App keeps asking choice for location services

[JBDow]

I recently updated my iPhone to ios13.  Since then  I get asked to change my choice for location services “only when app is open” to “always on”.  I select “no thanks”, the next time I open or switch to the Fitbit app, it asks me the same thing again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again...(You get the picture).  How do I get the app to remember my choice like it used to?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[noirdesir]

This thread started in October 2019, before the takeover by Google was even announced let alone completed (that happened in January 2021). Your suggestion would imply that Fitbit coded and released changes already during the takeover negotiations. 

But there is also a similar thread that started already in January 2019 which highlighted a slightly less egregious issue:

”Location services must be on "Always" for Exercise GPS to connect. If you start an Exercise function in Location "While Using" the app just spits out a message saying you need location services "Always" and does not let you proceed with GPS tracking.”

So, Fitbit had sloppy coding with this and/or a hunger for location data way before Google entered the scene. 

[SAgirl]

The timing is interesting since the announcement to purchase was in
November 2019 but I personally never had any problems until a few months
ago.

[cwbb]

I agree, the timing is “interesting”. So there was previously a (less intrusive) pop up reminder issue specific to using the exercise portion of the app. That at least made some sense, given you’re potentially on a route while exercising, where GPS might be useful. Not so much if the FitBit is used only for sleeping, as mentioned in this thread. 

Then Google starts negotiating to buy FitBit. Within a month, this thread begins. Maybe this falls under conspiracy theory, but I will say, it is not inconceivable that Tech Buyer A asks Tech Seller B to make some coding changes to sweeten the buyout deal. Especially if it is a small request, such as making the data being requested for one portion of the software now apply (app) site wide.

The bottom line is that this is a numbers game: So far, there are fewer than 200 complaints about this issue. The vast majority of people are probably just allowing the access to get rid of the prompt. As long as that’s the case, and as long as data=profit, Google will continue to ignore this complaint. When the balance sheet is reviewed, it can afford to lose a few hundred customers. 

[Irish57]

Very well stated! It seems too, that quality continues to diminish as well.
My Sense is and has been riddled with issues from the onset.
At some point, I will switch to a different product with hopes of less
problems. I tire of receiving the same “generic and scripted” response each
time I pose a problem.

[CassieD]

This has been going on since 2019, maybe even longer, the threads even got merged, maybe so you won't see how long it's been going on.. If Fitbit wanted to fix this they would have by now. The pop-up issue for me happened when I upgraded to an iPhone 12...although maybe with the last system update. I have been unhappy with my Fitbit Inspire HR since I got it. It was the newer version of an earlier HR model which I purchased when the other one died. I almost quit Fitbit at that time, hated it.  I have tried every trick that's been mentioned with each time logging out of Fitbit, turning off my phone, etc., etc., etc. If this isn't fixed SOON, I will not be buying a new one when this one dies and I've had a Fitbit on my wrist for many many years. I just looked up other trackers, may switch sooner, looks like they are highly rated and cheaper, and don't force you to track your every move. check them out.

[Irish57]

What are your recommendations for other brands?

[Evodude]

I am thinking to switching to Apple. Call me crazy but I expect bettet support there then here. 

[Irish57]

As much as I want to switch I’ll wait as the Sense was not an inexpensive
watch but certainly dysfunctional many a times.
Wonder if Fitbit will ever get it consistently reliable?

[Betahoang]

OMG I can’t believe that it’s there from 2019. So frustrated!

[stretchedpebble]

Lizzy, tell it like it is and save everyone some time. Google wants to keep track of our location so the company can make more money. It's as simple as that. 

[Lukefit]

Yea this it pretty ridiculous. I refuse to let this thread die as I have been monitoring it for a few months. It’s honestly sad how in the beginning there were reps replying attempting to fix the issue however they clearly got the directive that this was something that wouldn’t be fixed.

Clearly they want you to have this feature always on. I have had my Fitbit for three years but once it dies out which will be soon it seems, I won’t be purchasing another one.

These kinda of predatory  anti-consumer practices should not be supported.

[FirbitNoob]

Honestly I only recently purchased a Fitbit and I’m already over it. This feature turned me off so much that I don’t even wear mine anymore.

[Cellshaded]

I just got a Fitbit Luxe and am having the same problem. I specifically chose a fitness tracker with no GPS for privacy and better battery. But this prompt that won't go away is constantly ruining my experience.

[Ender3313]

The fact that this has been non-addressed issue for more than 2 years tells me everything I need to know about FitBit as a company. Another customer lost to the Apple Watch

[Abbadabbadoo]

I have just upgraded to an Android, version 10. Still SAME ISSUE. My old Android never needed the location on, all communication was thru blue tooth. It seems any version 6 or higher now requires location on. I will be switching to a different smart watch. This is unacceptable. With location on my phone battery drains quickly.

[Kistiwh]

So I just got off live chat, apparently its to alleviate concerns about using Bluetooth low energy scans to track you, but the location data won’t be recorded or used to track you. 
Yeah; I don’t believe that either 

[Abbadabbadoo]

And killing my cell battery life!

[ings57]

Link to a thread with the same issue: https://community.fitbit.com/t5/iOS-App/Keep-getting-location-prompts-on-app/td-p/4761069/page/3

[Sneddoh]

I followed your steps and this did not work for me and it is driving me mad....

This was a response from one of your Fitbit colleagues, which would imply there is no fix and this is a bug introduced in the last update:

"Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. I understand how you're feeling about not being able to turn off the location services prompts and I'm sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you. Our team is aware of this situation and while there isn't a time frame for the fix, we'll continue to monitor the situation and keep our team informed of the impact to you and other members."

[Irish57]

Basically they are saying nothing will change!🤦🏻‍:female_sign: