Inspire 3 Lost device

[spok00]

I seem to have misplaced my Fitbit. I had it on this morning as I went to the gym and I can still see my steps from heading home. My phone still says it's synced to the Fitbit, but I've downloaded Bluetooth Finder for Android but it's not showing up in my apartment.

Any tips for helping me find it???

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MaCrisGBFitbit]

Hello @spok00! It’s nice to see you around! 

I'm sorry to hear that you can't find your Inspire 3.  Thank you for sharing the steps followed. 

If your Inspire 3 continues syncing with the app, it means it's nearby. It could be under a bed or sofa, for example, in the laundry basket, or inside a pocket. So, I suggest that while it's still syncing, you keep searching for it, as it can only sync when it's close. 

[Gr4ndp4]

Hi,  @spok00, you might like to consider this detailed advice from Gemini on the range of Bluetooth signals. Do I assume correctly that you have manually synced your Fitbit app by sliding your finger down the "Today" screen & releasing it? If it is syncing, you will notice a gradual decline in the battery reserve. Depending on the apartment features, you may be able to reduce your search area by considering the signal shadows you detect when syncing in different parts of your home.

Good Luck

Cheers

The typical Bluetooth range between a phone and a smartwatch is around 10 meters (33 feet) in an indoor environment, though the signal can be interrupted by various features in an apartment building. 

Typical Bluetooth Range

The actual range depends on the Bluetooth version and the power class of the devices. 

• Most consumer electronics (phones, smartwatches, headphones) use Bluetooth Class 2, which has a standard theoretical range of about 10 meters (33 feet).
• In an open area or corridor without significant obstacles, the range may extend up to 20 meters (about 66 feet).
• With newer standards like Bluetooth 5.0 and later, the theoretical maximum range in open space is significantly higher (up to 240 meters or 800 feet), but the practical indoor range is still often limited to around 40 meters (130 feet) due to power limitations and environmental factors.
• The connection range is limited to that of the least powerful device. 

Apartment Building Features That Interrupt Bluetooth

Physical obstacles and electromagnetic interference (EMI) can significantly reduce the Bluetooth range and signal quality. 

• Building Materials: Dense materials absorb or reflect radio waves.
• Metal (refrigerators, metal studs in walls, steel trusses, metal-backed mirrors, foil-backed plasterboard) is the most disruptive material.
• Concrete and brick walls, especially reinforced concrete, block signals effectively due to their density and metal fixtures within them.
• Water (large aquariums, water heaters, even the human body) absorbs radio waves.
• Thick wood can cause some signal loss, but less than concrete or metal.
• Electronic Interference: Since Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the same as many other devices, interference can occur.
• Wi-Fi routers and neighboring networks, especially if they are on overlapping channels.
• Microwave ovens use the same frequency and can cause significant interference when in use.
• Other Bluetooth devices (headsets, keyboards, speakers) in close proximity can crowd the frequency band.
• Other electronics such as baby monitors, cordless phones, and certain older TVs can also be sources of EMI. 

The Fitbit Inspire 3 uses Bluetooth Class 2, operating with a maximum power of less than 4 dBm and providing an effective range of up to 30 feet (10 meters). It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for syncing and connectivity. 

Bluetooth classes are defined by their power output and corresponding operating range: 

• Class 1: 100 mW (20 dBm) maximum power; range up to 100 meters (330 feet).
• Class 2: 2.5 mW (4 dBm) maximum power; range up to 10 meters (33 feet).
• Class 3: 1 mW (0 dBm) maximum power; range up to 1 meter (3 feet). 

The Fitbit Inspire 3 falls into Class 2, which is standard for most personal electronic devices like fitness trackers that only need to maintain a connection to a nearby smartphone or tablet.