How does the algorithm handle steps when wearing two devices at the same time?

Is someone with 2 devices able to test out the following scenario and feedback the outcome? Background available at end of post.

Scenario: Walking on treadmill/walking pad. Not tracking using a specific activity, but using the step counter on the device(s) so I don't need to start/stop an activity

Wrist: Forerunnner 265 (FR265)
Ankle: Vivosmart 4/5 (VS45)
VS45 is only worn for a few hours at a time while walking on treadmill; FR265 is worn all day every day and is the primary device

Notes:

VS45 will pick up the correct number of steps (e.g. 10000)
FR265 will inaccurately record fewer steps due to wrist resting on desk during walk (e.g. 6000 steps, with 4000 not being counted)

Desired / Expected outcome:

For VS45 data/steps to take precedence over the FR265 steps detected whilst wearing both devices and walking on the treadmill

Background context: I've spoken to Garmin on the phone and they've come back explaining that steps are only taken from a primary device when two or more devices are used. This is contradictory to some of the anecdotes I've read on the sub/forum. When pressed, they suggested the only way to really know is to buy the device and find out - so I'm trying to avoid buying and returning another Garmin product this week.

0 4411990 3 months ago

Garmin's statement, if they really said that, is incorrect.

I use a VS5 on the ankle. Sometimes under sock, sometimes over sock, sometimes in pocket, doesn't matter..

Venu 2 on wrist and is primary device. TRUE-UP is on.

Steps will sort out within minutes (after both devices sync) after walking on the treadmill, or even during shopping when I'm pushing a cart or outside using a lawnmower.

As a side note, I have, at times, started an indoor walk activity on the VS5 around the ankle, tight enough to record the HR and it works. I also make sure I have my stride set correctly in Connect so that the resulting distance is fairly accurate. I have NO faith in anything recorded by the treadmill activiity and NEVER use it for anything.