The Fitbit app needs to connect with your Fitbit device to sync your data, update your clock, and get local weather. Depending on your phone, this may require Location Services or Nearby Devices permissions.
If you don't want to share your location, you can turn off the location permission for the Fitbit app on your phone.
Android 12 and higher
You can sync your Android device without turning on GPS location and tracking.
- On your phone, go to Settings.
- Tap Apps
Fitbit
- Allow Nearby Devices. This allows the app to find your watch through Bluetooth.
Optional: If you want weather updates and GPS maps for your runs, you must also tap Location and select Allow all the time.
Android 11 and lower
Previous Android systems bundle Bluetooth scanning with Location services. You must turn on Location for the app to find your device.
Manage persistent app location alerts
If your phone asks to access your location over and over again, check your phone's settings. The battery saver mode might be blocking the connection.
To turn off Battery Saver:
- On your phone, go to Settings
- Turn off Battery Saver or Adaptive Battery.
- Restart your phone and your Fitbit device.
Tip: Charging your phone may not be enough to stop persistent app location alerts. To fix this, you must turn Battery Saver settings off manually.
Common issues
My watch shows the wrong time
This happens when your device hasn't synced recently. Follow the permission steps above to allow your phone to connect, then pull on the Fitbit app screen to refresh. Your time will update automatically.
Fix sync issues with app permissions turned on
- On your phone, go to Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth
- Wait 10 seconds
- Restart your Fitbit device.
- For instructions, go to How do I restart my Fitbit device.