1. Charity Miles
  2. Charity Miles Basics
  3. How It Works

How do we measure distance?

Gene Gurkoff -

We use your phone’s GPS and motion sensors to detect your motion and measure your distance. For the Outdoor Walk, Run & Bike modes, we use your phone’s GPS, which is usually the most accurate in measuring distance. For the Indoor Walk and Run modes, we use your phone’s accelerometer to register activity, which gives an approximation of your distance and is slightly less accurate.

 

If you are using the app in the pedometer mode, we are simply getting the distance recorded by your Apple Health or Android pedometer.


If you are experiencing consistent and large discrepancies, please let us know. Simply click Contact Us in the top right-hand corner of the Help section or email: support@charitymiles.org.

Have more questions? Submit a request

20 Comments

Date Votes
  • 20
    Avatar
    James Eberly

    I use an iPod shuffle for music when I run, or no device at all.  I don't like to take my phone on long runs or trail runs.  Is there a way to manually log miles or to use my Garmin GPS watch to verify distances instead of my phone?

  • 3
    Avatar
    marshjennifer35

    Hi, my name is Jennifer Marsh. I think this app is great and want to create a team but i first wanted to try the app out before i get my friends involved. Today using the Charity Miles app.thorugh my i phone.( I do not have the i phone watch which tracts miles.) I was indoor working out and I walked for 5 miles on the treadmill. the app only showed i ran less then 1 mile. how does this work when your indoors? is there any other device i should be using. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you Jennifer Marsh

  • 13
    Avatar
    Linda Johnson

    i do not own a smartphone and my tablet is too heavy to carry.  Is there any way to download Fitbit or Garmin miles from a tracking device? They do not have GPS, just calculate at 1mi/2000steps.

    thank you

    Linda Johnson

  • 5
    Avatar
    Jasmine Avila

    How do I log my miles if I'm going be using my fitbit to calculate it? I exercise on my treadmill and just use my phone for music and I don't have it on me.

  • 8
    Avatar
    Donna Brinegar

    I was wondering how I can sync my Fitbit with the charity miles. Let me know when you get a chance.

     

    Sincerely,

     

    Donna Brinegar

  • 8
    Avatar
    BK

    Awesome concept!  Please find a way to integrate with the fitness trackers like Garmin Connect and Fitbit.  So much better if you can capture steps from wrist based trackers. Your overall participation and charitable contributions would skyrocket to the point you'd need more sponsors to put up more money.

    Also, by requiring your phone, the battery gets further depleted by yet another app.  Check out how Higi integrates with trackers. www.higi.com  This is their dashboard:

    ***BK logged an activity--6.1 miles by foot using Garmin

     

    Edited by BK
  • 1
    Avatar
    Janet Moore

    I would use this app if you are integrated with fitbit.

  • 1
    Avatar
    Erin McIntyre

    How much does my Charity get for each mile I run/walk? I've gotten conflicting info. Thsnks

  • 0
    Avatar
    LANG, TERISE

    Whether I'm moving or not, my charity miles app on my phone keeps counting the miles as if it's a timer unless I hit Finish. How do I correct mileage that has been over-reported?

  • 2
    Avatar
    Christopher Young

    I'm one of those crazy marathon runners and will certainly rack up the miles as I train for and complete several 1/2 and full marathons this fall.  The only problem is that I DO NOT run with my phone.  I have a Garmin GPS watch that tracks all my runs and miles (probably more accurate than my phone too).  Please find a way to sync or link up with Garmin Connect or Strava.  Thank you.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Emmanuel Jarri

    I did experience speed accuracy problems as well. I just ran at 6mph, but the app was counting 3,8mph. Restarting the app enhanced the accuracy, but still below real speed (counting 4,8 maximum). 

    Using cell+wifi (with good reception), on iPhone7, with Motion & Fitness options activated.

    I will try on another treadmill but I guess they are correctly set.

    Is there a way to do helpful tests/feedback to help improve this?

  • 0
    Avatar
    Joshua Schlag

    Garmin Connect integration, please!

  • 0
    Avatar
    Barb Volpe

    Fitbit integration, please.  It is so much easier to wear a fitbit then lug the iPhone around all day and use up the battery.

  • 0
    Avatar
    Judith McDermott

    I do not workout with my phone.  I have a garmin watch that syncs with Garmin Connect after my workout is complete.   Is there any way that garmin connect can sync with your app?

     

  • 0
    Avatar
    Victoria

    I think this app is a great idea but I'm not willing to run it in the background for tracking and run down my battery.  Hopefully it will sync with Garmin or Strava at some point! 

  • 0
    Avatar
    Renee Keeler

    Omg, you are all onto something SO big!,, I hope it will work seamlessly soon! Hugs, and love renee

  • 0
    Avatar
    smileyface1973

    I biked 4 miles and it was not logged when I tried to save the mileage defaulted to .1

  • 0
    Avatar
    smileyface1973

    I biked 4 miles and it was not logged when I tried to save the mileage defaulted to .1

  • 0
    Avatar
    Bradley Copeland

    Please fix the tracker. I use this app for my charity and I really need it to work. Thank you!

  • 0
    Avatar
    LeslyeHarris

    Where are all the responses to these questions? They are good ones and some that I am also asking!

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Powered by Zendesk