Android sync without "enabling location"

[cBitFit]

The new android dash is fabulous.  Have been using it instead of my PC, since its release.  Unfortunately, with the last update, the app is currently asking android 6 users that have location disabled, to "enable location to sync".

I would like a new android app feature:  sync, even if location is not enabled.

My reasons for this post:

- preservation of my phones battery life, and preservation of my privacy.  I take my privacy seriously and would choose to delete the app, rather than "enabling location to sync"

- I called tech support about this issue and they strongly encouraged my to submit this post, and they supplied me with the link to do so.

- it would take little effort to implement (or should I say re-implement) this feature, because prior to last week, the android app did in fact sync, even when location was not enabled.

[cBitFit]

Great, Rich_Laue.  Happy to see you are now acknowledging that the app caches the address of a previously connected device. Thank you.

This caching is precisely the reason why many of us opposed fitbit developers addition of the magenta colored "Enable location to sync" button back in March 2017, or the current startup check that is designed to force a user to enable location services, which is not needed to sync a previously connected device.

Yes, the sync back on March 3rd did complete.  Here is today's view of that result:

 

[Rich_Laue]

As I stayed, Fitbit is simply reminding the user that android now requires location services to be on, 

This change was made when android closed a major security flaw. 

[Rob-D]

From what I gleaned from the Android 6.0 Changes doc, it looks like what Fitbit are telling us is correct. Since I'm thinking about writing an app myself, perhaps I'll write one that turns on location, syncs Fitbit, then turns location off again. Anyone interested? If I do it, it will be free (perhaps non-intrusive ads - haven't thought that far ahead yet!)

[Rich_Laue]

@Rob-D take a look at the python project called Galileo for Linux. It took them a couple of years but they did break the code to sync the new trackers.

They had everything working until the Charge 2 and Blaze came out. 

But yes it only takes a look at https://developer.android.com to confirm that this was changed to close a high security .

[AcEKry]

Voted, Find this really imported, also for the trust relation with fitbit. I'm amazed so few people find privacy access changes important.

[Rich_Laue]

@AcEKry it was actually Android worrying about the users privacy and concern for their users data that is the source of this change. Fitbit really isn't concerned or requests a users location during a sync. 

Android had a small issue that allowed anyone, with the know-how to remotely take full control of a users phone during the request of the trackers MAC 

So yes this change in Android Ver 6? Is about Android worrying about your phones security. Fitbit is simply reminder the user of changes made to Android. 

[SunsetRunner]

I would suggest that FitBit stop using the location services in the background (monitoring the location when the customer is not using the app). I love my FitBit, but I am considering switching to a different product if this continues. FitBit should be paying the consumers if they are using that data and/or selling it.

[Odyssey13]

Hi @SunsetRunner  did you see this post which explained why location is required? It's a Google requirement for Android. click to see.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @SunsetRunner, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to turn off location on the Fitbit app. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

You can also read more about Fitbit privacy here: Our Continued Commitment To Data Privacy and Security and How can I help secure my Fitbit account and data?

[Karin1234]

When i use my iOS app i will get every time a pop-up to turn on the location services. I don't want to turn on my GPS, because it is not necessary for the sync and it cost battery on my iPhone.
The app can ask me once, but when i say "no thanks". i want to have the app remember my chosen option (no thanks).

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @Karin1234, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to sync without "enabling location". Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon. 

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi everyone, and thank you for sharing about being able to sync with the Android app without enabling the location services. While we don’t currently have plans to release this feature, we always appreciate the passion and creativity that comes out of this Community. Since we know this idea is important to many of you, we have left voting open to continue tracking interest and will post another update if anything changes. You can find more details about why the Fitbit app is prompting to turn on location services here.

To learn more about how Fitbit decides which suggestions get developed, visit our FAQs. We're always striving to enhance Fitbit products and services, and your input is a big part of that process. We truly thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us.