Fitbit won’t sync with the app? This is why

Being one of the most popular fitness watches out there – you wouldn’t expect to have a problem syncing your Fitbit to the app.

In general, the Fitbit app and the device itself have great features and are really easy to use. You can use a Fitbit device with both the Free or Premium version of Fitbit, which means that there’s no monthly recurring price if you opt for the free version.

However, you may have come across some issues syncing your Fitbit device with the app. But – don’t panic! This is a common problem and it has many possible causes and fixes, which we are going to explore below. 

Fitbit won’t sync with app – The fix 

If your Fitbit won’t sync with the app on your iPhone or Android device, this is often down to a lack of connectivity. If it’s not your Bluetooth, then it can also commonly be caused by a lack of updates – your Fitbit tracker needs to be updated to the newest software regularly to ensure there aren’t any bugs.

To do this, first make sure you have downloaded the correct Fitbit app. Do this by using the App Store for iPhone, and Play Store for Android, and search for Fitbit in the search bar.

The first thing that you need to do is download the app and log in as shown below. 

If you already have an account, then you should be able to log into your account straight away. If you’ve never owned a Fitbit before, then you’ll need to create a new account.

Once you’ve logged in or created your new account, click the Account icon on the top left hand corner, then click Set Up A New Device, then select the correct model of your own Fitbit device. This should only take a few seconds and it’s a pretty simple process.

Like any piece of technology, it’s common that there will be glitches with your Fitbit device, or there may also be a problem with the Fitbit app, which could be causing the problems with your Fitbit not syncing. 

Checking the Fitbit website to make sure that there are no wider issues on their end is always a good place to start before going through the checks to make sure everything is working at your end.

If there are no announcements made regarding this, there is likely to be a problem with your phone, app or device. These are usually simple fixes that we are going to outline below. 

Bluetooth issues

One of the main reasons that your Fitbit won’t be syncing is due to a problem with the Bluetooth connection. You can usually fix this by simply playing around with your Bluetooth settings, and making sure that you toggle Bluetooth on for your Fitbit tracker.

Firstly, check that your Bluetooth is turned on. For an iPhone, you can check this through the path swiping up and checking if the Bluetooth is turned on (it will be highlighted in blue).

Or, you can go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure this is on. This will enable your phone to find any Bluetooth devices nearby.

For an Android, you can check this through the same path, Settings > Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is turned on, or you can swipe down and check it’s turned on. 

If your Bluetooth is on, and you are already connected to the correct device, try disconnecting from your Fitbit and then reconnect to it to try to sync. 

If this still fails, you can try turning the Bluetooth off then on again, then try to reconnect.  

Another reason you may be having issues with your Bluetooth connection is because there are too many things running using the Bluetooth at once. Check that you are only connected to the devices through Bluetooth that you currently need. 

Updates are required

Another common reason that your Fitbit isn’t syncing is that your phone requires an update. It could also be that the Fitbit app, or your Fitbit device, is in need of being updated too.

First, check that your phone doesn’t require an update in your phone Settings. For an iPhone, you’ll head to General > Software Update. 

And for an Android, go to Settings > About Phone or About Settings > Android Version.

Next, check that your Fitbit app is up-to-date. For an iPhone, check this by heading to the App Store > Account > Updates.

For Android, you’ll go to the Play Store, click the menu icon in the top left corner, then tap My apps & games. – if the Fitbit app has an update, you’ll see it in the updates list.

After checking this, check that your Fitbit itself doesn’t require an upgrade. To check this, make sure that your device is fully charged and head over to your up-to-date Fitbit app.

Tap the Today Tab > your profile picture > your device image, then tap the pink Update button. This option only appears if an update is available.

WiFi or mobile data connection issues

The next reason that your Fitbit isn’t syncing with the app is because your phone isn’t connected to WiFi or mobile data. 

Your Fitbit will only sync with your app when your phone is connected to Wifi or mobile data. If you’re having trouble syncing your fitness tracker, here’s what to do.

The easiest way that you can check Wi-Fi when you’re using an iPhone or Android is to obviously make sure that it’s turned on (if it is, the icon will be blue).

If no WiFi is available, you can sync with your Fitbit using mobile data. Make sure this is turned on by checking your Settings (Settings > Mobile Data). 

If you can’t connect to either WiFi or Mobile Data, you won’t be able to sync your Fitbit device until connected. 

Battery life

Something else that you’ll want to check if your Fitbit won’t sync is that you have enough battery life on your device. Although they generally have a long battery life, if there’s not enough charge left then you may end up having issues connecting to it.

Connecting your device’s battery to a power source using a charging cable will let you know whether a lack of battery is causing the problem. Click into your Fitbit dashboard to make sure that your device is charging properly.

This will often fix syncing issues, and allow you to maintain other Bluetooth connections with whatever Fitbit model you’re using (Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Surge, Fitbit Ionic or something else).

Conclusion

To conclude, it’s pretty rare that people have issues with their Fitbit not syncing with the app, but the fix is usually very simple as we have outlined above. There are also other reasons why Fitbit may not be working on iPhone.

After making sure that everything is connected and up-to-date, you should quickly be able to go back to recording your workouts and keeping your health on track!