Is Fitbit Sense compatible with Wi-Fi - 5G?

[Lisamarie0108]

I just received my Sense and it doesn't recognize my wifi.  Is it because the wifi is 5G?  

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[wtksk8r]

If by 5G you mean 5Ghz then yes. Fitbit links with 2.4Ghz. Is your router single or dual band?

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @Lisamarie0108. Welcome to the community forums! @wtksk8r It's great to see you around and thanks for your input! 

Adding to what @wtksk8r mentioned, I also recommend reviewing this help article for more information about which types of Wi-Fi networks can connect with your Sense: How do I connect my Fitbit watch to Wi-Fi?

Hope this helps. 

[Gunnerp245]

From your link, "Your watch won’t connect to 5GHz, 802.11ac, WPA enterprise, or public Wi-Fi networks that require logins, subscriptions, or profiles."

Only 2.4ghz see Sense manual page 10. If using a dual band router select the 2.4ghz network. Cellular 5G is not the same thing as wifi 5ghz.

Cellular 5G: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G

WIFI 2.4/5ghz: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi

Moderator Edit: Merged posts

[WilsonFitbit]

@Gunnerp245 Thank you very much for your reply and for the information! 

While your Fitbit watch might work with Cellular data (for syncing, setup), take into consideration that there are certain features that will only work using Wi-Fi. For example, you will need to connect your Fitbit watch to your Wi-Fi network to download playlists and apps from the Fitbit App Gallery, and for faster firmware updates.

See you around. 

[quixter]

Why doesnt it use 5ghz? The Ionic did. Seems like a step backwards.

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @quixter. It's great to see you around. 

I'm sorry for any inconvenience and thank you for your information and for your feedback. I'd like to let you know that I was reviewing the Ionic Manual on page 60, and according to the manual, Fitbit Ionic can't connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi, WPA enterprise, or public networks that require logins, subscriptions, or profiles.

See you around. 

[LokeAa]

Hi @quixter !

Most wearables and other "smart" devices don't have dual-band. They are delivered only with 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi. There is a good reason. The 5GHz band delivers a higher speed, but speed comes at a cost. The cost is range. 2.4 GHz delivers range. A thumb rule is to use 5GHz for devices that need high transfer rates, such as audio, video, and gaming. 2.4 GHz for everything else.