Fitbit app causing GPS to be in use constantly

[sashaknits]

Since yesterday or so, I have a notification that Google Play Services is using the GPS on my phone constantly. I've managed to track down that Fitbit is causing it. If I revoke the Location permission for Fitbit then the notification goes away. Same if I force stop the app, although it them starts back up again automatically within a few seconds 

I deleted the cache and data for the Fitbit app which hasn't stopped it from happening. I also removed and re-added my Inspire HR device to no effect. 

As far as I know nothing has changed this week - no Fitbit app update or system updates on my phone so I've no idea what's causing this. It's absolutely killing my battery life. I have have to charge multiple times a day when my battery usually lasts more than a day. 

Any ideas what this is or how to stop it? 

OnePlus 5

Android 9

Fitbit 2.95

Inspire HR Firmware 34.20001. 60.39

Even when idle, screen locked and off, my battery is plummeting

[AlvaroFitbit]

@sashaknits Welcome! Thanks for being part of our Community! 

Let me help you with your Fitbit app. This is odd. Also thank you for the screenshot (missed it the first time). You could try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Also force close it so it isn't running in the back ground. Additionally check your battery saver settings if you have any on your phone.

Let me know how it goes.

[MikeyCam]

I'm having the same issue. Started about a week or so ago. If I want it to sync to the app, it has to have both bluetooth and location on. I have a newer phone and it's draining battery like crazy. 

[Rich_Laue]

@MikeyCam I'm assuming that you have an Android phone. 

Do to changes in Bluetooth security with Android 6 (Nuget) Android requires Fitbit to have location services permission during a sync of the tracker. This is not suppose to turn on GPS or even ask for the phones location. 

My first thought would be to follow @AlvaroFitbit'a suggestion above. 

Yes the phones Bluetooth needs to be on since the Fitbit tracker dies all of its communication through Bluetooth. 

[sashaknits]

Thanks for the suggestions. Reinstalling hasn't helped. If I force close the app, the GPS comes back on within a few seconds. I've set Android to optimise battery usage for the app, but the option to restrict background usage is disabled. 

[Rich_Laue]

What app is using GPS? How do you know GPS has been turned on? 

What does you location request history show? 

I have synced a few times today.

[sashaknits]

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@MikeyCam wrote:

I'm having the same issue. Started about a week or so ago. If I want it to sync to the app, it has to have both bluetooth and location on. I have a newer phone and it's draining battery like crazy. 

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Sorry to hear you've got the same problem. I also contacted Fitbit via Twitter direct message to try to get some help. They claim to have had no other reports of this yet and are trying to fob me off to my phone manufacturer. Could you possibly report via the same route? It might help us both get some traction on the issue.

@FitbitSupport)

https://twitter.com/FitbitSupport?s=09

Thanks! 

[sashaknits]

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@Rich_Laue wrote:

What app is using GPS? How do you know GPS has been turned on? 

What does you location request history show? 

I have synced a few times today.

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 Your first two questions are already answered in my original post. Location history shows Google Play Services, as per the GPS notification screenshot. 

[sashaknits]

Apparently they haven't tested the OnePlus 5 so it's not listed as compatible and I should get a compatible phone 🤷🏻‍:female_sign:🤷🏻‍:female_sign:🤷🏻‍:female_sign: Because that's definitely an acceptable solution to a problem with their software which has worked fine for the last 3 months with my Inspire HR and worked fine with my Flex 2 for the 18 months before that! 😡

[Rich_Laue]

Yes @sashaknits you did answer but Google play services is not Fitbit. I notice that my Google Play service request location a lot more then Fitbit. 

However requesting location does not mean that the GPS is turned on. 

It might simply check phone towers to Dr what country your phone can also get a fairly good location by the local WiFi hotspots.