Does The Fitbit App Work On Macs

Shayla Brooks November 19th, 2016

Fitbit’s beauty lies in its versatility. It doesn’t matter whether you run marathons or prefer nightly walks around your neighborhood — a Fitbit can play a crucial part in helping you reach your fitness goals.

The Fitbit Sense also has a faster processor than the Versa 2, which makes interactions with the watch feel snappier, but we still noticed some lag when opening apps, raising the watch to wake the. Ensure the All-Day Sync option in the Fitbit app is on. To do this, open the Fitbit app, select your account photo, select your tracker, then make sure the All-Day Sync toggle is turned on. Versa 3 vs Sense: OS, apps, and assistant The Sense and Versa 3 are part of Fitbit’s family of smartwatches, so they both run the latest version of Fitbit OS, which has been completely.

When you’re striving to reach those goals, it’s easy to get addicted to tracking your progress. The temptation to see how many steps you’ve taken and how many calories you’ve burned is always lurking on your wrist.

Having all of this data available is all the more frustrating when something goes wrong.

But before you throw your device out the window, try these Fitbit troubleshooting tips. Read on to learn how to fix the five most common problems.

5 Fitbit Troubleshooting Solutions

Does The Fitbit App Work On Macs Desktop

How do I set up my Fitbit?

The very first thing you’ll need to do is set up a Fitbit account. Your account will keep all of your fitness data and personal history in one place, so you’ll never lose it even if you misplace or upgrade your device.

Here’s how to create a profile:

  1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
  2. Download “Fitbit” from your app store.
  3. Once you’ve opened the app, type “Join Fitbit.”
  4. Enter your email address and password.
  5. Fill in your personal stats, like your height, weight, gender, and birthday.

Once you’ve created your personal profile, you’ll need to add your device. Here’s how:

  1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
  2. Open your Fitbit app, and tap “Account.”
  3. Select “Set Up A Device.”
  4. Select your Fitbit. When prompted, place your device next to your phone and follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. When your Fitbit shows a four-digit code, enter it into the app.

If you’d prefer to use pair your computer with your Fitbit, here’s our guide on how to set up Fitbit Connect on your Mac or PC.

Why won’t my Fitbit sync?

Now that you’ve set up your personal profile and paired your Fitbit to your phone, the syncing process should be easy. But if you’re having problems with GPS connectivity or data tracking, subpar syncing may be to blame.

There are two options for syncing: automatic and manual. The first sends information from your Fitbit to your phone multiple times throughout the day. In manual mode, your Fitbit will only sync when you tell it to.

Here’s how to set up each of those modes:

Automatic syncing

  1. Go into your settings and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
  2. Open the Fitbit app, then tap 'Log In.'
  3. Enter your email address and password.
  4. Once you’re logged in, your Fitbit will sync whenever you open the Fitbit app.
  5. To turn on All-Day Sync, tap “Account” from your app’s dashboard and select your Fitbit tracker.
  6. Tap the toggle that says 'All-Day Sync.'

Manual Syncing:

  1. Go into your settings and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
  2. Open your Fitbit app and log in.
  3. Tap 'Account,' and tap the tracker that's set up on your phone.
  4. Slide the toggle next to 'All-Day Sync.' This will turn off automatic syncing.
  5. From now on, your Fitbit data will only sync when you open the app. To save any changes you make to your account, tap 'Sync Now.'

While these general instructions should help you troubleshoot why your Fitbit isn’t syncing, the process varies slightly between iPhone, Android, and Windows phones.

Why isn’t my battery charging?

So, you’ve made sure your Fitbit is set up and syncing properly, but now you’ve encountered another headache — your battery won’t charge.

Before you toss your Fitbit into the closest drawer out of frustration, here are some troubleshooting tips from the company:

  1. Make sure the contacts on your charging cable and Fitbit are clean.
  2. Double-check that your charger is securely connected to your device and USB port.
  3. If everything is properly connected and still not working, try plugging it into a different USB port.
  4. If all of these steps have failed you, try restarting your Fitbit.

