Is Android 10 required to use the Fitbit app?

[Lilbiddy]

I'm on Android 9 and the latest update for me is showing as 3.56.1. 

Reading the usual lack of information about what this does I noticed Android 10 required. Sneaking in another change without any advance warning?  Are we going to have another wave of angry people who after being told to reload the app find that they can't.

Fitbit obviously have no respect for their customers.  After nearly 6 years I think I can manage my routine with just a pedometer.

With the diminishing battery life of my Charge 2 I think we will soon be parting company. I will not be pushed into extensive outlay for bells and whistles I don't need.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Odyssey13]

Morning @Lilbiddy  Same Android 9 and app you have on my phone. My Samsung 8 phone is getting old, so it just means I need to get it replaced sooner than later. To be sure we have the correct information, I've asked a Fitbit Moderator to stop by to let us (and others) know.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @Lilbiddy. Welcome on board. @Odyssey13 Thanks for the heads up!

@Lilbiddy Thanks for the details provided. As you may know, the Fitbit app was optimized to work on mobile devices based on the requirements of each model and OS, and if any change is implemented for Android devices, future Fitbit app versions will also adapt to those changes.

As described here, currently it's required to have Android 10 or higher to install and use the Fitbit app. I'm sorry if this causes any inconvenience and appreciate your feedback about this matter. The comments shared in the forums are always provided to our team so we can improve and make Fitbit more useful to all our members.

[Lilbiddy]

@LizzyFitbit Perhaps someone should check the information shown with the app on Play Store as that says Android 8 and above. 

My phone is only a year old I will not be changing it. I still fail to see why there is the insistence that older versions of the app will not remain available. If this does only function on Android 10 Fitbit have once again done the dirty to their customers by not giving any warning of the withdrawal of service to users of older versions. I haven't attempted to load this latest version as I was waiting to see what problems others would encounter with it.

I do not accept you marking your reply as best answer. It's a response, but not answer. To call the withdrawal of service an inconvenience is an understatement that, quite frankly, I find insulting. The whole situation is made even more farcical by the fact that the device I am using is a Charge 2 which happily ran on Android 5 versions of the app.

[LokeAa]

Hi @Lilbiddy 3.56.1 is the latest Android version, so you are safe. The information given on the webpage has to be incorrect @LizzyFitbit . Google Play Store hides  apps that are not supported by your current Android device. For example, if an app is built only for Android 10 and up, you won't be able to find it on the app store if you're using a phone running Android 9.

[Odyssey13]

@Lilbiddy  I updated to the newest 3.56.1 and haven't noticed any downside to it. 

[Lilbiddy]

@Odyssey13 Good to know,thank you. After seeing the remarks about the Beta version and the fact that the test participants were not able to report their problems or get any responses I was dubious about it.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi there, @Lilbiddy, @LokeAa and @Odyssey13.

Thanks for getting back with more details, as well as the screenshots provided. As noted above, currently Android 10 is the recommended operating system for the best results as this will ensure the connection between your Fitbit device and the Fitbit app. However, rest assured that previous versions should still work on your phone. In regards to the Play Store, this has been reported to our team so they can make the proper correction.

I understand your point of view and appreciate your feedback about this situation. Your comments haven't gone unnoticed and we'll keep working to improve the Fitbit experience.

[Lilbiddy]

@LizzyFitbit  Previous versions should still work?

Where are these previous versions available should I need to reload the app as is often recommended if there are problems?

After all the justifications given for withdrawing previous versions you will forgive me if I don't believe that for one second. It would be so nice not to feel that yet again the rug is about to be pulled from under me.

If this version is revised on play store to be for Android 10 can you verify that the previous version is going to remain for Android 9 users?

Currently I am a little confused as to which Fitbit are promoting sales of, Fitbits or phones.

[nobody1123]

I just want to give a bump to this thread. I am also frustrated with this.

I'm a software developer. I get that we need to update things, and compatibility is a complex issue. However, pulling the rug out from under customers like this is not OK. We have devices that worked fine being made useless by these decisions to arbitrarily drop support.

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I don't believe we should accept the idea that devices have an expiration date after just a couple years. I actually want my stuff to work, and continue working. I realize that this problem isn't unique to Fitbit, and the problem involves some aspects out of their control, but to drop support with zero communication to existing customers gives me the impression that this is a company that prioritizes sales but will not stand by their product.