How does MobileTrack works if I have a Versa 4 paired?

[SaberM]

I recently added my phone to the Fitbit app alongside my Versa 4 and I’m curious about how the two devices synchronize their data. Is there a mechanism that prevents potential data conflicts or duplication, such as step counts, between the phone and the watch? How does the Fitbit system ensure accuracy when both devices are tracking activities simultaneously? Is it recommended to add iPhone as well? Or the Versa 4 would be more than enough?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Guy_ · Accepted solution]

Hi @SaberM - those are good questions and for that reason would avoid adding a phone as well.

Results can be quite unexpected otherwise, especially if the app loses connection with the watch which does happen. If the watch is working fine it is absolutely enough. There is no reason to complicate things.

[SaberM]

Thanks @Guy_  for your comments.
I feel like after adding the phone my Step Count and Distance Walked statistics has gone up suddenly, potentially have been added up from the numbers available through Apple’s Health app. I am not sure if this is the case, but disconnected the phone from Fitbit app a short while after. Would appreciate other people sharing their experience on this as well.

[Guy_]

Thanks, @SaberM - yes linking with 3rd party apps can pose quite a problem keeping accurate information or even controlling flow of information.

[LZeeW]

@SaberM   Using your phone to count your steps is called MobileTrack.  I have personal experience using MobileTrack on an iPhone along with my Fitbit.  I used it for a while a few years ago (work restriction).  I reconnected MobileTrack when I read your post.  I kept a close eye on my data and compared my Fitbit data to iPhone data frequently.  MobileTrack didn't duplicate any data since I reconnected it.  My additional thoughts:

• Adding your phone as an additional device has been available for a long time (2015)
• Fitbit changed its Help article, but it used to state that steps tracked on your Fitbit device take precedence over steps counted on your phone

Adding MobileTrack is up to you.  It can help you count basic step data if you need to do some dirty jobs and don't want to wear your Fitbit.  It can track basic data if you forget to wear your Fitbit.

I want to point out that you can use MobileTrack without a Fitbit device on your account.  Anyone who wants to do this makes the connection using Apple Health.  I suspect there is a similar connection for Android phones.  @Guy_ 's comments about syncing suggest he has no personal experience with this feature.  You need to do a manual sync to reconcile your tracker steps with your 'phone' steps.  I went 26 hours without doing a manual sync and my data didn't change.