Sense constantly stops receiving notifications

[Prakruthiamar]

I have enabled to receive certain message, email and app notifications on my fitbit sense device. However, every now and then, this service automatically gets disabled and I get an error message that says ' notification service currently not running'. I then have to uninstall and reinstall the fitbit app on my phone and then customise app notifications again

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Rich_Laue]

Hi @Prakruthiamar may I ask what phone the Fitbit app is on? This is where you setup which notifications. 

[Prakruthiamar]

It's on OnePlus 5T

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @Prakruthiamar, welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for trying to troubleshoot the issue with your Sense and for answering @Rich_Laue's question. 

Before anything else, please note that your OnePlus 5T is not yet a supported device by the Fitbit app. This would explain why the notifications are not working properly. For the latest list of devices that support the Fitbit app for Android, see Which phones and tablets can I use with my Fitbit watch or tracker?

Please keep in mind that when a device is not supported and does not meet the require OS we cannot guarantee its functionality with the Fitbit app. It might work at a certain time and then it can stop working out of nowhere after an update. This is because the app is not optimized to that device and any change could impact the performance. 

However, if you're getting this error message “Notification service is not running. A phone restart is required to re-enable notifications on your tracker”, please note that we’re aware of it (since some of user who own compatible devices are experiencing this issue) and are working to identify a resolution as quickly as possible.

If you're not getting that error message, try following these steps Why are notifications delayed or missing? and also (this steps are for other phone models, but may worth a try):

1. On your phone, open the Settings app > Apps and notifications > Apps.
2. Tap Fitbit > Battery.
3. Turn off the Power-intensive prompt option.
4. Tap Launch.
5. Turn off the Manage automatically option, and turn on the Auto-launch, Secondary launch, and Run in background options.
6. Tap OK.

Note that you may see a message on your phone related to power consumption and apps scanning in the background. If you follow the steps in this message, the Fitbit app can’t run in the background and certain features may not work properly. Repeat the steps above to enable the Fitbit app to run in the background.

[JenE17]

I have the iPhone 11 and have the same problem. It is super annoying and disappointing when paying $300+ for a device.

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @JenE17, welcome to the Community Forums. We acknowledge the limitation we have on our part particularly on what you have experienced. We‘re taking into consideration your comments and sentiments with regards to our products and services.

To solve the your issue, please see Troubleshooting quick tips for iPhones

[JenE17]

I have tried these tips numerous times. It still disconnects and I have to open the Fitbit app to reestablish a connection by syncing my Sense. What happened to the all-day sync that used to be available? This needs to be included in a future update. I paid WAY TOO MUCH for this device to be continually experiencing challenges. The features should work as promised.

[MarreFitbit]

@JenE17 I totally understand where your concern is coming from. 

Are you receiving third-party notifications but iMessages? If that is the case, please try toggling the iMessage setting; general > Messages > iMessage and verified the "Show Previews" was on "Always". 

[krob65]

@JenE17 I agree!  After a week, I'm ready to return this to Costco and find something else.  I never had these issues with my Charge 2.  Sometimes, when I'm trying to do something like log my water on the device, I'll see the message "can't find phone" - then I'll check my phone and see that it hasn't synced for HOURS.  What's the point of any of these features if it can't stay connected?

[JenE17]

YES!! Those things happen to me too. What is the point of having the device if we continually have to look at the app on our phones?

[JenE17]

And the Alexa feature almost always doesn't work because I need to open my phone.

[JenE17]

I have everything checked as I should and I am still getting a notification that I need to open the Fitbit app in order to syncs my stats. So frustrating!!

[Prakruthiamar]

I get the exact error message that you've mentioned. Also there are issues with syncing as I have to manually open the app and sync each time.

Please assist me to rectify this issue

[krob65]

@JenE17 It is!  Not to mention the price tag that comes along with it.  I had a Galaxy Active 2 for a week and if it weren't for the major battery suck (after 24 hours!) and slow charge (2 hours to get to 100% - so I lose monitoring?), I would've stuck with it.  The apps always worked and my tracking was great. 

[Rich_Laue]

@Prakruthiamar see the android tips. It may only need a power management adjustment. Also make sure the Fitbit app is in the background when the phones screen clauses. 

[sanman202]

Yeah Fitbit devices tend to lose connection more times than we'd like. I don't know what the issue is that they can't get this part down after several years. The Sense has great feature and is a nice looking watch. It's disappointing though that the technology with how it works in some parts is not where it should be . 

[Rich_Laue]

The problem is in the fitbit's app and the phones connections.