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Why is the Fitbit app is prompting me to turn on location services?

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‎08-19-2019 08:39 - last edited on ‎08-20-2019 11:51 by Fitbit Moderator

‎08-19-2019 08:39 - last edited on ‎08-20-2019 11:51 by Fitbit Moderator

Why does android require the location to be enabled for my Fitbit app to sync with my charge 3 device?  I do not wish to be tracked and your desire to include my stats in your surveillance business model is rendering my investment in Fitbit a waste of money.  And don’t hand me the security requirement argument, that’s a load of digital crap and we both know it.  Google, you started out to be a great progressive company; now you’re just another greedy corporate entity that needs to be broken up via antitrust regulators. 

 

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

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‎08-20-2019 11:51

‎08-20-2019 11:51

Hello @Stevia19 welcome to the Community Forums!

 

Thanks for your post and bringing this to my attention. Let me share with you that Google changed its permission requirements beginning with Android OS 6.0. As a result, the locations permission is necessary to sync your Fitbit device with your Android device.

 

Please keep in mind that Fitbit does not track your location unless you are recording an exercise or activity with GPS. For more information, see How do I use GPS on my Fitbit device?. The Fitbit app needs the locations services option on your phone to be turned on in order to perform the Bluetooth low energy scans required to sync your tracker. For more information about how your tracker syncs, see How do Fitbit trackers sync their data?

 

Google added the locations permission requirement to alleviate concerns that Bluetooth beacons can be used to track your location without your permission during a Bluetooth low energy scan, such as the scan required to sync your tracker. By granting the Fitbit app permission to access your location, your tracker will be able to sync, but your location won't be recorded or tracked by Fitbit.

 

For details about the Google permission requirements, see Google's Android 6.0 Changes document.

 

 

Let me know if you have any additional questions.

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