What to do about “duplicate of an uploading activity”
If Strava says “duplicate of an uploading activity”, check the original upload before sending the file again. Strava’s upload documentation explains that files are queued for processing and an activity may not appear until that finishes. The message alone does not confirm that a new activity was created.
| What you find | What to do next |
|---|---|
| The upload is still processing | Wait and check its status again. Avoid submitting the same recording again. |
| The activity already exists | Check its recording, date, sport and visibility. If it is correct, keep it; there is no need to upload it again. |
| A duplicate error identifies an existing activity | Inspect that activity. For a merged recording, follow the backup and replacement steps below before deciding whether to remove any originals. |
| The outcome is unclear | Keep your recordings and the error details. Check the original uploader’s status or contact its support before starting another upload. |
In Stitch, return to the existing preview to check its upload status. If it needs review, contact Stitch support. Keep your originals while the outcome is uncertain.
Check whether the upload already succeeded
Open your activity list on Strava and look for the combined activity before trying again. An interrupted browser session or delayed response does not necessarily mean an upload failed. If the activity exists, check its title, sport, route and visibility instead of creating another copy.
A duplicate error is different from an upload that is still processing or whose outcome is unknown. In Stitch, use the existing upload status. An uncertain upload is held for review so repeated clicks do not create multiple activities.
Why a merged activity can look like a duplicate
The merged file contains timestamps and samples already present in the original recordings. Giving it a different title does not remove that overlap. Strava’s merging guidance explains that the originals may need to be removed before uploading a combined file, losing their kudos and comments.
Stitch preserves your original times. It does not shift a recording’s date to disguise a duplicate.
Inspect a backup before deciding to replace originals
Download the merged file and the backup bundle offered by Stitch before uploading. Open the bundle and confirm that it contains the expected activities. Keep original device files too if you have them.
Stitch’s backup is reconstructed from the data available through Strava. It is not an archive of the original Strava pages or a complete replacement for device files. It cannot restore kudos, comments, power, original laps, swimming lengths or workout sets.
Photos have a separate backup: save the available images in Stitch’s photo gallery, then download the photo ZIP. Open and check the activity and photo ZIPs before removing anything. Photos are not included in GPX or FIT files; add them manually to the new activity in Strava after uploading. Videos are not backed up, and downloaded images may not be at their original camera resolution.
If that history matters more than having one activity, keep the originals and retain the merged download. You do not have to replace anything on Strava.
How to retry a confirmed duplicate in Stitch
Download and check your backup
Choose Continue to upload to open the preparation steps. Stitch requires a backup download before you confirm removal of the originals. Save available photos and download their separate ZIP too. Inspect both backups before continuing.
Choose whether to remove the originals
If you decide to replace them, remove only the relevant source activities yourself in Strava. Stitch never deletes activities for you.
Verify and upload in Stitch
Confirm that you saved and checked your backups and removed the originals. Choose Verify and upload to Strava. Stitch checks that the originals are no longer available, then starts the upload using the title and description you reviewed.
Check the uploaded activity
After processing completes, open the new activity on Strava. Check its title, description, gaps and visibility, and add your saved photos manually.
If the upload still fails, read the specific error before changing anything else. Invalid files, authorization problems and uploads still processing need different fixes. Strava documents the asynchronous process in its upload documentation.