperatures may cause the Fitbit Versa 4’s GPS to malfunction. 
• GPS depends on satellite signals, and they can be interfered with by poor connectivity.
• GPS may not work properly while swimming or engaging in other water-based activities. 
• Outdated Fitbit app 
• Syncing issues between the Fitbit app and the device

Fix GPS Not Working on Fitbit Versa 4

If you are facing GPS issues on your Fitbit Versa 4, don’t worry. There are several solutions that you can try. In this section, we have compiled a total of eight solutions that you can try and fix this issue. We have also shared a workaround that can temporarily fix the issue. Make sure to try each solution for the issue to be resolved. 

Fix 1: Check if your Versa 4 is Fully Charged 

Keeping your charged Fitbit Versa 4 is necessary to guarantee the proper operation of the GPS. Its performance may suffer if the battery is depleted from using the built-in GPS. It’s best to maintain the smartwatch fully charged or at least have 80% battery life before using it for a seamless and easy-to-use fitness tracking experience.

According to Fitbit, the Versa 4 can track GPS for up to 12 hours without pausing. So, before engaging in any activity, don’t forget to charge your device to ensure precise GPS tracking and prevent any disruptions.

Fix 2: Make Sure GPS is Enabled for the Exercise

If you want to use the GPS feature during your workout on your Fitbit Versa 4, you need to make sure that the exercise you selected uses GPS. Here’s how to enable GPS for your workout:

1. Open the exercise app by swiping right on your Fitbit device.
2. Choose the walk, run, bike ride, or all options to see the list of available exercises.
3. Scroll through the list and select the exercise you want to do.
4. If the selected exercise uses GPS, you will see “GPS connecting” at the top of your device’s screen. After a moment, it will change to “GPS connected.”
5. Scroll down on the same screen and turn on the GPS mode on your Fitbit device.

That’s it! Now you’re ready to track your exercise with GPS on your Fitbit Versa 4. If you still face any issues with the GPS, move down to the next solution.

Fix 3: Avoid Starting a GPS Workout Multiple Times in a Row 

Attempting to launch your GPS-based workout on your Fitbit many times in a row is a typical mistake that should be avoided. Because of this, your device may have trouble connecting to the satellites it needs for GPS. Simply be patient and attempt to start the workout once to establish a stable GPS connection.

Fix 4: Check your Surroundings

To ensure accurate GPS data during your workout, exercise in an open area where you have an unobstructed view of the sky. Avoid working out indoors, underground, or in areas with tall buildings, steep slopes, or dense foliage, as your Fitbit may struggle to connect to GPS satellites. If you notice the GPS icon on your watch continuously rotating, it may indicate a weak GPS signal.

Fix 5: Restart Your Fitbit Versa 4

If you are still experiencing issues with the built-in GPS on your Fitbit Versa 4, you can try restarting the device to see if it helps. Here are the steps to restart your Fitbit Versa 4:

1. To restart your Fitbit device, press and hold the side button for at least 10 seconds.
2. Release the button when the Fitbit logo appears on the screen.
3. Wear your Fitbit smartwatch and verify if the GPS is now properly working.

Alternatively, if your Fitbit Versa 4 is on, you can also restart the watch by following these steps:

1. Swipe down the clock face screen.
2. Tap the settings icon.
3. Scroll down to the bottom end of the settings page.
4. Tap “Shut down.”
5. Press and hold the side button until you see the Fitbit logo on the screen.

Following these steps should allow you to easily restart your Fitbit Versa 4 and potentially fix any issues with the built-in GPS. If the issue persists, move down to the next solution.

Fix 6: Update the Smartwatch Software 

If you’re experiencing GPS issues with your Fitbit Versa 4, it might be necessary to update its firmware or software. Software updates usually contain performance improvements and bug fixes that should also help resolve GPS issues. Here are the steps you can follow to update your Fitbit Versa 4:

1. Make sure to keep your smartwatch or Fitbit app updated. Regular firmware updates are released by Fitbit, which can fix bugs and add new features.
2. If there’s an available update for your Fitbit, you should be notified via the Fitbit app.
3. Plug your Fitbit Versa 4 into its charger and place it near your mobile device.
4. Open the Fitbit app on your phone.
5. Tap the “Today” tab located at the bottom of your screen, then tap your profile picture.
6. Click on the image of your Versa 4 on the app.
7. If there’s an available software update, you’ll see a pink update button. Tap it to begin the update process.
8. Once the update is finished, make sure you watch restarts and try using GPS again.

Fix 7: Update the Fitbit App 

Keeping the Fitbit up to date is just as important as your Versa 4. If you are running on an older version of the Fitbit app, make sure you install the latest one. Installing the latest Fitbit app should help resolve the GPS issues. Here’s how:

For Android: 

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap on your profile icon on the top right.
3. Then, tap on Manage apps & device.
4. Tap on Updates.
5. Find Fitbit in the list. If an update is available, you will see an Update button next to the Fitbit app.
6. Tap on Update and wait for the installation to complete.

For iPhone:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Search for Fitbit in the search bar.
3. If an update is available, you will see an Update button next to the Fitbit app.
4. Tap on Update and wait for the installation to complete.

Once you have updated the Fitbit app, try using the GPS again. Hopefully, it should start working as expected; if it doesn’t, move down to the next solution.

Fix 8: Try Using your Phone’s Connected GPS Instead

If the GPS on your Fitbit is still not working despite trying all the previous solutions, you can use the connected GPS feature on your phone instead. Many people prefer to use this feature to save battery on their smartwatches. It’s worth a shot if your built-in GPS is still misbehaving.

Try this Workaround 

If the GPS issue on your Fitbit Versa 4 is due to software, you may have to wait for Fitbit to release a permanent solution through software updates. In the past, Fitbit has acknowledged and resolved such issues via updates.

Meanwhile, there is a workaround that can potentially help with GPS issues on the Fitbit Versa 4. Here are the steps:

1. Put your phone on Airplane mode to ensure the watch doesn’t get location data from your phone.
2. Open the Fitbit app on your phone.
3. Head outside and do some activities like stretching or tying your shoes until the location pin becomes solid, indicating that your phone has acquired location data.
4. Start an exercise such as a run or walk.
5. After completing the activity, turn off Airplane mode on your phone.

It’s important to note that this workaround may not work for everyone, but it is worth giving a try.

Contact Fitbit Support 

Surely, it’s not ideal to rely on connected GPS all the time, so we suggest reaching out to Fitbit support for help. They’re available 24/7 by phone, on Twitter, and in the Fitbit Community. They can assist you with any ongoing issues you may be experiencing with the built-in GPS.

Final Words 

Having to deal with a non-functional or inaccurate GPS is something that nobody wants to experience. If your Fitbit Versa 4 is facing this issue, don’t worry. Simply follow the instructions in this article, and the GPS should be back to working as usual. Lastly, if you have any further questions, let us know. We will try to help you out.