Charge 4 not working with computer

[ChuckK161]

Googled for answers and came up empty.  I do not have a smart phone and received a Charge 4 as a gift.  My computer has the Fitbit App, bluetooth is on, and it worked with my older fitbit (which died).  Do I have to give the gift back?

Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity. 

[Odyssey13 · Accepted solution]

Hi @ChuckK161  any chance you can set up with a friend's phone?

"REQUIREMENTS

• To set up Fitbit Aria Air, Fitbit Charge 4, Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Versa 2, or Fitbit Versa 3, you must use a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Android phone. You can’t set up these devices on a Windows 10 device."

click to see the article 

[ChuckK161]

Thanks Odyssey.  I could, I suppose.  The account that I might use already has a fitbit attached ... would have to disable that ... enable mine .... get things set up ... disable mine ... enable hers ... and hope that it still works after the stupidity of having to do all of that.

Why fitbit chooses to ignore its customer base is baffling.

If one must own a smart phone to operate a fitbit, why would ANYONE choose fitbit?  Wouldn't I be much smarter to buy an Apple phone and an Apple smart watch to do the same at less overall cost and hassle?

Me thinks that fitbit is a scam.

[Odyssey13]

@ChuckK161  as time goes on, fewer people seem to use desktop computers. Most of my young nieces and nephews only use their smartphones for everything. To share a smartphone would only mean your friend would log out of their account. You can share the phone, but each would have their own Fitbit account and stats.

[AndreaFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @ChuckK161 and thank you for the heads up @Odyssey13. I'm sorry to hear that you're not able to use your Charge 4.

I know how frustrating this could be and appreciate your feedback. Currently, there's needed to use a Smart Phone in order to set up last Fitbit models. In your case, the Charge 4. Some users have been able to sync their Charge 4 with a computer. 

You can try what @Odyssey13 suggested with your friend's Smart phone. 

Have a nice day. 

[ChuckK161]

Thank you for the reply.  I think that what Odysey states is correct.  I believe that users may be able to use a computer once initially setup using a smart phone, but I have found other posts stating that this limits the toys that you can play with on the fitbit.  Hopefully she can return this and I will just have to trust my legs. lungs and brain for how far and how fast and such. If there were a way to simply use a computer, fitbit would likely make those instructions available to preclude the loss of sales and fans.

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us and for your comment @ChuckK161. 

We don't want to create frustration in our customers. We are always looking to improve and appreciate all your feedback.

Have a nice day.