Allow Offline syncing / Store data locally

I think you should be able to sync with your phone and then upload data at a later date. Let us store data locally so that an internet connection is not required to see current stats.

 

Moderator Edit: Added Labels

646 Comments
Bentbins
Jogger

Post more widely. A) people need to know this B) despite many, many posts
over several years, Fitbit is not taking any interest so this forum is not
the right forum if you want change!

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

SunsetRunner
Not applicable
Tweet to #ftbit and #fitbitsupport
Demoneque
First Steps

I finally made the switch to the Garmin Vivoactive HR.  It does not require an internet connection, has more features, is customizable, is waterproof and is at the same price as my Surge.

 

Goodbye, Fitbit. We dated for two years but I found someone better that actually meets my needs.

Bentbins
Jogger

Post elsewhere. It's clear that Fitbit are not interested and it will help
anyone who needs a fitness tracker that does not need to be connected to
the internet to work properly

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

Waapsys
Stepping Up

Later this year I will be going on a two week cruise where I will not have internet access (at least not for the prices they charge). For normal use I like the cloud based nature of the dashboard but in this situation when I get back I will only have the detailed data for the last 7 days and the remainder in summary form. More importantly, if my understanding is correct, unless I manually make a note just before midnight I will have no access to any of my data during the entire two week period and the usually excellent Fitbit app will be a complete waste of space until I return.

 

While I'm unaware of the internal architecture of the Fitbit app, so this may be completely impractical, it seems a change to the communication module that would act like the Fitbit servers when an internet connection is not available would overcome my issues. It would then just need to present any held data to the normal sync process once an internet connection becomes available.

davemanford
Jogger
And don't forget to cancel any alarms before you go as without Internet you can't even do that!
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Waapsys
Stepping Up

Thanks for the advice davemanford. I didn't give that a thought as I don't use the alarm feature myself but you've saved me getting a load of grief from my wife as she does use the alarm. 

davemanford
Jogger
Glad to help. I haven't had the alarm problem myself but it has been mentioned on the forum several times. I mostly have problems with sync when staying in an internet free part of Cornwall.
Dave

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Tom_D
Jogger

If you change time zones on a trip and don't have internet access your Fitbit device time will not update.  Even if you want to keep alarms working you will get them at the wrong local time.

Mike-D-M
Jogger

why is this even being debated? the ability to sync when not connected is essential. esp for people that travel.

the crazy thing is that it syncs & connects for notifications. but if you want to set a reminder alarm you cannot.

when traveling, simple things like changing time zones becomes essential or the thing on your wrist is pointless! #charge2

davemanford
Jogger
Hi,
This was FB’s reply to my email to them:
We are sorry to hear we haven't addressed your concerns appropriately. We do not want to reiterate the need of internet connection, as you have heard it a least a couple of times in the previous emails. Instead, we would like to address your misunderstood concerns.

We are very aware of the fact that many clients are not satisfied with this internet need to make any kind of changes to your tracker. Our engineering teams are constantly checking this forums as customer satisfaction is our number one rule. These teams are working hard to come up with solutions that meet our customer's expectations.

The time shown on your tracker should automatically match the mobile device or computer to which it is connected (paired). When clocks change for Daylight Savings or for different time zones, your tracker's time will change after the next sync with a device that shows the desired time. There is really no workaround this issue for the specific inconvenience you've experienced while traveling to the west coast of USA.

We would like to share with you the data storage information on your tracker. Charge HR holds detailed minute-by-minute information for the most recent 7 days and 30 days of daily summaries. Again, without the syncing procedure, you'll be having some missing data.

Regarding not being able to turn off alarms you no longer require, because of this or that reason, gets us back to our product not meeting your expectations. Our advice: turn off alarms, before you won't be able to.

We are sorry for all the inconveniences the internet requirement has given to you. Please, do not take our unability to offer solutions to this issue as carelessly going through your questions and concerns.

So it seems to me (and a growing number of others) that the only solution is to give them rubbish reviews anywhere we can and get an new tracker fro someone else.

Regards
Dave
RunningStick
Jogger
Unfortunately too many manufacturers need to put profits ahead of
customer satisfaction. In the case of FitBit I would assume that not
only are our concerns being heard, they will be addressed in the next
generation of product releases. I can hear the marketing diatribe now,
"They are already wearing a device that kind-of-works, lets make some
more money. . . make them take the next step. . . make them purchase an
even better device that we produce". This is the way too many successful
for-profit businesses propagate.

I hope we can expect to see these features in the soon-to-be-released
next generation:

* Sealed waterproof element is STILL removable from the wrist band
element (like the Blaze).

