How does the watch work offline?

[MarcusPereira]

So I was thinking about buying the Fitbit Charge 2. I was just about to, until I read something about how it doesn't function the same way without internet. 

Am I able to track my heartrate offline on the watch? Steps? And does it store data so that I can sync it later?

[Julia_G]

@MarcusPereira, the Charge 2 works just fine off line, and will store detailed data (steps, HR, sleep etc) for up to 5 days and basic data (steps) for up to 30 days.

However, to get the most out of it, it should be synced regularly, when you do have internet -- ideally at least once a day.  (I usually sync mine twice a day, or more often if I am switching between Fitbits)

[Rich_Laue · Accepted solution]

Technically @MarcusPereira the watch never goes online, except to pass its data to the phone or computer during a sync, but then it's  the phone or computer forwarding the data to Fitbit. So it really is the phone or computer that goes online. 

For the connected GPS to work, with a map drawn, you will need to have your phone with you. This would be the only time you would need to carry the phone with you.

So as @Julia_G says, your tracker is able to record your movement by itself, in fact many don't even have a phone to take with them.

[JohnnyRow]

I would like to add one thing to above explanations: Though the watch does run without internet connection, it does update the time whenever it syncs. And the watch does commonly run slow or stop occasionally, so if you are away from your internet synching device for a long time, you cannot rely on the Fitbit time being accurate enough to rely on alarms for critical functions.

[Julia_G]

@JohnnyRow, you are correct; however, if you sync, as I suggested, once or twice a day, you will not have an issue with the time being wrong.

[VictoriaSorber]

Once I leave my house for a run I have no internet connection. So does the watch still calculate steps, heart rate, ect.? And once I have internet it sends the information to my phone? 

[Julia_G]

Hi, @VictoriaSorber , yes, your Fitbit collects all that information, and then when you “sync” your tracker via the app or computer, the information is all transferred to your account on the Fitbit servers.  The sync happens via Bluetooth connection with the app, and is uploaded to the Fitbit servers via the internet.

I hope this makes sense!

[VictoriaSorber]

It really did, thank you so much for all you help.