Don't understand the range needed to receive notifications

[Isabel1976]

So have the charge 5. Was told to get any kind of notifications your phone has to be within 20 ft or something of the charge. But then some people say they have their phone 100 ft away and can get notifications that it has something to do with the built-in gps? Can you turn off the GPS or something so you can get notifications further away from your phone? And if you're on Wi-Fi like if your phone's on Wi-Fi does that make a difference at your phone doesn't need to be as close to the watch. Very confusing I thought only a cellular watch would allow your phone to be very far away from you.

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

@Isabel1976  The Charge 5 Features and Specs has 30 ft for the syncing range.  This is strictly between the Charge 5 and your phone, using Bluetooth.  It has nothing to do with GPS and nothing to do with cellular data vs wi-fi.  The actual distance can vary, depending on circumstances.  It might be longer for many people, but Fitbit had to state a distance for user reference.  This distance also needs clear line of sight.  Walls and furniture can block the signal.

[RiekoC]

Hi @Isabel1976 

As @LZeeW mentioned, connection between the Charge 5 & your phone/tablet is all dependent on Bluetooth connection which is listed in the specs as a range of about 30 feet.

I know that I don't get notifications on my Charge 5 when I'm in our master bedroom and my phone is in the living room. I think the distance between the devices is a little over 30 feet, plus there are walls which also impact Bluetooth connection. I also know it's not dependent on WiFi connection as we have a very strong WiFi network throughout our home. 

However, you are correct that a cellular watch would allow you to be far away from your phone. Those types of devices would connect directly to your cellular network separately from your phone and is the reason why you would need to pay for a separate line for the watch.