Fitbit WiFi / Internet requirements

[KlausLudwig]

Hi,

Do all FitBit devices need an internet/WiFi connection and if so when and for what? Is it just occasionally - to manually sync data between the phone app and the FitBit servers or is an internet /WiFi connection required for anything else?

Is the connection between the FitBit devices and the phone Bluetooth or WiFi?

Have not decided which device to go for yet and am new to FitBit.

Moderator Edit: format

[Odyssey13]

Hi @KlausLudwig  bluetooth is the bridge between our devices and the Fitbit servers, which requires the internet to upload the data. Internet via wifi or mobile data is still the internet. I've used both myself. You should sync daily, but you can go a few days, depending on the device you have. You can use the comparison feature at the Fitbit Store link (upper right of this page) to help you decide which Fitbit is best for you.

[Neal1]

Short version, Fitbit Bluetooth to phone.  Phone to internet or not, Fitbit will sync w/phone regardless.

[KlausLudwig]

Thanks

Would there be any major disadvantages for someone with no home WiFi?

Not sure how much if any mobile data they have. 

[Neal1]

I can’t see any negatives, your app is on the phone, your phone connects to the internet if you want to or need to look at the online dashboard.  The only downside would be updates may be faster over Wi-Fi, and bandwidth, but the updates aren’t huge.

[SilviaFitbit]

@Neal1 @Odyssey13 Thank you for your help on the thread. 

@KlausLudwig A warm welcome to the Fitbit Community. Thank you for getting in touch about this. 

It's great to hear that you're thinking of purchasing a Fitbit device. As mentioned by @Neal1 and @Odyssey13, there won't be major problems if you don't have a Wi-Fi connection. The internet connection is required because this will be used to sync your Fitbit and for download firmware updates. 

If you'd like to log something on your Fitbit app, a internet connection will be required as well. However, most Fitbit devices record detailed minute-by-minute data for 7 days. (Fitbit Alta records minute-by-minute data for five days). Fitbit devices can store daily totals for up to 30 days.

Learn more about it by checking this article: How do Fitbit devices sync their data? 

If there's a Fitbit device that calls your attention, feel free to post your question on the Community. 

Have a great weekend.