Why is the Fitbit app prompting me to turn on location services?

If you’re setting up or syncing your tracker with an Android device, you may be prompted to turn on location services.

Each device is different, but you can often find the setting at Settings > Location.

Google changed its permission requirements beginning with Android OS 6.0. As a result, the locations permission is necessary to sync your Fitbit device with your Android device.

Note that Fitbit does not track your location unless you are recording an exercise or activity with GPS. For more information, see How do I track my activity with my Fitbit device?

If the Fitbit app prompted you to turn on location services and you denied the request, you have an extra step to complete after turning on location services. To tell the Fitbit app that it has permission to access locations, go to Settings > Apps > Fitbit > Permissions (the exact path may vary depending on your phone).

If you use power savings features, location services may be turned off automatically when your battery power is running low. You should be able to set up and sync normally after you charge your phone.

The Fitbit app needs the locations services option on your phone to be turned on in order to perform the Bluetooth low energy scans required to sync your tracker. For more information about how your tracker syncs, see How do Fitbit devices sync their data?

Google added the locations permission requirement to alleviate concerns that Bluetooth beacons can be used to track your location without your permission during a Bluetooth low energy scan, such as the scan required to sync your tracker. By granting the Fitbit app permission to access your location, your tracker will be able to sync, but your location won't be recorded or tracked by Fitbit.

For more information about Bluetooth technology, visit the Bluetooth Special Interest Group's website at bluetooth.com.

For details about the Google permission requirements, see Google's Android 6.0 Changes document.