The length of your charge varies depending on your device, but there are ways to extend it. Try these tips to make sure your battery doesn’t die at the worst possible time, like in the middle of a workout:

  1. Stop tapping your device: Constantly checking your stats will drain the battery much faster than if you leave the screen alone.
  2. Set fewer alarms: It takes battery power for your Fitbit to remember each alarm.
  3. Turn off all-day sync: Instead, set your Fitbit to only sync when you tell it to.
  4. Turn off notifications and reminders: As with alarms, your Fitbit has to remember to ping you all the time. Make sure you’re only alerted for the most important issues.
  5. Don’t charge your battery in extreme temperatures: Heat and cold will zap your battery quickly, so don’t leave your Fitbit in your car to charge.
  6. Turn off heart rate trackers (on some devices): You can do this through the app on heart rate devices.

For more tips on how to extend the battery life of your specific device, read our full article on how to extend your Fitbit’s battery life.

Why isn’t my Fitbit tracking properly?

Macs

Your Fitbit is set up correctly, syncing perfectly, and charging smoothly. Sounds perfect, right? Sure, until you check your stats and notice your steps seem way off.

One possible explanation is that you’re moving your arm while you’re otherwise sitting still — like when you’re working at a desk. This movement confuses Fitbit’s algorithm, recording these movements as steps.

Here’s how Fitbit recommends you fix this issue:

  1. Log into Fitbit.com.
  2. At the top of the screen, click on “Log,” then “Activity.”
  3. Select the date of the error.
  4. In the “Activity” menu, add your activity, like desk work, then enter the start time and duration.
  5. Once you click “Log Activity,” your stats should be more accurate.

Whether you wear your device on your dominant or nondominant wrist can also have an effect on your stats. When your tracker is on your non-dominant wrist, Fitbit increases the step-counting sensitivity. This helps to reduce undercounting your steps, and it is also the default setting.

When you wear your tracker on your dominant wrist, Fitbit decreases the step-counting sensitivity. This helps to reduce overcounting your steps.

You can specify which wrist you wear your Fitbit on by updating your personal preferences.

How do I reset my Fitbit?

If you’ve tried all of these steps and your Fitbit is still not working properly, try restarting your Fitbit. This will turn your device on and off without deleting any data.

Like with other Fitbit troubleshooting tips, exact tips can vary depending on the steps you use.
Here are the basic steps.

  1. Begin charging your device.
  2. If you have a Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Charge or Charge HR, Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit One, or Fitbit Surge: Hold down the buttons on your device until the lights on your tracker flash or you see a Fitbit logo.
  3. If you have a Fitbit Alta or Fitbit Flex 2: Press the button three times within eight seconds (Alta), or three times within five seconds (Flex 2).
  4. Unplug your tracker from the charger, and turn it back on if it hasn’t automatically restarted.

If you’ve tried restarting your device and it still isn’t working, you may want to consider a factory reset. Before you do this, know it will remove all the data stored on your device and wipe it completely clean.

Here’s how to do a factory reset on the Charge HR:

  1. Plug your device into the charger
  2. Press the side button for two seconds. While you’re holding down the button, remove the charging cable.
  3. Continue pressing the button for seven to nine seconds. Release it, and then press it again.
  4. When a series of screens come up, press the side button when you see one that says VIBE.
  5. Press the button again to see the Error screen.
  6. Next, press and hold the button until you see the Erase screen.
  7. Once you release the button, the tracker will turn off. You’ll know it has successfully reset if your time says 0:00.

If you’ve tried all of these tips, and your problem still hasn’t been solved, contact Fitbit support.

What other problems have you experienced with your Fitbit? Share your Fitbit troubleshooting issues in the comments.

Rebecca Paredes January 13th, 2016

Are you ready to ramp up your workout? Fitbit devices sync with your phone's app to make it as easy as possible for you to record your activity data. The downside is that Bluetooth connectivity can seriously drain your battery life.

Related: How To Extend Fitbit Battery Life

However, you don't need a smartphone to use a Fitbit! You can monitor your progress on a computer instead. All you have to do is install Fitbit Connect — a free software app that syncs your Fitbit data to your personal computer.

Here's how to set up Fitbit Connect on your Mac or PC.

