FitBit Connect for MacBook Pro

[AnnaWilkes]

I am losing my tracking data because neither of my phones are compatible (bring back the days when they didn't need to be on a device list and just worked via bluetooth) so I did as told by FitBit Help and got the Connect 'app' for my MacBook Pro. However it won't sync either because it keeps saying my bluetooth is off when it is in fact on! How do I get this to work???

Sorry for posting under iOS but there is no topic list for MacBook and didn't know where else to post.

[AnnaWilkes]

I have uninstalled and re-installed connect, turned bluetooth on and off, restarted my mac, restarted both of my devices, moved one out of range as well as turned its bluetooth off, tried to set up devices as new and just tried to get it to sync over and over again but nothing works. Connect always says my bluetooth is off when it is on. I have even gone to the extent of pinching my kids HP laptop to put connect on but it says that I need a dongle - have no idea why I need a fitbit bluetooth dongle on a laptop that comes with bluetooth installed standardly 

[LZeeW]

@AnnaWilkes   If you MacBook is running Catalina, then that might be part of the problem.  There is a thread in the fitbit.com dashboard forum where users are saying that Fitbit Connect isn't compatible with Catalina.  They mention the same Bluetooth issues you are describing.

What model Fitbit are you trying to sync?  Starting with the Charge 3, trackers need a compatible smartphone/tablet or the Fitbit app for Windows 10 on a PC.  Newer trackers cannot sync with Fitbit Connect.

If your kid's HP is running Windows 10, try downloading the Fitbit app for Windows 10 from the Microsoft store and see if that works.

Also, what model phones do you have?

[AnnaWilkes]

I have a Blaze and an Alta.

My phones are oppo something, samsung s6 edge plus and samsung s5. The s5 USED to sync but doesn't since the last fitbit update I did one it and while the s6/s6 edge are compatible the s6 edge plus isn't (although rewind 3 updates and I never had a problem) and the oppo isnt on the list either.

The kids HP runs 8.1

The Mac runs El Capitan 10.11.6

[LZeeW]

@AnnaWilkes   I am more familiar with Mac computers/laptops.  If your laptop is running El Capitan, then it's possible that the version of Bluetooth in the MacBook isn't new enough to support syncing without a dongle.  Yes, there are versions of Bluetooth, too.  El Capitan was released in 2015, so that dates the age of your MacBook.  If your kid's HP is from the same era, that might explain why you get the same message.  Your laptops need Bluetooth 4.0 or you need a sync dongle.

Android phones require Android 7.0 or newer to run the Fitbit app.  Your Oppo phone might not be on the list.  But if it supports Android 7.0, you might get your devices to sync.  I suspect your Samsung phones don't support Android 7.0.

You also need to know that Apple doesn't support El Capitan anymore. It doesn't supply any security updates.  HP has stopped mainstream support for Windows 8.1, although HP does say that there is extended support for security fixes.

[AnnaWilkes]

The HP is from 2018 and only used for school research/work I would assume it has 4.0 bluetooth. All the phones run android 7.0 I already checked. Looks like its time for another platform upgrade for my mac (or might be time to get a new one...? If the kids are lucky might give it to them)

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

@AnnaWilkes   I looked at the manuals for both the Blaze and the Alta.  Both say that you need the sync dongle if you want to sync with a PC running Windows 8.1.  The Alta manual also says that one comes with the tracker.  So check all those drawers where you keep little pieces of stuff that you might need some day.

If your kids HP is from 2018, then I suspect, but am not positive, that it meets the Bluetooth requirements.  But it needs to run Windows 10 and you would need the Fitbit app for Windows 10 on the laptop.

You should upgrade your MacBook to the highest operating system that it will support, just for the security updates.  If you have extremely important information on your MacBook,  then you should back up the device on an external hard drive before upgrading.

I don't know what makes certain phone compatible with the Fitbit app, while some are not.  Sorry I can't help you with that.

[AnnaWilkes]

Thank you. Would have been nice for fitbit themselves to give me that information when they where telling me to use the laptops. Will have to find where to get a dongle, I dont have one at all.

[LiliyaFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @AnnaWilkes. It's nice to see you around, @LZeeW. I am sorry for the delayed response.

@LZeeW thank you for your support!

@AnnaWilkes I appreciate your participation in the Forums and sharing the difficulty you're experiencing with syncing your trackers. Thanks for trying to resolve this and I am here to help. I understand that you've been working with our Support team regarding this issue. I apologize for any confusion, you can check the compatible devices at Which phones and tablets can I use with my Fitbit watch or tracker?

You can confirm the complete troubleshooting instructions to resolve the syncing issue in this help article: Why won't my Fitbit device sync?

Regarding your concern, a wireless sync dongle can be purchased from the Fitbit Store.

I'll be around if you have any questions. 

[S_P]

There is no longer a way to download Fitbit Connect - is Fitbit completely incompatible with Macbook now?

[LZeeW]

Hello @S_P and welcome to the Help forums.  Where are you located and what happens when you try to download Fitbit Connect?  I downloaded it less than a month ago to transfer music to my Versa 2.

If you are in Canada, the link to get Fitbit Connect is broken and users get an error message.  Go to this thread and jump to the instructions given by @LizzyFitbit .

[AnnaWilkes]

If I am told by the person emailing me that my laptops are compatible it would make zero sense for me to check that list. 

As listed in every email I have gone through ALL troubleshoot tips.

Thank you for telling me where to get a dongle but I fail to see how the U.S store is going to be of benefit to me in Australia 

[AnnaWilkes]

These where the instructions sent to me

1. Download the Fitbit Connect software to your MacBook Pro. You may get it in this link:

www. fitbit. com /au/setup (take the spaces out of the web address)

2. Scroll down and click the pink Download button.
3. After the download completes, double-click the downloaded file to start installation.
4. Make sure that your MacBook Pro's Bluetooth is on and it is connected to your WiFi network. 
5. Open the Fitbit Connect software by clicking the icon with a Fitbit logo located near the date and time on your MacBook Pro.
6. Click "Open Main Menu" > "Sync Now". You may be asked to sign in.

[LiliyaFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @S_P. Thank you for your replies, @AnnaWilkes @LZeeW.  

@S_P thank you for joining the thread and sharing that you're unable to download Fitbit Connect. You should be able to do so. If you continue experiencing difficulties after following the steps provided by @AnnaWilkes and @LZeeW, please let me know and I will be glad to investigate further.

@AnnaWilkes thank you for sharing the steps you were sent. I appreciate your time and feedback, if the dongle is not available at https://www.fitbit.com/au/products you may check with the authorized retailers: https://www.fitbit.com/au/retailers. 

.

@LZeeW thank you for your help.

I'll be around if you need further assistance.