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
The Fitbit app is very complex and provides users with all the details they will ever need. It’s easy to connect to the trackers, it can use the GPS signal to mark the user’s activities, it can log the type of food that you eat and calculate the calories, track the heart rate for an entire day, track the sleep patterns. An interesting thing about fitbit, is that the server parses the device ID and links the transmitted data to the appropriate accounts, rather than a client-side application being linked to a certain account. It makes the syncing a little bit easier. Galileo is a Python utility to securely synchronize a Fitbit device with the Fitbit web service. Jul 15, 2019 Fitbit Connect is a free app that allows you to sync your Mac with your Fitbit device. Use the app on its own to track basic activity and runs on your phone, or connect with one of Fitbit’s many activity trackers and the Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale to get a complete picture of your health, including steps, distance, calories burned, sleep, weight, and more. The Fitbit app makes it easy to connect with friends, start activity challenges, read educational articles, get expert advice and share your journey with an uplifting community. Fitbit Premium: - Monthly and annual plans available that unlock habit-forming programs, audio.
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
- Go to www.fitbit.com/setup. Scroll down, and click 'Download for Mac.'
- Double click the file. (You'll see it download as .dmg file.)
- When the Fitbit Connect installer opens, click 'Continue' until the app is installed on your PC.
- Once Fitbit Connect is installed, insert the Fitbit sync dongle into your computer's USB port.
- Wait for the software to recognize your device.
- Click 'Set Up New Device.' Create a login or log in to your existing account.
- Go through the Terms of Service.
- Create your personal profile.
- Select your Fitbit tracker. Place your Fitbit close to the wireless dongle.
- Follow the instructions to trigger the Bluetooth connection between your Mac and Fitbit.
- 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.)
- 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
- 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.)
- Double click the file. (You'll see it download as a .exe file.)
- When the Fitbit Connect installer opens, click 'Continue' until the app is installed on your PC.
- Once the software is installed, insert the Fitbit sync dongle into your computer's USB port.
- Wait for the software to recognize your device. Click 'Set Up New Device.'
- Create a login or log in to your existing account.
- Go through the Terms of Service.
- Create your personal profile.
- Select your Fitbit device. Place your tracker close to the Fitbit USB dongle.
- Follow the instructions to trigger the Bluetooth connection between your PC and Fitbit.
- 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.)
- 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.'
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
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
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
Fitbit Connect App For Mac
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!
You don't just have to use your Fitbit on iPhone. If you have a Mac at home, work, or school, you can totally set up and manage your Fitbit fitness tracker on macOS as well. There's both a Fitbit Connect app and a web portal, that'll help you get set up and going, right from your Mac!
Products used in this guide
- Best Fitbit for most people: Fitbit Charge 4 ($150 at Fitbit)
- Smartwatch and fitness tracker hybrid: Fitbit Versa 2 ($170 at Fitbit)
How to download the Fitbit Connect app for Mac
Fitbit has an app known as Fitbit Connect, which allows you pair and sync your Fitbit tracker with your Mac using the handy wireless USB dongle.
- First, download the free Fitbit Connect app.
- Click Download for Mac.
- Open a new Finder window.
- Click Downloads in the menu.Source: iMore
- Double click the Fitbit disk image file. Its name will start with 'FibtitConnect_Mac..'
- Double click the Fitbit installer file. It looks like a cardboard box and is called 'Install Fitbit Connect.pkg.'Source: iMore
- Click Continue on the introduction page of the install wizard.
- Click Continue on the software license agreement.Source: iMore
- Click Agree to agree to the terms and conditions.
- Click Continue when you have chosen the drive on which to save the Fitbit Connect app.Source: iMore
- Click Install.
- Enter your password and click Install Software.Source: iMore
Boom, you've got the Fitbit Connect app! You open it just as you would any other application – either from the Finder or from your dock. Now you'll be able to access your Dashboard, participate in challenges, and more, all from your Mac!
Safari app missing from mac. In case the Safari App is hidden in a Folder, you will see the name of the Folder in which the Safari App Icon is hidden on your iPhone. Disable Restrictions on Safari App. You may have accidentally or intentionally placed restrictions on the Safari App, in order to prevent your kids from accessing the internet on your iPhone and using up.
How to pair a new Fitbit tracker with your Mac
Now that you've got the Fitbit Connect app downloaded, you'll probably want to pair your Fitbit with your Mac. This is done using the wireless dongle that came in your Fitbit's box, so make sure you plug it into an available USB port before starting the setup process. It looks like a thumb drive, but just the tip.
This process continues straight from installing Fitbit Connect.
- Click Set Up a New Fitbit Device.
- Click New to Fitbit.Source: iMore
- Enter your email address and create a password.
- Click the box next to 'I agree to the Fitbit Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.'
- Click Sign Up.Source: iMore
- Enter your info on the 'Tell us about yourself' page.
- Click Sign Up.
- Click the Fitbit tracker that you're setting up.Source: iMore
- Click Next through the information screens.
- Perform the action requested.
- Enter the code that appears on your Fitbit's display.
- Tap your Flex until you feel it vibrate.
- Click Next or I felt it buzz, depending on your Fitbit model.Source: iMore
- Click Next on the connection confirmation screen.
- Click Go to Dashboard.Source: iMore
That's all there is to it; your Fitbit tracker is now paired with your Mac. Not only that, but you've now signed up for a Fitbit account as well. Two birds are dead, and you've only tossed one stone.
Keep in mind that you'll need that dongle plugged in all the time if you want your tracker to sync with your Mac continually.
Fitbit Mac App
So long as your Mac remains connected to the internet, your Fitbit tracker will wirelessly sync when you're within 20 feet of it. You'll be able to log in to your Fitbit Connect app and see your up-to-date progress without having to connect any cables or clicking the Sync button.
Our top equipment picks
Best all around Fitbit
Fitbit Charge 4
An all-round great wearable
Now with built-in GPS and Fitbit Pay feature on board, the Fitbit Charge 4 is a great tracker for everyday use. Hit the gym, hike a trail, or jump on your bike, the Charge 4 will be with you every step of the way.
It tracks 15 types of workouts, can dive 50 meters into the water, gets seven days of battery life, and does notifications from your iPhone or Android device. It's a truly versatile product for a very reasonable price.
Fitbit smartwatch
Fitbit Versa 2
Fitness and smarts rolled into one
This Smartwatch features Amazon Alexa, a light, sleek design, fitness tracking, has a battery life of 5+ days, and access to all your favorite apps.
The Versa looks and feels the most like a smartwatch out of Fitbit's lineup, and it offers a comprehensive suite of apps, watch faces, and fitness-related features to satisfy even the most hardcore of users. While it's fully waterproof, it lacks GPS for standalone runs, and its 5-day battery life isn't quite as long as the Charge 4's.
Fitbit App Mac Os X
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Change up your look!Dress up your Fitbit Inspire with one of these bands
It's really easy to swap out the standard silicone band your Fitbit Inspire came with. This means you can give your Fitbit Inspire a new look with a new band. Here are some of the best bands you can get, running the gamut from sporty to dressy.