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Fitbit is a popular fitness tracking device that helps users monitor their daily activities, such as steps taken, calories burned, and sleep patterns. It provides valuable insights into one’s health and encourages a more active lifestyle. However, some users may face the issue of Fitbit not running on the background on Android devices. This can be frustrating and limit the effectiveness of the device. In this blog post, we will explore why you may encounter this problem and provide several methods to allow Fitbit to run on the background on your Android device.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Allow Fitbit to Run on Background Android
Allowing Fitbit to run on the background on your Android device is crucial for seamless tracking of your activities throughout the day. By running in the background, Fitbit can continue to monitor your steps, distance, heart rate, and sleep patterns without interruption. This ensures accurate and comprehensive data for you to analyze and make informed decisions about your fitness goals.
If Fitbit is not allowed to run on the background, you may experience gaps in your activity data, incomplete sleep data, and missed notifications for calls, messages, and alarms. Additionally, Fitbit’s silent alarms, which gently wake you up with vibrations, may not function properly if the app is not running in the background. Therefore, it is essential to enable Fitbit to run on the background to fully utilize its features and benefits.
Method 1: Allowing Fitbit to Run on Background via App Settings
Before exploring other methods, it is important to check if Fitbit is allowed to run on the background in your device’s app settings. Follow these steps to ensure Fitbit has the necessary permissions:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "App Manager," depending on your device.
Step 3: Locate and tap on the Fitbit app from the list of installed applications.
Step 4: Tap on "Permissions" or "App Permissions" to access the app’s permission settings.
Step 5: Ensure that "Allow Background Activity" or similar option is enabled for Fitbit.
Pros:
1. Easy to access the app’s permission settings.
2. Enables full background activity for Fitbit.
Cons:
1. Option names may vary based on the Android device manufacturer and operating system version.
2. Incorrectly modifying other app permissions may cause unintended issues.
Method 2: Allowing Fitbit to Run on Background via Battery Optimization
Android devices often have battery optimization features that restrict certain apps from running on the background to conserve battery life. However, Fitbit requires continuous background activity for accurate tracking. Here’s how you can exclude Fitbit from battery optimization:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Battery" or "Battery & Performance," depending on your device.
Step 3: Tap on "Battery Optimization" or "Battery Optimization Management."
Step 4: Select "All Apps" from the drop-down menu or swipe left to access the "All Apps" list.
Step 5: Locate and tap on the Fitbit app from the list.
Step 6: Select "Don’t Optimize" or "Not Optimized" to exclude Fitbit from battery optimization.
Pros:
1. Ensures Fitbit runs continuously in the background.
2. Prevents interference from battery optimization settings.
Cons:
1. Option names and locations may vary based on the Android device manufacturer and operating system version.
2. Excluding Fitbit from battery optimization may slightly decrease battery life.
Method 3: Allowing Fitbit to Run on Background via Battery Saver Settings
Some Android devices have a battery saver mode that restricts background activity to extend battery life. However, this can interfere with Fitbit’s continuous tracking. To allow Fitbit to run on the background even in battery saver mode, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Battery" or "Battery & Performance," depending on your device.
Step 3: Tap on "Battery Saver" or "Battery Saver Mode."
Step 4: Select "Battery Saver" or similar option to access battery saver settings.
Step 5: Locate and tap on "Fitbit" or "Fitbit app" from the list of apps.
Step 6: Toggle on or enable "Allow Background Activity" or similar option for Fitbit.
Pros:
1. Allows Fitbit to run continuously in battery saver mode.
2. Maintains accurate tracking and data collection.
Cons:
1. Option names and locations may vary based on the Android device manufacturer and operating system version.
2. Continuous background activity may slightly impact battery life.
Method 4: Allowing Fitbit to Run on Background via Notification Settings
In some cases, Android devices may limit background activity for apps that do not display notifications. Fitbit’s notification feature is essential for alerting users about calls, messages, and alarms. To ensure Fitbit runs on the background with notifications, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android device.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "App Manager," depending on your device.
Step 3: Locate and tap on the Fitbit app from the list of installed applications.
Step 4: Tap on "Notifications" or "Notification Settings."
Step 5: Ensure that "Allow Notifications" or similar option is enabled for Fitbit.
Pros:
1. Ensures Fitbit runs in the background with notifications.
2. Allows seamless tracking and receiving of calls, messages, and alarms.
Cons:
1. Option names and locations may vary based on the Android device manufacturer and operating system version.
2. Incorrectly modifying other notification settings may disable important features.
What to Do If You Can’t Allow Fitbit to Run on Background
If you are still unable to allow Fitbit to run on the background on your Android device, here are some additional fixes you can try:
1. Update Fitbit App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Fitbit app installed from the Google Play Store. Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that may resolve background activity issues.
2. Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a simple device restart can solve minor software glitches and allow Fitbit to run on the background.
3. Reinstall Fitbit App: Uninstall the Fitbit app from your Android device and reinstall it from the Google Play Store. This can help resolve any corrupted data or settings causing the background activity issue.
Bonus Tips
Here are three bonus tips to optimize your Fitbit experience on Android:
1. Enable Sync Notifications: In the Fitbit app settings, enable sync notifications to receive alerts when your Fitbit is successfully syncing with your Android device. This ensures you stay informed about the latest updates and data.
2. Check Data Sync Frequency: In the Fitbit app settings, review the data sync frequency settings. Adjusting the frequency to a shorter interval can provide more real-time activity tracking.
3. Optimize Bluetooth Settings: If you experience Bluetooth connectivity issues with your Fitbit device, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled and that your Android device is in range of the Fitbit tracker. Restarting your device and Fitbit device can also help resolve connectivity problems.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I find the "Allow Background Activity" option for Fitbit in app settings?
A: The availability of the "Allow Background Activity" option may vary based on your Android device manufacturer and operating system version. Check other settings related to background activity or battery optimization to ensure Fitbit has the necessary permissions.
Q2: Will allowing Fitbit to run on the background drain my device’s battery faster?
A: Allowing Fitbit to run on the background may slightly impact battery life, but it is essential for accurate tracking and uninterrupted notifications. The effect on battery life is usually minimal and varies based on device usage.
Q3: Why do I need Fitbit to run on the background for accurate sleep tracking?
A: Fitbit utilizes sensors to track your movement and heart rate during sleep. Running in the background allows Fitbit to collect data continuously, resulting in more accurate and detailed sleep analysis.
Q4: Can I enable Fitbit to run on the background only when the app is open?
A: Fitbit requires continuous background activity to provide accurate and real-time data. Restricting its background activity to only when the app is open may result in gaps in activity and sleep tracking.
Q5: How often should I restart my Android device to ensure Fitbit runs on the background?
A: Restarting your device periodically can help refresh system processes and resolve minor software issues. Restarting once every few days or whenever you encounter issues with Fitbit is recommended.
Final Thoughts
Allowing Fitbit to run on the background on your Android device is crucial for accurate and uninterrupted tracking of your activities and sleep patterns. By following the methods and tips outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that Fitbit functions optimally and provides you with the necessary data and notifications to support your fitness goals. Remember to adapt the methods based on your specific Android device and operating system version to achieve the best results. Stay active, stay healthy, and let Fitbit help you on your fitness journey!