Charge 2 Syncing help

[Sammael]

Hi there, 

I just upgraded tho Charge 2 and I must say syncing is frustrating to say the least. Here are my issues:

I am on a Desktop that has no bluetooth  - with the Charge HR this was no issue due to the dongle. I assumed the Charge 2 cable took over the role of the dongle, but it doesn't, so no syncing with the pc is possible unless I buy an extra bluetooth dongle, not even when the watch is connected to the cable. Really?

If I upgrade I expect to _at least_ have the same stuff as before. Adding new features while backing up on others, especially when they are so basic, is just inexcusable imo.

I noticed that the desktop app syncs when the phone app is synced. So if I want to check my stats on the desktop, I must first turn on the phone app and sync it - yes, because even though it is set to "always connect", you still have to sync it manually. 

Oh and make sure you have internet, because without internet connection you can't sync either. So what is the bluetooth for anyway? In the helpsection (https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1866/?l=en_US&c=Topics%3ASyncing&p=charge_2&fs=S... -> android devices) it says absolutetely _nothing_ about needing an internet conntection to sync. Wouldn't you say that is basic necessary info when troubleshooting on why the app isn't syncing?

It is very frustrating to be trying to figure out how something so trivial works and finding little to no information. Please be clear on what the bluetooth does, why the internet connection is needed, and how come the cable is there solely to charge, not giving people without BT on their computer any other option than buying an extra device to be able to use it properly.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[LindsayS]

Hi Guys,

I have the same frustration.  I cannot get my Charge 2 to sync with my PC running Windows 10.

I need some step by step instructions, to make it work.

Please advise.

Lindsay

[guitardave25]

After emails and phone calls and trying all kinds of restets, Fitbit offered a new unit, which should get here within a few days.  We'll see if it works or not.

[Fishbulb25]

I have also got the problem of the Charge 2 not pairing at all with the laptop and have tried unpairing it from my phone and trying to set it up with the computer. The windows 10 pc can see that it exists on the bluetooth settings but just won't connect with it. I never had this problem with the HR. I mainly use the computer app so this would be useful to sort out...  

[Rich_Laue]

In the mean time @Fishbulb25 do you also sync through the phone? If so turn it's Bluetooth off before trying to sync through the computer. 

I was also going to ask you how did you set the Charge 2 up. 

[Fishbulb25]

---

@Rich_Laue wrote:

In the mean time @Fishbulb25 do you also sync through the phone? If so turn it's Bluetooth off before trying to sync through the computer. 

I was also going to ask you how did you set the Charge 2 up. 

---

Yeah I do, I've tried that before and it doesn't work. I initially tried setting it up to my computer with no luck, then I set it up through my phone. I then tried deleting it from my phone, and trying it using the dongle on the fitbit connect app on the computer and that doesn't work either. 

[Rich_Laue]

When you deleted it from the phone, did you remove it from the app or the phones Bluetooth

[Lindsay.S]

I have my fitbit Charge 2 working on my PC running Windows 10, but unfortuantely not with help from Fitbit.

I selected the "PC" device button (not the Windows 10 button) and loaded the application.   That was fine, but I could not proceed, although I eventually did get a message  to indicate the at my doogle was missing.  

I did not get a doogle with my Charge 2, so I plugged in my wife's dongle from her Charge HR.  

All then worked fine.  I am very disappointed that I had to use a dongle that was not supplied with the Charge 2 package.    So I am unable to recommend this device for purchase as it does not appear to work on a stand alone PC, unless I purchase a dongle.   If needed, it should be included in the package,

If there is something that I have missed, I can only blame very poor and limited installation instructions for use on a PC running Windows 10.   So again I am unable to recommend this device for purchase on a stand alone PC.

Sorry Fitbit.  Your Charge HR was an easy installation.    Charge 2 is not .  Hence there is a strong recommendation NOT to purchase this device..   

