Bluetooth issue with app(all Fitbit devices)

[OllyBadger]

There appears to be a major issue with bluetooth reconnecting after going out of range. I have confirmed this on 3 different devices(versa 3, charge 5, and charge 3) and with 4 different phones.

Basically, when you go out of range, and the device disconnects, it does not automatically reconnect when coming back in range until you either open the Fitbit app, or restart bluetooth on your phone, making smart functions such as getting messages utterly useless if you have to manually reconnect every time you go to the bathroom. Every other bluetooth device i own and have ever owned, will automatically reconnect when back in range.

So...does anybody have a Fitbit that DOES reconnect immediately when coming back in range? This surely can't be by design so if anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.

And yes, I've tried everything under the sun. Restarting , battery saver modes for the app and bluetooth, resetting bluetooth, re-pairing, blah blah blah. Nobdoy at fitbit support seems to want to acknowledge there is an issue with the app behaviour.

[Guy_]

Hi @OllyBadger  - it works fine for me on a Samsung S9+,  app runs in background.

It may be a phone issue or one of the options in this no internet connection article, as Fitbit App also needs a good connection.

Have you also tried with WiFi turned off so the phone uses a good mobile data connection ?

[OllyBadger]

It's definitely not a WiFi issue, and the app is running fine in the background. I tested the issue at someone else's house on their Samsung galaxy phone, on their WiFi network. Bluetooth should also not require a WiFi connection, or it would be useless as a smart device when not at home. And have tried your suggestion. Same issue. I have a galaxy active and Huawei watch fit that work fine when coming back in range. And I have tried removing all other Bluetooth devices too in case there is a conflict.

[Guy_]

@OllyBadger- How do you know it's a Bluetooth issue, and that it disconnects and doesn't reconnect?

For the sync to work the Fitbit App requires an Internet connection, either wifi or mobile data. In order to ensure the automatic switch over between them is working try disabling one or the other.

All sorts of things may give the symptoms of Bluetooth not working, also depending on the model of phone you are using, and it's and the watch settings.

A good way to check up on what the watch is actually doing is to use the SimpleCheckUp app, which will tell you when the watch last synced and if it can connect to the phone at any time. It should help you find where to look for resolving the issue.

If you are experiencing syncing problems check Why won't my Fitbit device sync? 

[OllyBadger]

Thanks for your suggestions Guy but as I said I've tried everything, with 3 devices and 4 different phones.

There is no issue with syncing. It's an issue with the Bluetooth connection not automatically reconnecting when back in range. You can see this by the "out of range" symbol on the versa 3, or by simply checking what devices are connected under phone Bluetooth settings. 

And as mentioned, every other SmartWatch I've had , or have, has no issue with this. It's a fitbit app issue

[Guy_]

@OllyBadger  - thanks, it is a strange behaviour.

Have you tried chatting with support via the App, click profile photo, Help & support, Contact Customer support. It could be a specific watch issue that may need a factory reset, but be warned there is a risk that the reset renders the watch useless, and that it will require a complete setup again after.

If you want to take the risk there is an option in the watch Settings, About Versa 3 menu at the bottom. Be sure to wait at least  several minutes for it to complete though.

[OllyBadger]

I have contacted support - my issue was "escalated" a week ago and I've heard nothing. Getting pretty tired of fitbit on the whole to be honest.

It's not a specific watch issue, as I said it occurs on versa 3, charge 5 and charge 3. And I've tried factory resetting all of them, and my phone.

[AlbieBob]

Hi,

I have the same issue with my Versa 3 and iPhone 13. The Bluetooth connection was working perfectly until I charged my Versa 3 last week and now, every time the iPhone is out of range, it loses connection. Also, since the Versa is constantly trying to find a Bluetooth connection the battery is draining very quickly - it went from full charge to 5% in 24hrs. Not great. Next step is contacting Fitbit support but, given your experience, I'm not holding out much hope. 

Take care

AlbieBob