New Phone Issues - App Login & Inspire 2 Pair

[womEngineer]

Hey all. If this topic is addressed elsewhere, apologies in advance. I did search but could not find a solution.

Problem: got a new phone.  Cannot seem to fully log in to the Fitbit app on the phone.  And yet, it will come up as logged in at times, but device not paired.  Attempt to pair, get the "taking longer than usual" message and eventually I give up after 15 minutes. 

Device Details: new phone is a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (from a 3 to a 6). Fitbit is an Inspire 2 (yes, still older). Still on the Fitbit app and haven't yet ported to Google, though on my "to do" list. I am the adult with 2 kid devices on my account. I haven't even attempted their devices yet - not going there until mine is straightened out.

Error Details: Assuming we start with a blank "start an account/log in" - I attempt a log in.  I'll get so far as an SMS text, enter the code, and then I'll get an error message that's something like "cannot send a message at this time".  Which is obviously weird.  That goes no where.  A few minutes later, I try opening the app again...and to my surprise, it opens to my account.  And even shows my steps for the day current to my Fitbit.  But the top still shows the "To sync reliably, let Fitbit link to your Inspire 2." So I attempt a pair.  It starts, and then I'll get the "taking longer than normal. Please be patient" message - but after 15 minutes I reach my limit.  Walk away for now.  Come back the next day, and we start again.  Blank slate needing to log in to the app.  Attempt that fails.  Then I'm magically in, but not sync'd.  But my data is sync'd.  So I'm really not sure what's up. 

Advice and assistance? 

[FatimaFitbit]

Hi there @womEngineer!

A warm welcome to the Fitbit Community!

Thank you so much for reporting that your Inspire 2 is not connecting to your phone and for all your efforts.

I suggest you try to do the following:

1. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone; wait 10 seconds, and then turn it back on.
2. Restart your Inspire 2 again.
3. Turn your phone off and back on.
4. Remove all other Fitbit devices from your Fitbit account. 
5. Remove your Fitbit device from the list of connected Bluetooth devices on your phone or tablet:
   1. On your phone, tap Settings Bluetooth.
   2. Tap the information icon or gear icon next to the name of your Fitbit device.
   3. Find the option to forget the device.
6. Uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app. Note: Before you uninstall the app, verify that your phone is running a supported version of Android OS. If your phone is on an older version, you won’t be able to reinstall the app. For OS requirements, see Fitbit-compatible devices.
7. Try setting up your device again. See: How do I set up my Fitbit device?