Location services needed by the Fitbit app?

[NoviceUsr]

It has been irritating for the Fitbit App to not work without Android's location service turned on. Many forums have answered that it's an Android functionality that needs GPS/ location service for a Bluetooth connection.

Garmin Connect app, earphones, speakers, display, and 100s of other apps don't need location service to be turned on especially when a device is already paired.

Does the Fitbit app need a special Bluetooth connectivity that doesn't work without GPS or a deception with users?

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity.

[Rich_Laue]

Hi @NoviceUsr my smart light switches, and smart lights, sorry but even Garmin Connect prompts for location, my Garmin Drive for the Dashcam, my WiFi cameras (for setup), the Garmin watch, my Galaxy watch. Even my brothers washing machine needs location services, at least to setup. This all started when Android made changes to close a vulnerability with Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons. 

Most earphones and speakers are not effected since they use the old BT and not BTLE. Yes it is an android function, that fitbit calls when the app is first open. Of course, if your hardware device, once setup, doesn't depend on BT, you can turn location services off. 

Nobody said it needs GPS or that the app or OS calls for your location. Android phones 3 ways for gaining the phones location. 

Some users have reported that the background sync works without location. 

I'll also move your android comment to the android board. 

[RodrigoMFitbit]

@Rich_Laue Thank you very much for you input. I really appreciate your personal experience and the explanation. 

@NoviceUsr Welcome to the forums. I highly recommend you read the following article: Why does the Fitbit app need my location?. Here you find more details. 

Have a nice day!

[NoviceUsr]

Thanks @Rich_Laue for your inputs.

Are you speculating that Garmin Connect's Android version uses less secure old BT that they don't need location for syncing?