Is Internet required for sync Sense to phone?

[jrmclaugh]

I have had a few times lately where my phone does not have internet access (camping, on a flight, etc...).  Whenever I try to sync my watch to the phone app in these situations, it is unable to do so.  My assumption would be that the watch syncs to the app on my phone, then the app to the Fitbit servers (when available)...not that internet access is required for my watch to talk to my phone.

Is this by design?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity. 

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

@jrmclaugh   I'm sorry, but the sync is directly to the Fitbit servers.  No data is stored on your phone.  The phone app didn't exist when I got my first Fitbit.  All syncing was from your computer to the Fitbit servers.  So as for it being by design, I guess the answer is yes.  There are users out there who continue to sync with their computers, because they don't own a smartphone.  You need an internet connection to sync your Fitbit.

[jrmclaugh]

I see, thank you for the quick reply!

I suppose that explains a lot of the odd behavior in the app (and potentially the watch, too) if it relies on the status of the internet and fitbit servers to even function properly.

That's rather disappointing for cases when I'm disconnected for extended periods, but at least I have an explanation.

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us and for sharing your syncing without Internet inquiry @jrmclaugh. Thank you for your help @LZeeW.

Currently, there´s no option to sync without Internet. There's a popular Feature Suggestion that you can vote for: Allow Offline syncing / Store data locally. Our team checks the feedback we get from our customers. 

Keep on visiting the forums.  

[jrmclaugh]

Thanks for pointing out that feature request @AndreaFitbit, got my vote added.  Looks like they've been aware of it for quite a while, and that it's a pretty popular one.

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us and for your comments @jrmclaugh. Yes, it´s a popular one because it could help a lot.

Please know that we provide feedback to our team based on community posts and we are always working on improving our devices and overall environment based on what you share here.

See you around.