Sense won't receive notifications without internet

[Mikki5555]

Normally I either have wifi or data but on cruises I used Bluetooth without either.  My headphones were fine but my fitbit wouldn't sync.  I couldn't see my steps or sleep info on my phone the entire cruise.  The cruise had texting via their app.  I could not get fitbit to register the notifications from that texting so I had to hold the phone to feel it vibrate.   Why would fitbit need to access the internet for what should only be bluetooth necessary functions?

I have fitbit premium, if that is necessary info

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject and updated label

[Odyssey13]

Hi @Mikki5555  unless you have the internet to upload your activity, you can't do too much. Bluetooth acts as a bridge between your device and the app. The app takes that data and uploads it to the Fitbit secure servers. Your device holds so many days of complete data that it can upload once you've established an internet connection. Having premium, while nice, wouldn't make any difference.

[Mikki5555]

Thank you for your reply.

So it requires cloud access to even use notifications? It can't Bluetooth
to my phone, no internet, and tell me I have an alert? I guess it's
basically useless on a cruise or any time I away from wifi and data then.

[LizzyFitbit]

Welcome to the Community, @Mikki5555. @Odyssey13 Thanks for always helping our members.

@Mikki5555 Thanks for the detailed information and your efforts while working on this matter. While your Sense can connect to your phone via Bluetooth, it's necessary to have internet connection in order to sync consistently and get other features working well such as notifications. I'm sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and I appreciate your feedback.

As our friend mention, your watch stores detailed minute-by-minute data for 7 days and can store daily totals for up to 30 days. If your trip lasts less than 30 days, you can sync once you have internet connection to update your details on the Fitbit app.

[Guy_]

Hi @Mikki5555  - if your phone does not have internet access you won't be receiving any notifications.

The phone must have at least mobile data or WiFi to receive anything, and if it doesn't there will be nothing to appear on the watch, even though it's still connected by Bluetooth to the phone.