Unable to setup Inspire HR with computer

[grandmabeth]

I had a FitBit that completely broke over a year ago.  It had a little USB thing that had to be in the laptop to sync the fitbit to a place I did calories.  Today I got an InspireHR; it did not come with the little USB thing.  I charged the FitBit and put it on, but when I turn it on it tells me to go to /setup.  This is a new laptop as well, so I did the download and install the set up page told me to.  What now?  I did login using my old info, but that page seems to be linked to the old FitBit.  I can't find a page that tells me what I need to do to have the laptop talk to the FitBit, or to at least have the FitBit itself tell me things.  I would like to link it to myfitness.com, but maybe this Inspire won't do that?

I will say I am an older person with early signs of dementia, so sometimes things are right there but I don't process them.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Odyssey13]

Hi @grandmabeth  the history remains on your account, even when you haven't used a Fitbit in a while. The information on set up and linking the account is here - click to go there. The Inspire HR user manual and related help articles can be found here - click. The little usb thing was a dongle - which acted as the bridge from your Fitbit to the Fitbit servers via the computer. Here is the information on the operating systems which work with Fitbit - click to view. See if any of this helps. If you need to talk with someone, there is a phone number to call.

[Odyssey13]

Reach out to customer support. Their phone number is (877)623-4997 between the hours of 4am-8pm PST Mon-Fri, and 6am-5pm PST on weekends, if you're in the USA. The phone number to call from the UK is: 0800 069 8505. Operation hours: 9:00am - 6:00pm. If you're not in the USA or if you prefer an online chat or email, then click for contact options

[grandmabeth]

I did go to my account and tried to enter a new fitbit, but it told me a bunch of things about being connected with a Bluetooth.  I have never had a Bluetooth, if that is an earphone kinda thing.  I don't have a cellphone, and my previous FitBit was only ever connected to a laptop.

[Odyssey13]

What computer do you have - iOS or Windows and which version. That will tell you if you're able to get connected. You can also call the phone number I posted above so you can work with customer support directly.

[grandmabeth]

If I hold down the little button, shouldn't the FitBit turn on even if it isn't connecting with the laptop?  All I get is the website link.  Sigh.

[Odyssey13]

It's asking you to set it up, via computer or smartphone.

[RicardoFitbit]

Hello @grandmabeth, welcome to the Community Forums!

I appreciate all the information that was shared in your posts, I understand how frustrating the setup process can be for you. In the past, Fitbit devices included a wireless Dongle, which was a little USB port that enabled connectivity between your Fitbit and your computer. In simple words, the wireless Dongle was like a bridge (just as @Odyssey13 mentioned) to connect with Bluetooth technology your Fitbit device and computer. Nowadays, Fitbit devices don't come with a Dongle anymore.

Your Inspire HR is not linked with your account yet, this is the reason why it's displaying fitbit.com/setup. That being said, to link your Inspire HR with your account, you'll need a computer that has Bluetooth technology enabled or a mobile device. For more information about how the setup process works, I recommend you to check: How do I set up my Fitbit device? and let me know if further assistance is needed. Such help article will explain you step-by-step how to setup your device using a computer if you don't have a phone. 

@Odyssey13 your assistance is always appreciated, thanks for all the information that was shared on this thread.

I'll be around, let me know if you have any additional questions.

[grandmabeth]

Hello, everyone!  Thanks for all your help- My Inspire HR is now listed in my profile, it looks like it is 'set up', but the actual wrist devise just has a straight line, and has for 20 minutes.  It is charged.  I tapped it and scrolled it and held the button down, but no screen info comes up.  Just a flat line, like no cardiac rhythm, lol.  What should I try next to get it to function on my wrist?

[grandmabeth]

Never mind.  This is too frustrating.

[Odyssey13]

@grandmabeth  could be your Inspire HR is just updating.

[RicardoFitbit]

Thanks for your update @grandmabeth.

I appreciate the details that were shared in your post, it's nice to know that you were able to setup your Inspire HR. @Odyssey13 is right, your Inspire HR is showing a straight line that's growing because the firmware version it's getting updated. Because your device wasn't paired with your account, at the moment it was successfully setup, the app recognized that the firmware version was outdated and this is the reason why an automatic update is getting installed. Once this process is completed, you'll be able to use your device with no problem at all.

I'll be here if further assistance is needed, your patience is appreciated.