Fitbit Sense setup stuck on "Download the app" message

[IgnatiusG]

My new Fitbit Sense is still only showing me a message to download the app, even after I've downloaded the app for computer, gone through the app's setup process and succeeding in pairing the Sense to the computer. The only thing it seems to be able to do is track my steps (visible only on the app on my computer), and even that is unreliable. No sleep tracking or heart rate monitoring.

[Rich_Laue]

I would go through the setup process once more, the final step of loading the latest firmware has not been done. 

[IgnatiusG]

I went through the in-app setup process again, nothing changed. Uninstalled and reinstalled the app on my Windows 10 computer, launched it, got the message "Bonding failed. Restart the app to try again. Bonding is in progress" (didn't get this message the first time). Restarted the app, same thing. Plugged the Fitbit into the computer to charge, turned it on (it keeps shutting itself off) and restarted the app, same thing. Restarted the app again, it finally synched.

All my step counts are there from earlier in the day though, and I get no prompts to go through a set-up process. So I got to Account, Add device, and 'replace' the Fitbit Sense with itself. At first it asks if my Sense is powered on (it clearly is, the screen is on), and eventually finds it. 4-digit code, connect to the same WiFi network. Message about update for Monitoring Oxygen Saturation, downloading an app from the App Gallery for it (I managed to get there once, but nothing would download for me, and I now forget how I got to the App Gallery), as well as an SpO2 clock face. Instructions for changing the watch band. Screens for wearing the watch, swipe down, up, right left, side button, double press, wear and care tips, "You're all set!", and I'm back looking at the same app screen on my computer, and the Fitbit watch face is still just displaying the message to download the app, in a variety of languages. This is the third time I've tried the setup process, same result every time. 

[Rich_Laue]

I wasn't aware that the Sense could be setup with a computer. I know several models that can not, you may want to try borrowing a phone or contacting fitbit. 

[Converse]

You need a newer phone to set up the sense borrow one from a friend or family member for about 25 minutes.
I was Originally told I could set up my device on a windows laptop this was very untrue as far as I can tell it has to be originally set up on a mobile device such as a phone Possibly on some tablets but no one can seem to confirm this with 100% clarity.
I tried with my windows laptop couldn't get it to download the firmware to start watch but my buddy walked in my house & he had a newer phone I asked to borrow that for about 25 minutes, I then was able to set up the watch and get it working. I also have an iPad but it to old to download the app so I couldn't use that. I borrowed my mother Government issued cell phone twice a day once in the morning and once before I crash for the day. I will point out that the older the Android software or IoS software in the device the less info and controls you have in the app itself. Tested this out on android 7.1,8,9,10 tested this on IoS 12,13,14 older the software less the app gives ya as far as control and info displayed. hope this info helps in some way

[Rich_Laue]

IOS tablets and Android based tablets would be the only ones that will work. 

Chrome and your browser does not support connection with a BY device, this prevents fitbit from using Chrome tablets. 

That is what I thought about the newer trackers and windows PC