Fitbit Connect For Mac

  1. Go to www.fitbit.com/setup. Scroll down, and click 'Download for Mac.'
  2. Double click the file. (You'll see it download as .dmg file.)
  3. When the Fitbit Connect installer opens, click 'Continue' until the app is installed on your PC.
  4. Once Fitbit Connect is installed, insert the Fitbit sync dongle into your computer's USB port.
  5. Wait for the software to recognize your device.
  6. Click 'Set Up New Device.' Create a login or log in to your existing account.
  7. Go through the Terms of Service.
  8. Create your personal profile.
  9. Select your Fitbit tracker. Place your Fitbit close to the wireless dongle.
  10. Follow the instructions to trigger the Bluetooth connection between your Mac and Fitbit.
  11. Once your Mac finds the device, enter the pairing code that shows up on your Fitbit's display. (If you have a Fitbit Flex, you won't get a pairing code. Follow the onscreen instructions and rapidly tap the device when prompted.)
  12. Click 'Connect,' and your tracker will sync your activity data to the your Mac's Fitbit account. (Just be patient! This process might take up to a minute.)

How Do I Sync Fitbit To My Mac?

To sync your Fitbit tracker to a Mac, insert your Fitbit wireless dongle into your Mac's USB port. Place your tracker within 20 feet of the dongle. Then click on the Fitbit Connect icon.

What Does The Fitbit USB Dongle Do?

Your Fitbit won’t connect to your computer simply through the charging cable. The Fitbit Dongle enables a Bluetooth connection through any PC. That allows your device to transfer data to your computer, just like it does for your smartphone or tablet.

Can I Sync My Fitbit Without The Dongle?

That depends on whether your computer supports Bluetooth connections, and what version of Bluetooth it supports. If your computer supports Bluetooth LE 4.0, then you can sync your Fitbit without a dongle.

On a Mac, you can check your Bluetooth version by clicking the Apple logo in the upper left corner of your menu bar. Go to About this Mac > More Info > System report > Bluetooth > LMP version.

In Windows, you can check your Bluetooth version by clicking your Control Panel. Go to Device Manager > Bluetooth. If you see Bluetooth LE Enumerator, then your computer supports Bluetooth LE 4.0

The Mac Fitbit Connect App

You have two ways to find the Fitbit Connect app on your Mac: click the 'Launchpad' icon on the lower left side of your screen, and search for the Fitbit connect icon. Alternately, open the Finder window, and look for 'Fitbit Connect' in the Applications folder.

The Fitbit Connect icon looks like this:

Click on the icon to open the Fitbit Connect app. From there, you'll see a window pop up that gives you two options: 'Set Up A New Fitbit Device' or 'Sync Now.'

Click 'Sync Now.' Once Fitbit Connect finds your tracker, it will sync your data!

Fitbit Connect For Windows Or PC

  1. Go to www.fitbit.com/setup. Scroll down, and click 'Download for Windows.' (If you have a Windows 10 or Windows XP, click either icon below the pink download button.)
  2. Double click the file. (You'll see it download as a .exe file.)
  3. When the Fitbit Connect installer opens, click 'Continue' until the app is installed on your PC.
  4. Once the software is installed, insert the Fitbit sync dongle into your computer's USB port.
  5. Wait for the software to recognize your device. Click 'Set Up New Device.'
  6. Create a login or log in to your existing account.
  7. Go through the Terms of Service.
  8. Create your personal profile.
  9. Select your Fitbit device. Place your tracker close to the Fitbit USB dongle.
  10. Follow the instructions to trigger the Bluetooth connection between your PC and Fitbit.
  11. Once your PC finds the device, enter the pairing code that shows up on your Fitbit's display. (If you have a Fitbit Flex, you won't get a pairing code. Follow the onscreen instructions and rapidly tap the device when prompted.)
  12. Click 'Connect,' and your tracker will sync your activity data to the your PC's Fitbit account. (Just be patient! It might take up to a minute.)

How Do I Sync Fitbit To My PC?

To sync your Fitbit tracker to a PC, insert the Fitbit wireless dongle into your PC's USB port. Place your tracker within 20 feet of the dongle. Then, look for the Fitbit Connect icon in the lower right corner of your PC screen, or open the app by clicking 'All Programs,' then 'Fitbit Connect.'

