FitBit / Pixel / Sleep Tracking While on Wi-Fi for Extended Time Frames

[KittyKat4269]

Hi there! I have been with the FitBit community since 2015. I currently am using a Pixel 3, and the issue I'm having has happened ever since the sleep tracking came around, and I was wondering if anyone can answer my question. I work on a merchant ship, and I spend days and days and days (and days) at sea. We are fortunate enough to have Wi-Fi for while we're at sea for said days (and days). However, I noticed that my PIxel 3 (previously Pixel 2, Versa 4, Sense 2, Ionic, Blaze, etc....) will stop tracking my sleep after a few days at sea. Every single one of my FitBits has done this. When we get into port, and I have a regular cell signal, it will go back to tracking for a couple days but then stops. I almost never have this issue at home. Is it just a bizarre coincidence that this has occurred with every single one of my smart watches? Thanking you in advance for any information, advice, or insight that you can give me. Make your day amazing!

[Gr4ndp4]

Hi, @KittyKat4269 welcome. I think that the nature of your WiFi internet connection is dictating your experience. To start lets think about how the sync process works. Gemini states the following -

After connecting to the internet, your Fitbit syncs data by establishing a Bluetooth connection with your phone, which then uses its internet connection to send that data to Fitbit's servers. This process can happen automatically when you open the app or periodically if "All-Day Sync" is enabled, but you can also manually trigger a sync from the Fitbit app or some devices. 

Automatic and periodic syncing

• App opens: When you open the Fitbit app on your phone while your device is nearby, it automatically syncs the data via Bluetooth.
• All-Day Sync: If you have "All-Day Sync" turned on in the app settings, your device will sync with the app periodically throughout the day, as long as it's within Bluetooth range. 

Manual syncing

• From the Fitbit app: On your phone, open the Fitbit app, go to the "Today" tab, and tap your device image. Then, tap "Sync Now".
• From a Google Pixel Watch: Press the crown, swipe up to the "Today" app, open it, and tap "Sync" at the bottom of the screen. 

How it works

1. Bluetooth connection: Your Fitbit device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Internet connection: Your smartphone uses its Wi-Fi or cellular data to connect to the internet.
3. Data transfer: The data is sent from your Fitbit to your phone via Bluetooth, and your phone then sends this data to Fitbit's cloud servers via the internet.
4. Cloud storage: The data is stored on the servers, and the phone's app displays the information that is on the servers. 

A Fitbit stores up to 7 days of detailed, minute-by-minute data when offline. If you do not sync your device within that time, the oldest detailed data will be deleted to make room for new data. 

How data is stored offline

Your Fitbit stores two different types of data when not synced to the app: 

• Detailed data: This includes high-resolution data points, such as minute-by-minute movement and heart rate. It is stored for up to 7 days, though some older models may only hold 5 days.
• Summary data: This includes daily totals for stats like steps, calories, distance, and floors. This information is stored for up to 30 days. 

What happens if you don't sync

If you go longer than 7 days without syncing, your Fitbit will begin to delete the oldest detailed data first. This means you will lose the minute-by-minute stats for your oldest days. However, your daily totals will still be saved on the device for up to 30 days. 

Best practices

To ensure you don't lose any detailed data, you should sync your Fitbit with the app at least once every 7 days. Fitbit recommends syncing daily to keep all your data updated and available in the app. 

As a retired merchant seaman, I recognise that stuff does not work as smoothly as everyone would like. WiFi may not be seamless in a steel structure such as ships accommadation. You have the benefit of "Modern" technology, perhaps your "Electronics" colleagues can offer more background information.

I hope this helps.

Cheers