* The internal battery lasts at least three days.

* External AA or AAA battery based recharging device.

* *Standalone* (no cell phone, no internet) *operation*:
o Alarm parameter settings accessible on the removable element.
o Time parameter settings accessible on the removable element.

* *Outback* (no internet or cellular connectivity BUT Bluetooth
connectivity to cell phone) *operation*:
o Nearly unlimited amounts of performance data is stored on the
Bluetooth repository/cell phone until internet connectivity is
restored.

* Removable element can be used in Waistband Based and/or Ankle Based
attachment modes with optional clips/straps.

* Wristband element still works properly when worn in the outer facing
(for public show) OR inner facing (for faceplate protection)
orientation (auto display activation with either rotate up or rotate
down wrist motion).

* GPS updates provided FROM the Bluetooth connected cellular device,
for various exercise conditions, are used to improve accuracy of
stride length estimates, mileage estimates AND pace estimates.

* Of course the /kick-the-competition-in-the//-//butt/ feature:
PulseOx estimates updated at least every 20 seconds when the level
falls below 95% WITHOUT the need for a fingertip attached
measurement unit.

* User configurable display(s) of any measurements and computed estimates.

* HR operation "auto-gain" for low blood pressure OR optional body
wearing location (wrist, hips, ankle).

RunningStick - "Fitbit, hit this one out of the park"!
Tk10
First Steps

I regret choosing the fitbit after I found out you cannot view stats in your phone without internet. I go backpacking alot and would like to look at my stats in the phone daily however I do not usually have internet on the trails. As soon as I can find a better solution I will be changing. Also if you are unhappy with this as well maybe leaving a review on amazon or other sites would help future buyers. 

NukeWarfare
First Steps

I also must agree that this would be an amazing addition.I was certain that as of about a year ago this was available. I say this because I am in the US Navy and before I went in deployment but while going underway on the ship I am attached to for as long as a month at a time. I know for a fact that many military members enjoy fitbit devices however the inability to even sync let alone change the time as we move through time zones reduces its usefulness significantly.

davemanford
Jogger
Already left a review - if you look further back on the forum there are several suggestions for alternatives.

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maichrcol
Recovery Runner

Seems like people have wanted this for a long time.  Wonder when Fitbit is going to listen?  I'm going to start looking elsewhere.  Maybe Fitbit is like Kodak...isn't going to bother until it's too late. 

davemanford
Jogger
maichrcol, I’m pretty sure no one is listening! Elsewhere on the forum are some suggestions for other solutions. Why not leave a few reviews regarding the attitude?
maichrcol
Recovery Runner

I agree,  @davemanford that they aren't listening.  And it's really funny because when I linked to this forum, I got a pop up to give them my feedback!  hahahaha

 

Yes, reviews elsewhere, good idea.

SunsetRunner
Not applicable
try tweeting to @fitbitsupport and @Fitbit
maichrcol
Recovery Runner

@SunsetRunner  You are so smart!  On the off chance your twitter is the same as this, I added you too!

 

 

Naotaku
First Steps

When you tweet at them about this, they will link you back to this very forum. I tried... twice.


btw: just got back from a 3 week camping trip, and my POLAR A360 that I was talking about earlier was an excellent companion. I'm really happy about my purchase, and can recommend POLAR products to anyone.

Just a note though, I saw some people in Amazon reviews complaining about it popping out of the silicon band. I don't have that problem at all, I never even remove mine from the band as it can be easily charged inside. Those people probably bought the wrong size. I got to try it before buying, and ended up getting the "large" size. Medium was too small even though I don't have big hands.

 

Anyway, just the fact that we're freely advertising competing products on here clearly shows that nobody from Fitbit is actually reading this. 

ChuckyB
Jogger

I've gone with the Veryfit ID107HR to replace my Fitbit Flex.  Bought it on eBay for $23.72 Australian.  Had it for for about a month and very happy with it.  Even displays at what time the alarm has been set for the next day.  The buzzer is not quite as strong as the Flex, but i overcame that by having the device on the inside of my wrist.

7.jpg

ChuckyB
Jogger

When I looked at the Polar A360, I couldn't see anything about silent alarms.  Does it have silent alarms?

maichrcol
Recovery Runner

This is the best!  Tell us what you got since Fitbit doesn't want to listen to their customers.  Too fun!

Naotaku
First Steps

@ChuckyB yes it does. It only has 1 alarm and can't do individual days, so it's either Mon-Fri, single or every day. But then again, it doesn't require Internet to sync, so you can change it anytime / anywhere 🙂

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