Why is needed location Services

[Babydol]

Why does my location have to be on in order for my fitbit to sync. I don't feel comfortable with that.

Moderator Edit: Updated Subject For Clarity.

[Squidd]

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@KLeBlazeS5 wrote:

OK, so why ask for the MAC address of the tracker when it is already paired with the phone ?

This pairing is enough for other bluetooth devices such that someone's bluetooth mouse does not control the cursor on my computer which is next to it, and notifications, silent alarms and time are already updated by this pairing without location.

Fitbit use the MAC address to uniquely identify the tracker in their systems. You can see this when you access the tracker's settings from the web dashboard, the URL contains that tracker's MAC. The "sync" operation on the phone app includes uploading the tracker's data to fitbit's servers, so it needs this info. Having just the account details is not enough because you can have multiple trackers linked to a single account.

It seems to me that location really only needs to be on for the initial pairing of the tracker and phone then all else could be done without it if programmed that way.

If it was programmed better it wouldn't be needed at all. But it's not and Fitbit haven't bothered to fix it.

[Rich_Laue]

The reason the MAC address is needed goes back to the design of the Fitbit Connect. When it syncs, Connect is not logged into any account. It simply puts a call out to any tracker that may be within 50 feet. Then it syncs everytracker that answered the call.

At my house this could be any of my 6 trackers on two accounts, the ladies fitbit across the street, her husbands, and the fitbit in the house next door. The only way for Fitbit to tell them apart is through some identification process. The MAC being the easiest

[dmcgreg]

So I've got location services turned on, but it won't work unless it also has location permission turned on?Which I can't turn on, presumably because I don't have Google Play Services installed on my phone.  I just want to be able to update the time on my watch!  

[KLeBlazeS5]

@Rich_Laue

I really don't know where you get your information from Rich.

There are 2 trackers in my house...my Blaze and the wife's HR and everytime I sync or update ONLY my Blaze is done because that is the only tracker paired with my phone. Same with her...it only syncs with her HR as my Blaze is not paired with her tablet.

Interestingly the last 2 days I have not had location turned on and have not done a sync.

Guess what...the tracker data has been updated on the phone in the Fitbit app everytime I open it to view the dashboard AND on the Fitbit website when I view the dashboard. All I have is "Always connected" enabled for the tracker settings in the app and an internet connection.

So...NO location AND NO sync...

I have a Blaze with a Samsung S5 running Android 6.0.1 (latest for the S5) and the tracker and app versions are the latest.

[KLeBlazeS5]

Almost a week and still not using Location nor doing a Sync. Just have a data connection (either wi-fi or mobile) and when I start the App, the dashboard screen shows all tracker information updated when the blue line moves across the top of the screen after about 10 seconds. Still have the red "Enable Location to Sync" warning message too but it all works.

[Tkdairi27]

Bluetooth is mac address based... Even with headphones...  -_-

[Rich_Laue]

@KLeBlazeS5 as explained above, Do to a security hope found in the Android Bluetooth when an app requests the MAC address Android requires location services to be turned on. Note that the phones location is not requested. 

Until location services is turned on you will continue to see this warning .

Yes @Tkdairi27 Bluetooth like WiFi is MAC based, but most app do not require the MAC of a connected device. Fitbit like Garmon and several others use the MAC to identify the tracker to determine the correct account .All companies have found that location services need to be on .

If this android change, to close the security hole upsets you, then sync through a computer .You coukdcalso downgrade to android 5 and hope no one takes over control of your phone during a sync cycle .

Yes I know this would be rare, but the consequences are risky enough to warrant a fix. 

[Arrendalek]

Guys, this thread is two years old and I fired Fitbit a LONG time ago. It
might be time to kill the thread. I'm not sure it's relevant anymore.

[Odyssey13]

@Arrendalek  the way to stop receiving notices of a new post on an old thread is to unsubscribe from it. Upper right at the first post of the thread, pull down menu, click "unsubscribe" and you'll stop getting a notice each time someone posts. You'll get notice of this post, too.

[gK3]

Who accepts FitBits explanation regarding Google and FitBit continuously tracking our location.

I have been using FitBit for years but can not continue like this.  Where do I return my device for a full refund.  This is a ridiculous situation.  How to iPhones handle the situation?

[Rich_Laue]

iPhone and Windows phones so not require location services because their operating starte does not require.

Of you don't have to accept fitbits reason, but could do your own research, I have posted several sights including the dev.fitbit

[SunsetRunner]

Is there a fitness tracker that doesn't require location to be turned on? Loved my fitbit untill having to turn on location. It's a deal breaker for me.

[Nonya_bidness]

As Google has decided to force location on to sync with my phone, I'm throwing my fitbit in the garbage can.  What a crock of BS.

[Odyssey13]

Hi @Nonya_bidness  so you just bought it and you're trashing it? If you came to the forums, maybe it was because you wanted to know more about using your Fitbit. I turn location off and on as needed on my Android and I don't worry about it. These days, so many devices know where you are.

[Nonya_bidness]

No, I've had two of them. There was no requirement for location to be
turned on until recently. It's big brother, BS to sell my data.

[Odyssey13]

It's not a recent thing, October 2016 there was a thread started - click to read

[Rich_Laue]

This requirement was only added by Android when they closed a major security issue that would allow a nearby unknown person to remotely take complete control and have access to every bit of data stored on your phone. All without you, the owner of the phone. 

Sorry but i find having location service on during a sync. BTW Fitbit nor the OS requests the phones location, a comfort considering the major security whole found in Android 5. 

As @Odyssey13. mentions, this is not recent but was changed in Android 6 and continued on android 7,8,9

[Nonya_bidness]

Bull. I never had to turn location on my phone until the latest update.