What Does Fitbit Do

Right click the icon, and select 'Sync Now.' Once Fitbit Connect finds your tracker, it will sync your data!

How Often Should I Sync To Fitbit Connect?

Once you've set up Fitbit Connect on your computer, you can sync your tracker anytime! If the Fitbit USB dongle is plugged into your computer, and your device is within 20 feet of your computer, your tracker will sync its data to your computer every 15 minutes.

To sync a Fitbit Blaze to your computer, connect the tracker to one end of the charging cable, and plug the other end of the cable into your computer's USB port.

To confirm that your tracker syncs to your computer, log in to your Fitbit account and click the gear icon at the top right of the dashboard. Next to your tracker, you'll see a timestamp for when the tracker last synced.

Fitbit Connect Won't Sync? Try These Tricks

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If you're having trouble syncing your tracker to your Mac or PC, try these tips:

  • Make sure your tracker is within 20 feet of the Fitbit USB dongle.
  • Make sure your Fitbit tracker is paired to your account. Go to www.fitbit.com, and log in to your account. Once you're logged in, click the gear icon in the top right corner. If your tracker doesn't show up, you need to connect it to your computer. (Read the above sections 'Fitbit for Mac' or 'Fitbit for PC' to setup your tracker!)
  • Restart your computer.
  • Try a different USB port. If you see 'Couldn't Find Wireless Sync Dongle' when you click the Fitbit Connect icon, your computer might not have recognized the dongle. Just plug it into a different USB port.
  • Restart your device. Like turning your electronics on and off again, a quick reset can sometimes help fix any lingering tech issues.
  • Reinstall Fitbit Connect. On a PC, go to 'Control Panel,' then 'Programs and Features.' Click Fitbit Connect and select 'Uninstall.' On a Mac, click on 'Fitbit Connect' and select 'Move to Trash.' Then, reinstall the app using the steps we described earlier.
  • If you have a Fitbit Blaze,remove the tracker from its frame. Place it in the charging cradle, and plug the charger into a USB port.

If you have a Fitbit Charge HR, update its firmware to the latest version. To find your firmware version, log into your Fitbit account and click the gear icon in the top right corner. Click 'Settings,' then 'Devices.' The version number will appear when you click your tracker. If your firmware isn't up to date, restart your tracker.

If you keep having problems with your Charge HR, you're not alone. Fitbit is well aware of the Charge HR's technical issues, and they're working on a fix!

Troubleshooting Fitbits

Still having trouble? Here’s how you can set up Fitbit Connect with the most popular Fitbit devices.

How To Setup Fitbit Connect For Charge HR

Fitbit

Problems with the Fitbit Charge HR might be related to an out-of-date firmware. You can check your Charge HR firmware version by clicking on the gear icon in your Fitbit account. Then, go to Settings > Devices. It will tell you if you have updated to the most recent version. To install the latest version, simply restart your Charge HR.

How To Setup Fitbit Connect For Fitbit Blaze

You actually do not need the dongle in order to use sync the Fitbit Blaze with Fitbit Connect. According to Fitbit, you can still connect the Blaze to your computer so long as:

  • Windows 10 is your operating system
  • You installed the Fitbit app
  • Your Blaze is locked in its charging cradle
  • The cradle is plugged directly into your computer

It will sync directly through the charging cable.

How To Setup Fitbit Connect For Fitbit One

Some users have reported Bluetooth interference problems with the Fitbit One. To sync the Fitbit One, try to remove all Bluetooth devices (phones, tablets, other computers, etc.) from the room before you attempt to sync the device to your computer.

Viewing Fitness Data On Fitbit Connect

To view your activity data, just go to www.fitbit.com and log in. From your dashboard, you can view your stats and share your activity with friends and family. You'll also be able to view your sleep data, which will be displayed in an easy-to-read chart that you can click for more info.

If you want to track your fitness on the go, remember that you can download the Fitbit app on your phone at any time — but you'll have to pair your device to your phone. Follow these steps.

Now that you're connected, it's time to get moving! Which Fitbit do you use? Tell us in the comments below!