No way to turn off bluetooth

[Naigi]

Hi there, I noticed that the fitbit constantly emits a lot of RF radiation and there seems to be no way to turn off the bluetooth. This stops me from wearing it most of the time, or from reccomending it to other people to use. Is there a way to turn off the bluetooth when one doesn't need the device to synch that I might have missed? if not could this feature be easily implemented?

many thanks!

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

Hi @Naigi

It's not possible to turn off the bluetooth required for sync'ing..

Feel free to add your vote / comment to @pastorscory 's suggestion on the Feature Requests Subforum: Ability to Turn Tracker Blutooth On and Off

The more votes increases the chance of the feature becoming integrated by Fitbit.

[lablover55]

Just turn if off on your phone/computer.  It won't synch.

[Naigi]

That wouldn't solve the problem as the fitbit itself still emits the signal and radiation even when not syncing. The idea here is to be able to wear something that is not emitting unwanted and unnecessary radiation. Seems like other people are asking for the same thing so hopefully fitbit will add this feature in a future upgrade, at that point i can finally start using the unit and perhaps recommend it to others with a clear conscience!

[Dedi]

I agree, and I ask the same thing.

Improve the possibility to turn the BT off.

No unwanted and unnecessary radiation here!

[SunsetRunner]

I'm not that bothered. Because they use very low emission BT LE and the output is so low, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) doesn't require them to be tested for Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) – the measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to RF radiation. As a comparison, mobile phones and tablets have to pass very strict SAR tests before being released to the public.

[FRex]

Let's forget the safety of RF argument for a moment.  My workplace will not let me wear any device that is capable of transmitting anything, unless it can be switched off.  Therefore my FITBIT remains at home for most of the day--this doesn't do me much good.  So the question is yes or no, can the fitbit bt be turned off--the question is NOT why do you want to do that?

[kimbertrue]

I also want to use my headphones but the seem to be connected to Fitbit instead of my phone/Spotify. So I want to turn FB BT off!

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello everyone! Thanks for taking a break from stepping to come in here.

Like it was posted above, the best way to go about this would be to support the 'Ability to Turn Tracker Blutooth On and Off' suggestion in our Feature Suggestions board. You can vote or comment on it to show your support.

I think that being able to turn the Bluetooth off would also be a neat idea in order to help the trackers save some battery. 

I hope to see you all around! 

[Solarman56]

I just bought a Charge 2 yesterday. My wife is extremely RF sensitive. House is hardwired for internet. We can't even have cell phones on in our house without her getting sick. The idea that there is no way to turn off Bluetooth on the FitBit device is ridiculous! I'm just about ready to return the unit for a refund!!! FitBit, stop thinking you know best for everyone else and please get your brains to work on this now!!!!

[LanuzaFitbit]

Thanks for stepping into the Forums @Solarman56!

Thanks for sharing your feedback on the matter. Please do know that none of your comments are going unnoticed. I did find a suggestion to add the option to turn it off. perhaps you could show your support by voting and commenting on it.

I definitely understand that in cases like the one you mentioned, it can be a very sensitive situation. I'll be sure to mention it to our team.

Hope to see you around.

[mlbenavides]

I am forced to ditch Fitbit because of security issue at work related to bluetooth.

I will now be spending money for Garmin product. They have invested their "limited development dollars" in the option to turn off bluetooth. 

Turning Off Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Press the device key to view the menu.

Select > Bluetooth > Off to turn off Bluetooth wireless technology on your vívosmart® HR/HR‍+ device.
TIP: Refer to the owner's manual for your smartphone to turn off Bluetooth wireless technology.

[LanuzaFitbit]

Hello @mlbenavides,

Thank you for reaching out with your feedback. Be sure that no comment goes unnoticed. If you have the time, I do think that you should take a moment to show your support for this feature in the suggestion post I mentioned above.

If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.

[USAF-Larry]

@mlbenavides, in the secure area I worked in we were not allowed to have any devices that had Bluetooth capability, whether it was turned off or not.  So, all devices, including the cell phone, Fitbit, etc., went in a locker outside the secure area and were retrieved after work. So, it would not matter if Bluetooth could be turned off on the Fitbit or now.

[jyoz]

No point keep acknowledging our comments without doing any concrete action - the post you asked us to vote has been there almost 2 years, nothing happens.

i just got a fitbit recently, but the idea of having bluetooth on for 24 hours and having myself wearing it to sleep is really horrible. i won't want to expose myself to unnecessary radiation. Please do some concrete actions to address our concerns (not asking us to vote again pls) and most importantly the HEALTH of your customer! we're buying this product so that we can be more aware of our health status and hopefully adopt a healthy lifestyle. Not for the sake of exposing ourseleves to 24/7 radiation. Simply things like this, fitbit should get it right! Otherwise, customer like myself are more than happy to ditch my fitbit anytime. 

[janechaine]

I completely agree! I won't be wearing it through my pregnancy, as I am concerned about the constant radiation it emits. 

[FitEurope]

I have a charge 3, i was very happy with it.

I decided to buy a special edition white one for a Family member. After I bought it i stumbled upon a YouTube comment about this. Like other people have said I had to return it in order to maintain a clean conscience. 

I Hope this feature is implemented in the future, HowEver as of now I'm on my way to get a fitness band from some other company so that I can offer it as a Gift. 

Who Knows it might be better.