App asking me to keep it open all the time to keep my data synchronized

[DKJAX]

Within the last few days, I get a reminder every time a turn off the App to keep Fitbit open to keep my data synchronized.  I do not like keep Apps open on my iPhone 6+ unless I am using them because off battery issues with these older iPhones.  My real issue is the GPS tracking does not work anymore unless the App is open.  I used to be able to connect my Versa to the App as I started my walk, then turn off the App.  The Versa stayed connected.  Now it will not.  I have to keep the App open the entire time - which kills the battery.  I checked my settings and I have picked Location Services while using the App.  It seems GPS only works now when I choose Location Services Always.  It seems rather nefarious that Fitbit wants to know where I am 24x7.  I want to know why this change was made and what can I do to make my Versa and iPhone GPS work while I walk without leaving the App open the entire time.

Moderator Edit: Clarified Subject.

[MarcoGFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hello @DKJAX thanks for joining the Fitbit Community, it's great to have you on board. 

I appreciate your participation in the Forums and for sharing your experience with us. I have moved your post from the Versa board to the iOS board as this situation is related to the app and not your watch.

I know you don't like to keep apps open in your iPhone and our team is already aware of this, as many people have expressed their feedback. However, they may not be able to provide a fix in the immediate future.

Now, when it comes to track GPS activities, your Versa needs to be in constant communication with the Fitbit app in order to track your map, so it's recommended to keep the app running in the background. When you start a GPS activity, open the app, then start the activity from the Exercise app in the Versa. After that, you can lock your phone and your map will be tracked. Please do not force-quit the app or the connection will drop. 

Thanks for your report, we'll continue to monitor the situation, and keep our team informed of the impact to you and other customers. We understand that this isn't the resolution you're hoping for, but rest assured we're always working to improve our products. We're sorry for any trouble. 

[DKJAX]

Thank you so much for the feedback and quick response.

Sent from my iPhone

[DKJAX]

Marco, 

From all of the posts regarding keeping the app open....., this seems to be concern for the Fitbit customers.  I am glad that Fiibit is looking into this.  Thank you for the tip on the GPS tracking.  I was inadvertently turning the App off instead of just locking the phone.  My issue now is that GPS tracking only works now if I have Location Services set to Always.  It will not work if I have the setting to While Using the App.  This makes no sense.  I have to remember to change the settings when my exercise is completed now.  

[MarcoGFitbit]

Hello @DKJAX I hope you're doing well, thanks for taking the time to reply. 

First of all, I would like to apologize for the delay in the response. Thanks for reporting this situation with GPS tracking. At this moment, please keep Location Services set to "Always" while our team checks this as well, I'll make sure to forward this information to them. 

If anything changes or if there's anything else we can do for you, please feel free to reply. 

[DKJAX]

Marco, 

Thank you for continuing to review this.

[MarcoGFitbit]

Hello @DKJAX, thanks for taking the time to reply, you're very welcome. 

If anything changes on your side or if you have any other updated, please let us know as they will be very helpful for us. 

Have a great day! 

[Euphronius]

Disappointed to see this message still after at least one app update. I don't know what motivated the change or prevents it being rolled back, but if another update goes by and this nag message is still forced, I am considering just sticking to Garmin, although I hate to leave the Fitbit community.

[MarcoGFitbit]

Hello @Euphronius thanks for joining the conversation, it's nice to welcome new members to the Fitbit Community. 

Thank you for your feedback. We're constantly striving to improve Fitbit products and services, and we very much appreciate all of the input we receive from our customers. 

Let us know if you have any additional questions. 

[DKJAX]

Happy Thursday. Looks like the Keep App Open Message has been resolved with the cleanup that was applied this morning. That is great news.

Sent from my iPhone

[Euphronius]

Thanks, DKJAX. Another update popped up this morning and worked like a charm. Great news!

[MarcoGFitbit]

Hello @Euphronius and @DKJAX I hope you're doing well, thanks for taking the time to reply. 

I appreciate you have come back and let us know the message has disappeared. Our team disable this message on the latest app update due to the feedback provided by our users. 

In case you have some spare time, I would like to invite you to visit our Discussions board where you will find great tips and encouragement from other members and if there's anything else I can do for you, please keep me posted!