[guitardave25]

I, too, was told to try the dongle from my Charge HR. Why aren't all the
parts included with the Charge 2?

[Rich_Laue]

All the PC version Fitbit's software now works with the generic BT that might be found in the computer or laptop.

Now if you did not have a Dongle from another tracker, then it is possible to go to your local Best Buy or computer store and buy a BY 4.0 dongle. 

If this is not possible Fitbit most likely would drop one in the mail for you. 

[LindsayS]

Hi Guys,



Many thanks for the helpful advice.



I still stand by my recommendation NOT to buy a Charge 2. Technically the
product appears excellent, but the marketing is terrible.



One expects that all the items for the product to work will be included in
the package when purchased.

There is no obvious information to state: That a dongle may be needed to
make the Charge 2 work and that we are too short-sighted to include one in
the pack.

Nor is there any information as to where to purchase the dongle from or what
type of dongle is required.



I wasted many hours trying to make the Charge 2 work. Better information
and a complete Charge 2 pack, would have resulted in a satisfied customer
and a recommendation for the product.



Enjoy your day



LindsayS

[Fishbulb25]

---

@Rich_Laue wrote:

When you deleted it from the phone, did you remove it from the app or the phones Bluetooth

---

I removed it from the bluetooth, should I from the app? 

[Lindsay.S]

Hi Rich

Somebody has made the assumption that I have a generic BT on my computer.   How would I find out if it is there?.  To the best of my knowledge, I don't have it.

Maybe you could arrange for Fitbit to send me a dongle, so that when my wife wants me to return her dongle,we don't have an issue.

Your assistance will be appreciated.

Lindsay S

[AddyRazz]

You can buy a dongle for about 25p! Most devices have BT built in anyway, can you not connect it to your phone, ipad, android pad? You cannot really blame Fitbit for you not knowing if you have BT or not, surely?

All in all I have just purchased the Charge 2 and I am loving it, it took me 20 minutes to connect to my phone, desktop at home, laptop in the office and my android pad, they all sync perfectly.

To be honest the device is really easy to setup and works perfectly, I am quite fussy about items syncing as I am a big supprter of cloud structure. Fitbit works perfectly and I am lovint it.

[LindsayS]

Hi Andy Razz,



What you say is quite correct, if you have a dongle or Bluetooth.



I was not aware of the need to purchase, obtain or otherwise get a dongle or
to have BT fitted to my PC.



Ignorance of customer needs is very poor form of marketing. It would have
been a much better strategy for Fitbit to have included a 25p dongle, in
their pack, rather than create unnecessary customer dissatisfaction.



LindsayS

[teenapete]

I also am unable to sync my Charge 2 to my windows 10 computer.  I have to go through my phone.  What a joke!!  Have used Fitbit for years and have always been happy until now.  Wish I had never purchased the Charge 2.

So how is it that people are getting replacements?  and are they working correctly? 

[Lindsay.S]

Derrrick,

I find your response most disappointing.   You should discuss with Fitbit the need to make the getting and setting up a Fitbit Charge 2 an enjoyable experience, and stop making excuses for Fitbit's shortcomings.

If it was the intent of Fitbit to restrict the manner in which a Charge 2 is used, then this should be clearly spelt out in their marketing material.

For example.  Fitbit Charge 2 is not designed for use on computers or other devices than do not have abuilt in Bluetooth capability.    A dongle is required.   A dongle can be sent to you free of charge, if reuqested.  Please contact ........ 

So please take a constructive approach and not tick the issue as "solved".

Enjoy your day

LindsayS

[Lindsay.S]

Sammael,

I agree entirely with you.    Providing a "work around" solution, bur not excuse the short comings in the products promotion

LindsayS

[Kmransom123]

The information is actually provided on Fitbit's website for the product.  Under Specs they list this information .

[guitardave25]

I got a replacement, and, no, it doesn't work any better.

[AddyRazz]

Really setting up these devices are among the easiest in the world!

lol are some of you for real!!!