USB Dongle

[edheim]

I have a fitbit usb dongle on a Windows 10 PC. The dongle was supplied with my charge 2. I've just updated to a charge 5 and find the fitbit app on my PC tells me it can't find the tracker.

Is this an app issue or dongle issue?

I know that I can sync on my phone but just find the PC convenient at times. Thanks.

[Wibby]

Hello @edheim 

I used to have a dongle with my old Fitbit One but have found I haven't needed one with the Charge 5.  You can sync through the Dashboard on your computer.  Here's a link with information on the different ways (including with the dongle).

Syncing 

I hope that helps.

[edheim]

Hi Wibby. Thank you for your response.

Not clear on how the charge 5 syncs without a bluetooth interface on the PC i.e. the dongle is the only bluetooth device I have on my PC. In any case, the sync icon in the fitbit app told me it can't find a tracker and "Fitbit Connect Classic Mode" didn't work either. 

[Wibby]

I’m sorry it didn’t work for you @edheim.

After I saw your answer I tried and realized I can’t actually sync on my computer after all.  I rarely use the Dashboard on there as I find the phone App much more convenient so hadn’t noticed until now.

 I’m sorry I couldn’t help you.

[edheim]

Thanks Wibby. I very much appreciate that you took the time to try to help.

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

@edheim   This question has come up before.  A moderator answered, writing that the newer Fitbits aren’t compatible with the dongle.  The Charge 5 is designed to sync with a compatible smartphone or tablet.  It is a quirk that a Fitbit can sync with a PC that has built in Bluetooth and is not by design.

There are several features that are only available on the mobile app.  They include the Sleep Score, Health Metrics, and Daily Readiness Score (Premium).  If you are in the US, Fitbit is rolling out the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications and this is also only on the mobile app.

[edheim]

@LZeeW Thank you for this information. I'm guessing that it is a software issue with the windows 10 app rather than a dongle hardware issue. Due to poor eye sight, I prefer to use my PC rather than my smartphone for many applications but guessing that fitbit are focused only on the mobile app. I'm located in Australia.