How to use the Fitbit app on an Android phone

Important: Update your Android phone to the most recent OS version for the latest features in the Fitbit app. If your phone isn’t running a supported OS, you can use the Fitbit app, but you can't reinstall it if you delete it. For OS requirements, go to Fitbit-compatible devices.

If you’re setting up certain Fitbit devices, a notification appears on your phone to begin the setup process. For instructions on how to set up a new device, go to How do I set up my Fitbit device?

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What permissions does the Fitbit app need?
To use all the features in the Fitbit app, you must grant the Fitbit app permission to access certain features on your phone. For example, if you want to add Fitbit stats to a photo, the Fitbit app needs access to your camera.
How do I allow the Fitbit app to access my phone features?
Grant the Fitbit app permission to access phone features in your phone settings. Open the Settings app and then Apps and then Fitbit (you might have to tap the option to show all apps to find it) and then Permissions.
If you’re unsure how to verify or change the settings on your phone, consult your phone manufacturer.

Which Fitbit features need access to my phone?

Phone feature

Fitbit app features

Calendar

  • Calendar notifications

Call logs

  • Missed call notifications

Camera, files, and media

  • Share an exercise accomplishment, badge, or photo
  • Scan a barcode

Contacts

  • Incoming call notifications

Location

  • Calendar notifications
  • Sync your Fitbit device
  • Phone (Connected) GPS and Mobile Run
  • Weather app

Microphone

  • Voice assistant
  • On-wrist calls

Nearby devices

  • Phone (connected) GPS
  • Set up your Fitbit device
  • Sync your Fitbit device

Phone

  • Add friends
  • Incoming call notifications
  • On-wrist calls

Physical activity

  • Use your phone to track your health and fitness

SMS (text) messages

  • Text notifications
Why does the Fitbit app run in the background on my Android phone?

The Fitbit app runs in the background to keep you connected with certain Fitbit app features such as automatic syncing, connected GPS, and app notifications from your phone.

If the Fitbit app doesn’t run in the background, you may notice issues with app features, such as:

  • Delayed or missing notifications from your phone
  • Your Fitbit device doesn't automatically sync
  • Connected GPS losing connection
  • Apps not running or updating consistently on your Fitbit device
  • Firmware updates not completing on your Fitbit device
Note: All apps that run in the background affect your phone’s battery life.

To make sure that the Fitbit app isn’t background data-restricted:

  1. On your phone, open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Network & internet.
  3. Tap Data saver.
  4. If the data saver is off, you don't have to do anything. If the data saver is on, continue to step 5.
  5. Tap Unrestricted mobile data.
  6. Scroll down and make sure Fitbit is turned on.
How do I use the Fitbit app on my Huawei P20 Lite phone?

To use the Fitbit app on your Huawei P20 Lite phone, verify the following settings:

  1. On your phone, open the Settings app and then Apps.
  2. Tap Fitbit (you might have to tap the option to open all apps to find it) and then Battery.
  3. Turn off Power-intensive prompt.
  4. Tap Launch.
  5. Turn off the Manage automatically option, and turn on the Auto-launch, Secondary launch, and Run in background.
  6. Tap OK.
Note: You may find a message on your phone related to power consumption and apps scanning in the background. If you follow the steps in this message, the Fitbit app can’t run in the background and certain features may not work properly. Repeat the steps above to enable the Fitbit app to run in the background.
How do I move my Fitbit device to a new phone?
Important: Your Fitbit data is stored in the cloud, so it's automatically backed up.

To switch phones:

  1. On your old phone, uninstall the Fitbit app.
  2. On your new phone, open the Google Play Store and download the Fitbit app.
  3. On your new phone, open the Fitbit app and log in using the same account you used on your old phone.

  4. When prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to enable permissions on your new phone and allow the Fitbit app to access your Fitbit device. If you have a message at the top of the Fitbit app, tap it to fix any missing permissions or connection requests.

What settings should I check on my phone?

Important: The exact steps vary by device. If you can’t find the following permissions, consult your phone manufacturer.

To make sure your Fitbit device syncs and receives notifications from your Android phone:

  • Turn on background data:
    1. Open Settings .
    2. Tap Apps and then Fitbit. You might have to tap the option to show all apps to find it.
    3. Tap Mobile data & Wi-Fi or Mobile data usage.
    4. Make sure Background data and Unrestricted mobile data usage are turned on.
  • Turn off battery limitations:
    1. Open Settings .
    2. Tap Apps and then Fitbit. You might have to tap the option to show all apps to find it.
    3. TapApp batteryusage.
    4. Make sure Allow background usage or App battery usage is turned on.
    5. Tap Allow background usage and choose Unrestricted or Not optimized.
  • Turn on location services and allow the Fitbit app to access your location. For more information, go to Why is the Fitbit app prompting me to turn on location services?
Are notifications sent from my Android device encrypted?

All notifications are encrypted on certain Fitbit devices. For more information, go to How do I get notifications from my phone on my Fitbit device?

Encryption protects data to keep it confidential. When data is encrypted, it's unreadable to any unauthorized persons who get access to it. If a notification is unencrypted, the text visible on your Fitbit device is potentially vulnerable to an eavesdropping device. A person who attempts to intercept Bluetooth transmissions might open the contents of the notification. Your personal information stored with Fitbit is always encrypted.

Why can’t I log in to the Fitbit app on my Android phone?
If you can't log in to the Fitbit app, it’s often because you set the time manually on your Android phone. On your phone, open the Settings app and then System and thenDate &time and turn on Set time automatically. If you’re using an Android tablet that doesn’t have this option, manually set the tablet to the correct time. The time must be within 2 minutes of the correct time to log in to the Fitbit app.
How do I add a Fitbit widget to my Android phone?

Add Fitbit widgets to your Android phone, including the activity goal widget and widgets that allow you to quickly log activity, food, sleep, and more. The activity goal widget allows you to check your progress toward your daily activity goal directly from your home screen without opening the Fitbit app.

Depending on your phone, you can add Fitbit widgets in one of two ways:

  1. Touch and hold any blank space on the home screen.
  2. Tap Widgets.
  3. Swipe until you find Fitbit. Tap to open the available widgets.
  4. Touch and hold, then drag the widget to the desired home screen.

Or:

  1. Swipe up from the home screen to locate the Fitbit app.
  2. Touch and hold the Fitbit icon.
  3. Tap Widgets.
  4. Touch and hold, then drag the widget to the desired home screen.

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