Versa 3 won't stay connected to my phone's Bluetooth

[LindaKop]

Attention Google Fitbit software bug fixers:

My Garmin has ZERO problems getting  & keeping a Bluetooth connection (Bluetooth Vers 4 & 5, Android Vers 8 & 10)

You need to fix the problem Versa has with Bluetooth & the quirky "Versa Controls.".  The problem is not with the varying phones, it is the software & it needs to be fixed PRONTO. Frustrating.Thank you, UX

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Rich_Laue]

Fitbit is not designed to keep a full time Bluetooth connection @LindaKop. The tracker is a trusted device and should connect when needed. 

May I ask what specifically is no working correctly? 

I'm not sure what Versa Control problem your asking about, mine has worked flawlessly. However it takes a couple of rings before they connect. 

[LindaKop]

If not full-time, a part-time connection would be welcome 🙄  I lose Bluetooth connection to my phone at least once a day (zero loss with my Garmin & other devices) & have to setup it up as a "new device" each time.  Restarting, etc., etc. does NOT work.  The Versa 3 Controls are the same, sometimes they're connected more often they are not. 

I do not appear to be the only person suffering this problem/glitch.

[Rich_Laue]

I'm not sure what is meant by, "lose Bluetooth connection". 

The tracker connects, does its communication, and disconnects. 

What I'm asking is what doesn't work? 

Is it a sync failure? 

A failure of the phone to send notifications? 

Does the weather fail to load? 

Etc? 

[LindaKop]

Lose Bluetooth = no connection (between phone & device) = no syncing = no weather = no anything until they reconnect upon reinstalling the device (Versa 3).

[Rich_Laue]

When the Fitbit app is opened. The app will check for a connection and if needed will request permission to connect. 

The Fitbit app, not the user, manages the Bluetooth connection. 

The user can not install the device to the phone, but adds the device to their Fitbit account, once the tracker has been added to their Fitbit account, the Fitbit app will then request permission to connect the tracker to the phone. 

Most sync problems are not because of a lost Bluetooth connection. The tracker doesn't even need to show up on the phones Bluetooth screen to sync. You could install the Fitbit app on another phone, log into your account, and the tracker will sync. 

Sync tips

Notification tips. 

[LindaKop]

You seen well intentioned and I appreciate your input; however, I've owned a few of these devices & haven't ever had this problem & as previously mentioned, not the only person suffering this problem.  Hopefully the developers will fix this problem. Thanks.

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @LindaKop. Thanks for sharing the details about the issue with your Versa 3 and for trying to troubleshoot it before reaching out. 

May I know the model of your mobile phone? Please make sure it meets the requirements listed here.

Despite meeting the above requirements, the following devices often exhibit compatibility issues that cause our products and services to not operate properly:

• Huawei P8 Lite
• Huawei P9 Lite 
• Xiaomi Mi 6 
• Huawei P20 Lite 
• See these additional instructions for help resolving any issues using the Fitbit app on this device.

If your phone is not on the list above and meets the requirements to operate properly with the Fitbit app, please try the following:

1. Remove the Versa 3 from your phone's Bluetooth settings and in the Fitbit app.

2. Restart your Versa 3.

3. Turn off other Bluetooth connections when not in use.

4. Plug it into the charging cable and open the Fitbit app.

5. Set up your Versa 3.

As for the Versa 3 Controls, please note that they might be listed as “Not Connected” in the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone. When you receive a phone call, the controls automatically reconnect. This feature requires more frequent charging. For more information, see How do I take on-wrist phone calls with my Fitbit smartwatch? 

Hope that helps. 

[Bekka]

Tried multiple times. Failed multiple times.
I can't receive any calls on my fitbit, which is frustrating bc that was one of the main features I really needed from the watch.

I am using a Galaxy S10. I don't care wether or not the Versa Controls bluethooth connection disables and reconnects once its needed during calls - right now its not reconnecting. Its not even showing me a call notification.

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @Bekka, welcome on board. Thanks for following the troubleshooting steps I've provided here. I understand how you must be feeling. 

At this moment, I’ve reached the limits of what I can do for you here on the public community forums. The best way to get help for this problem is to chat with us online or give us a call. Click here to get connected.

We hope your issue is solved soon.

