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Setting my location

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‎10-22-2023 18:52

‎10-22-2023 18:52

Even though my Google and Fitbit account home addresses are in the US, I cannot access Afib notifications or the ECG app seemingly because my current physical location is in a country that doesn't allow that feature and app.

Is there a way to prevent the Fitbit app and watch to access my physical location, and only use my registered account locations, so that I can use those very important features? AFAIK, I disabled location detection in both the watch and app. But, I am assuming there are hidden or deeply located settings that are still allowing physical location to be accessed.

I had assumed that the country of residence of the user would be the deciding factor on whether or not they could use a feature, not where we happen to be at any one time. And, I wonder why Apple is able to offer Afib detection and ECG in this particular country, while Fitbit and Google are not. Very disappointing. 

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‎10-24-2023 06:14

‎10-24-2023 06:14

Hello @garypen and welcome to the Community.  It's my understanding that Fitbit uses your IP address for your location and that VPN users can access these features.  The ECG and Irregular Rhythm notifications are medically regulated features.  Fitbit needed FDA approval to release them in the US.  Fitbit needs approval from the comparable regulatory body in your location for these features to work.  Apple can provide them, because Apple has approval.  This is a very competitive business, so it's in Fitbit/Google's best interest to get approval in your location.

Laurie | Maryland
Sense 2, Luxe, Aria 2 | iOS | Mac OS

Take a look at the Fitbit help site for further assistance and information.

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‎10-24-2023 06:22

In response to LZeeW

‎10-24-2023 06:22

@LZeeW wrote:

Fitbit needs approval from the comparable regulatory body in your location for these features to work.  Apple can provide them, because Apple has approval.  This is a very competitive business, so it's in Fitbit/Google's best interest to get approval in your location.

It most definitely behooves Google/Fitbit to get approval in all countries that Apple has approval for similar features, if they hope to be competitive in those markets.
Thanks for the tip about VPN. I already use one for streaming. It should be a piece of cake to get the phone to also work with it, too. I can't believe that didn't occur to me already. Doh!

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