Fitbit Discontinues Its PC/Mac Sync App: Here’s What You Need To Know
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Fitbit is disconnecting its companion app for Windows and Mac computers, removing the ability for users to sync their devices or transfer playlists.
Fitbit is shutting down its Fitbit Connect app for PC and Mac. Most wearables have a companion app that is usually available on Android and iOS and users usually install this app to set up their devices. The app also offers a more robust interface for viewing tracking data, as well as more customization options compared to what’s available on the wearable itself.
However, some brands also have a desktop app that allows users to do all of the above on their computers. Fitbit is one such brand and offers this feature with some of its devices, including the Fitbit Versa, Versa 2, and the now-discontinued Fitbit Ionic. Although most wearable devices do not have a desktop application, some offer an option for users to export their data and view it on a computer.
The Fitbit Connect app can be downloaded on Windows and Mac computers and allows users to not only set up their Fitbit device, but also sync their data with their Fitbit app. However, Fitbit’s help page now says that the option will no longer be available starting October 13, 2022. The Google-owned company also said that the app will be disabled after that date. Fitbit will now limit syncing to the mobile app that’s available for Android and iOS devices. Users who also used the app to transfer their playlists to their Fitbit will also be unable to do so after October 13.
Options for affected Fitbit users
Fitbit didn’t provide a reason why it’s killing the desktop app, but it’s plausible that there are very few users who use it. Instead of spending resources to continue supporting the app, the company may have decided to cut it. It’s also likely that Fitbit decided to do this before the release of their new wearables, so there’s no need to add support.
The ad is not expected to affect many people as most people have a smartphone. Of course, those who don’t own a smartphone and/or rely on a feature phone will be affected by the change, as the only way for those users to sync their data with their account is through Fitbit Connect. application While the Fitbit Connect app will no longer be available on PC and Mac, there may be potential workarounds for some desktop users.
Chrome OS users can install the Fitbit app for Android on their computers, thanks to the operating system’s support for Android apps. Those with a Windows 11 PC can also install the Fitbit app for Android now that the Amazon Appstore is available on Windows. While these apps may be available to install on these platforms, it’s not yet known if the watches can be synced this way. However, for those affected Fitbit users, it might be worth trying these alternative options.
Source: Fitbit 1, 2
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