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

[guitardave25]

With this new model, this has been a continuing problem. Customer service
is spotty. I've had good luck, but others haven't. Be sure to monitor
your tray at the bottom of the computer screen for the fitbit logo. That
shows that the program is working correctly and will sync with the dongle.
I'm continually looking for alternatives to Fitbit. It is impossible to
get an accurate step count for a fast walk with the Charge HR or the Charge
2 on the wrist. I must be in your pocket, which negates the heart rate
function. Running or intervals of running and walking are no problem.

[synergy1234]

I use the BT guard vpn.  I am connected to the internet.  Using the app provided from the Microsoft store your app will not show that I am connected.  How can I force it to see it?

[Rich_Laue]

I did a search of BT gaurd. Since it is a VPN it most likely is because they block the port, think doorway, that the Fitbit app uses. The best way to confirm would be to disable the VPN.and try to sync.

If it syncs then we can assume the Vapan has blocked it. You will then have to configure tha vpn to route the needed port through the normal path.

[CWms]

I had a similar problem when I first opened my Charge 2. I discovered that I had to both align the side with the gap on the Charge 2 and point it's face where I could read it while charging. Once I did both of these I found it vibrated and charged properly. Hope this helps.

[drez]

I don't understand why my dashboard will tell me how long it's been since the last time I synced but doesn't have a simple "click here" to sync.

I am not an athlete or a techy. My child bought me the Charge 2 hoping it will encourage me to become more active and hopefully take some weight off. Like many other writers, I am super frustrated with the sync process from my laptop. Currently my wrist says it March 12th 1:05 pm. It's actually March 15th 6:31 pm and I can't figure out how to sync it even after I've read the instructions. Now I'm on this forum where I see many of your clients are having my same frustration. 

Please have your tech people install a link to simplify this process. 

[guitardave25]

My second Charge 2 worked well for a while, but now I have to turn off the
bluetooth on my computer, sync the Charge 2 to my phone, then turn off the
phone's bluetooth, turn on the computer's bluetooth and hope the Charge 2
syncs with the computer. Every day! I'm going to have to start searching
for a better product from a different company. Anyone have any ideas?

[DerrickS]

@guitardave25 Do you have your Charge 2 Bluetooth bonded to a mobile device? If so, the Bluetooth bond may be preventing you from syncing with a second mobile device or computer. If this is the case, I'd recommend the tips mentioned here.

@drez There actually is a "Sync Now" button in the App!

If you hit the "Account" button in the App > click the tile for the tracker that you want to force sync > scroll down and tap the "Sync Now" button.

Hope this helps!

[Rich_Laue]

@guitardave25what you are describing is a limitation of the Bluetooth protocol, since the Fitbit uses Bluetooth it needs to adhere to what Bluetooth dictates. 

The way Fitbit works is that any sync will take the trackers data and send it to the Fitbit server. Then the app or website looks at the server to display the data. The sync can happen through the phone, the computer now has access and will display the last sync as the time the phone synced. 

What I'm saying is that a sync through the phone will allow the computer to see the updated data, and the computer does not need to sync it again. 

Thus will just shorten the time between chargings

[guitardave25]

None of the replies explains why the Charge 2 synced perfectly for 2 months and now doesn't.

[Brin1956]

This is not helpful as it was one of the first things I did.  It synced for only a few days with the computer then quit.  This watch is a hunk of junk and I'm so pissed at myself that I bought it.  Friend asked me to a challenge the other day.  No syncing and not counting steps right make it impossible to have a challenge with this watch.

[Cathy1969]

I'm not a fan of the Fitbit Charge 2.  I've had nothing but troubles with it syncing with my computer.  Fitbit sent me a new one when I kept having troubles and this one was working perfectly.  I haven't had any problems syncing until yesterday.  I tried resetting my Fitbit and that didn't have any effect.  It won't sync at all now.

[guitardave25]

I have followed everything that Fitbit has suggested. They have replaced
the Charge 2 once. The new one worked perfectly for 2 months, now I hve
the same old problems. All the comments and acvice about Bluetooth
technology does not explain why I did not have to take any steps to turn
this bluetooth off and on and that bluetooth off and on at first and now I
do - after 2 months of perfect syncing. I'm going to have to lood to
another company. Too bad, because this tracker was exactly what I
wanted... when it worked.

[teenapete]

That is the only advise you have for all the comments about not syncing?  I feel for the people that bought it to actually use if to help them get more fit.  Fortunately I'm not one of them.  But I DEFINITELY would NOT recommend a Charge 2 to anyone, and I will probably never purchase another Fitbit.  Very unhappy with mine.

[Longdistance23]

Hi when I try to sync my Charge 2, my computer tells me to plug in the dongle (I got with my Charge HR) But then it tells me to keep the watch near my computer (which, duh, I do). And then it says make sure you move all other mobile devices away -- so I move my iphone to the other side of the room, and it still,, 90% of the time, doesn't sync. I've checked my internet, -- it's up and running. What do I do, it's frustrating, and I spend so much time trying to get it to sync. I've even tried connecting the Charge 2 to power it up on the computer, and that doesn't help. What is the secret??

thanks

[LindsayS]

Hi Guys,



I empathise with your frustrations. I finally got one Fitbit working
well, sync'ed with my PC. I did not want it sync'ed to my Android phone.
It is a great aid to getting fit particularly useful for monitoring heart
rate.

.

It appears that FitBit are have developed a product primarily for use on
Bluetooth and I-phones. They do not appear to be aware that there are
now much better products around which do not present such frustrations.
Perhaps they are and simply do not wish to advertise nor market the
shortcomings of their product.



There are some Fitbit fans, who have "technical " solutions. Their form
of "helpful" support does acknowledge the shortcomings of the product they
are trying to protect and promote.



Keep talking to others



Lindsay S



.

[NevNev]

I did that several times, still not working

[NevNev]

I just got my charger 2, it is not syncing to my Note 5, everything else is synced fine, my car, tv, printer......keeps saying Bluetooth is not finding it. 

I also have it charging to a wall outlet, but nothing is appearing on the screen.

i removed to rearrange in case i put it wrong...... i see green lights on the back but nothing on the screen.

Im about to return it help!

[Rich_Laue]

Sorry @Lindsay's I'm not able to relate with your frustrations, in the last I can't say how long,  I think my first problem was not being able to exit the Fitbit Flight game on the Charge 2. This required me to restart the tracker for the first time in  the 8 months I've had the tracker. 

[FulanodeTau]

I am also fustraded since my Charge 2 updated. It does not update while using VPN which is required for safety. My Charge 2 has been very helpful to maintain my health. As an IT retiree I am not very tolerant of software that is not debugged before offering for regular use. You have no right to insist than I not use VBN to use your hardware/software after the original sale.

[wjbill]

really frustrated with charge 2 and the flipping lack of syncing. I am finally ready to walk away from fitbit altogether