How to turn off Bluetooth on the Fitbit Sense

[SunsetRunner]

Is there any way to turn off the Bluetooth from the Fitbit Sense?

If there isn't, why is that?

Please avoid this answer ---> We will register your feedback and bla bla bla....

Straight answer, why?

[LokeAa]

Hi @SunsetRunner , you can unpair Sense from your phone, but switch Bluetooth off, no. It is the same with many Bluetooth devices, for example ear buds. 

[SunsetRunner]

It would be nice if they gave us the choice to turn it off. There are controls and a screen, so it should not be the same case as the earbuds.

[SunsetRunner]

Are there health side effects of using the Sense with always the Bluetooth on?

We don't have the choice to turn it off.

[NellyG]

Hi @SunsetRunner I do t have any hard scientific facts but I have been wearing fit it's for over 5 years with no ill effects. Bluetooth is generally seen as not a problem to living organisms, so I don't think you need to worry too much.

[Rich_Laue]

Normally Bluetooth is simply listening. 

However every wire, radio, all electronics in the car and home put out an EMF (Electro Magnetic Field). This also goes for the headphones (wired or wireless) that are in the ears. Headphones work by taking advantage of this and designed to maximize the EMF. 

As for causing damage, I'll pass with an answer, but will say that your phone puts out a whole lot more than Fitbits which put out so little radiation that they are exempt from many of the regulations that phones and even your radio in the car have to adhere to. I would be more worried about the cell phone that is in the pocket. 

[Rich_Laue]

Fitbit has removed the option to disable all day sync. I doubt they will add the option to turn off Bluetooth. 

However bt is in listening mode and only transmits when needed 

[Umar4]

Its more of a security vulnerability if anyone can ping my fitbit sense whenever they like. With bt headphones its less of a risk because my personal and bank credentials arent saved on the device.

[Rich_Laue]

All comunication between the fitbit and phone is incrypted. When it comes to your virtual bank card, this will only work on your tracker. There is no bank info on the tracker, plus through Bluetooth, even the virtual card can not be read. 

[Umar4]

Thanks Rich, as an additional curiosity, the sense has storage, and can be left harmful files on to if Bluetooth can be pinged (these files can affect any other outlets that then connect to the device).

If none of these realities are possible, I'd reckon this is then an excellent tool. In retrospect, I think the Apple watch has the on/off function particularly for this reason though if I am wrong, then its all about battery saving, and FitBit's tech is superior. I find the topic very interesting.

Cheers

[Rich_Laue]

Once any files (pictures, audio) files are placed into the tracker, they are only readable by apps that are on the tracker. At best, they may be accessible, through an encrypted connection through the fitbit app on the phone or PC. 

14+ years ago, the open source community, through Linux, figures out how to sync a fitbit tracker, and after 4-5 years of trying to break, and failed, the encryption, they gave up. 

[lablover55]

Yes, the apple watch has that capability.

[Umar4]

Thank you. Im glad for it being secure 🙂

[knhebbar]

Yes even the Garmin devices has this option.

[gtung3388]

yes , Fitbit should add it back ,for customer have a choice to.

[zareg]

Bluetooth it’s even worse then Wi-Fi… Some people getting serious harm after wearing a Bluetooth devices… Watch this, skip to 1:45 min and listen about Apple Watch… Scary 

https://thehighwire.com/videos/episode-251-fatal-flaws/

[zareg]

https://thehighwire.com/videos/episode-251-fatal-flaws/ 
Listen from 1h 44 minutes about Apple Watch and health…

[zareg]

https://thehighwire.com/videos/episode-251-fatal-flaws/ 
watch from 1h 44 minutes about safety of wearing Bluetooth devices