[LindaKop]

Yes, it is all incredibly frustrating.  My Garmin stays connected to Bluetooth ALL the time.  I'm thinking Google will have to retool the Bluetooth connection & integrate "Versa Controls" so it appears as one.  They need to acknowledge the problem & let users know they are working on a solution.  

[MarreFitbit]

@LindaKop We acknowledge the limitation we have on our part particularly on what you have experienced. We‘re taking into consideration your comments and sentiments with regards to our products and services.

Since your issue hasn't been solved, please feel free to follow the recommendation I shared in my earlier post to get help from our Support Team. 

Have a nice day. 

[LAMickleburgh]

Had the same problem! Brand new iPhone and never stayed connected. Didn’t receive a call, text or notification the entire time I owned the versa 3. Constantly reinstalling the device and reopening via the app, got to the point it didn’t even connect to my phone, despite being fully charged and positioned beside it. Sent it back and went with Apple!! 0 connectivity problems with my iwatch 

[KDeniseL]

I have the same issue as above and have tried all of the steps. I have an iPhone 11 and had other Fitbits with zero issue. This started with the Versa 3. Very frustrating that you guys won’t admit a problem and start to work to correct it. I use to love Fitbit but this thing is horrible. 
And in addition to the connection issues it massively counts steps when driving. I was in a car 8 hours over the weekend and it registered over 30k steps. In looking this up the advice was to charge the Fitbit while driving so it wouldn’t register anything- in other words don’t wear it. How is that a solution. Disappointing 

[sancho90]

Hi @Bekka,

I don't have the exact settings for Samsung as I use Huawei. But roughly these Android settings could solve your issue:

• battery saving options: exclude the Fitbit app from any battery savings
• allow the Fitbit app to run in the background
• give the Fitbit app the permission to start itself / auto start and started by other apps
• don't fully close the Fitbit app - keep it running in the background - if available click the lock icon in the top right corner when you are in the app / task manager view of your Android device

To get started restart both phone and watch.

@LindaKop Which phone do you have?

[LindaKop]

Thank you @sancho90  for your insights.  The major gripe: Bluetooth problems should not be a problem in 2021 - connection should be seamless & consistent.  FYI: I have a new Motorola One that has zero problem with new or legacy Bluetooth connections.

[sancho90]

Hi @LindaKop,

as written, it is not about the Bluetooth connection itself. It's only about the Fitbit app and the permissions the Fitbit app has. Any smartphone tries to stop power consumption to save battery lifetime. Hence, your Fitbit app will be stopped if you do not configure the above settings. It doesn't matter whether your device is new or typically 1-2 years old. It's the same experience for all current phones. Only some apps like typically messengers (WhatsApp) are managing that better (or you just have the app open often).

Have you tried to go through the settings above? 

[LindaKop]

Yes, but to no avail - it's got to be in the Bluetooth or some weird server side problem.  Why is it only a problem with Fitbit? Solution: the problem IS with Fitbit.

[sancho90]

@LindaKop 

The issue cannot be related to Fitbit. I have applied these settings for two Huawei mobiles of myself in a row for about three years (first P20 with Ionic, later P30 Pro and with Sense today) without facing these issues.

Can you create some screenshots of the settings you have configured as every Android venvor has some different settings / naming conventions. Would be much appreciated if you can attach pictures of the different settings:

• battery saving options of your Fitbit app
• background running permissions of your Fitbit app
• auto start permissions of your Fitbit app

Please note that the Bluetooth settings won't give you a status of your Fitbit connection at all:

• there are up to two different Bluetooth profiles shown:
  • Versa 3 Control
  • Versa 3
• You cannot connect your device there.
• You cannot check the status of the connection there.
• Versa Control Bluetooth profile is only used for two purposes and will reconnect automatically if needed:
  • phone calls with your Versa 3
  • music control with your Versa 3 (which is played on your mobile)
• Versa Blutooth profile is used for all synchronization tasks incl. notifications.

[LindaKop]

Again, thank you for your input but again, the problem IS with the Fitbit hardware/software connection.  I am far from the only person experiencing connection problems.  I have the newest phone, running Android 10, w/ Bluetooth 5.  My earbuds connect immediately upon inserting them onto my ear & my Garmin smartwatch (on my other wrist) NEVER loses a connection.  Common denominators indicate the problem is with Fitbit, in my case, with the Versa 3.