Blaze wont sync with out gps

[Lynnz]

My new fitbit blaze will not sync without my gps on on my phone. Is it necessary to have the gps on to sync my fitbit?

[shipo]

Under the assumption you have Android 6.x, then yes, you need to have location services enabled on your phone.  As I understand it, this is a Google/Android issue more than a Fitbit issue.

[Lynnz]

Is there any way to work around this?

[shipo]

I'm about 99% sure I've read there is no way to work around the issue; either enable location services, or don't sync.

[Lynnz]

I'm assuming I cannot receive call/text notifications without being connected to gps either?

[shipo]

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@Lynnz wrote:
I'm assuming I cannot receive call/text notifications without being connected to gps either?

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Can't say, I don't use either; I don't want to be bothered when I'm out for a run.  🙂

[Rich_Laue · Accepted solution]

Notifacation has nothing to do with syncing, so there is no prblem with this.

As for as the GPS and syncing, no you do not need GPS on, you do however need location services turned on.. These are not the same thing, Gps is just one of the ways the phone is able to determine your location. 

The short answer:
GPS will never be used during a sync of your tracker, even with GPS enabled, this kind of accuracy is not needed**

The long answer:
Gps is used by apps like Google maps and other GPS tracking apps as when using mobile run..
Location services doesn't need or look at GPS if it can connect to a cell tower or see known WiFi hot spots..
Fitbit won't sync unless connected to a cell tower or wifi, therefore the phone will not need to look at Gps.

The explanation:
Location services does not need GPS most of the time. 
Location services first uses cellular network and known WiFi hotspots to determine about where the phone is located.
Now if neither is availible then the location service will use gps.. In this case the app still will never use gps during a sync**. Why? Before checking if location services are on, it first checks to see if it can connect to Fitbit.com. If it can not connect then the sync fails, and location is never requested.

To change the level of accuracy with location services
Swipe down on the status bar, hold finger on the location serviced. the settings will open. Now set the services to the level that you want. Put it on power saving and gps will never be used.. Of course your map software might complain.

So why the change with Marshmellow?
Android has changed it so that if an app wants the individual identity of a connected Bluetooth device the operating system needs to know the location of the phone.

**I add this because their are 3 settings in location - High Accuracy - power saving - Gps only.
High accuracy uses cell towers and WiFi hotspots then God rarely if any uses gps
Power Saving uses cell towers and WiFi only
Gps only - ignores cell towers and WiFi hotspots gps is turned on frequently by the operating system.

[AngelaMa]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community @Lynnz! @Rich_Laue thanks for your amazing cooperation, it's great to have you here! 🙂 @shipo thanks for stoping by! @Lynnz you can find more information about syncing with Android 6.0 Marshmellow on this thread. 

Happy stepping! 🙂