Device stopped syncing in November - Android 7.1

[Peepiceek]

I have been using fitbit for years across multiple devices, and yet I'm about ready to quite given my current frustrations... (this is my last ditch attempt to address the issue)

My device was syncing regularly up until November 2021.  It has not synced since.  It still charges and reports information on the display.  

My initial investigation suggests that the host requirements changed.  My phone in Android 7.1, and apparently only Android 8 and above are permitted to sync now.

I read that I could use "Fitbit Connect" on Windows, use a fitbit wifi base station (like the one I had for prior devices), and sync that way, but I have had zero luck on multiple attempts.

I am not pleased that the company decided to revoke operability on existing customers, and I am even less pleased that, if there is a workaround, it is far from intuitive.

If anyone knows of a way to sync a Fitbit Inspire 2 that works without hours of troubleshooting and debugging, please let me know, because I don't want to stop using fitbit, but I can't justify spending tons more time trying to get it to work without any guarantee of success.

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity.

[Odyssey13]

Hi @Peepiceek  your post was moved to the Android forum area, since this is more an Android than Inspire 2 issue. It happened to me with an older Android phone and tablet. The older app couldn't continue using the features, but I did have a newer phone that worked. There is no workaround for these devices. Is it possible you have a friend who might let you use their phone to set up and sync?

[LZeeW]

@Peepiceek   There is a lot of out of date information about Fitbit Connect in the forums.  So let me clarify things for you.  Fitbit Connect is used with Fitbit's older models.  Fitbit Connect isn't compatible with your Inspire 2 or any device released in the last few years.  Fitbit's newest models can't be set up with Windows 10, but users say they can sync after setup.  My disclaimer -- I am a Mac user and have no personal experience.  You don't use Fitbit Connect.  You use the Fitbit app for Windows 10 from the Microsoft store.  Your PC must have built in Bluetooth.  The dongle/base station won't work.  Again, the newer devices just aren't compatible.

If you can get your Fitbit to sync with your PC/laptop, you need to know that many of the features that are on the mobile app AREN'T on the Fitbit app for Windows 10.  Your best experience will come with a compatible Android or iPhone.

[RodrigoMFitbit]

@LZeeW @Odyssey13 I appreciate your input and your own personal experience. 

@Peepiceek Welcome to the forums. Thanks for reaching out regarding the syncing of your Inspire 2. I appreciate the detailed explanation and for mentioning what you have tried so far. I am not a programmer/developer my self, but there must be a reason why now the minimum requirement is Android 8.0. There are differences across different Android Versions and I can assume that the amount of users using older Android versions does not counterweight the amount of work it requires to maintain the app running across different OS versions. That's my conjecture. 

In this case the only solution would be to use a different smartphone to sync the device. I understand that your current device may be running just fine and there is no need to replace it with a newer one, so another option is to use a friend's device to sync every other day, since Fitbit devices can store up to 30 days of data. That way you are able to keep using your Inspire 2. Hope this helps. 

Have a nice day!

[Peepiceek]

Thanks for your response. I hear what you are saying, at the same time it
leaves me out.

Fitbit has apparently decided to stop supporting my phone, and I don't plan
to upgrade my phone until it dies, because to me, a phone is a phone, not a
accessory to keep up-to-date with fashion.

I was hoping there was some way for my demographic to continue using our
devices, but it sounds like we've been abandoned. Oh well. May you have a
good day.

[Lawson77]

Hi

I have the same problem

I do not have access to anyone else with a later phone model

Is Fitbit now suggesting that I throw my Ionic watch away as I can no longer use it ?