Fitbit Is Removing Features: What You Need to Know as a User

Are you currently using Fitbit and wondering when they will remove features? You’re not alone. Thousands of Fitbit users are wondering the same thing. Fitbit is one of the most popular wearable devices on the market. It has been around for years and has become a staple in many people’s fitness routines. So why is Fitbit removing some of its most popular features?

Here are the questions we’ll answer about Fitbit and their plans for removing features:

What Are Fitbit’s Plans For Removing Features?

Fitbit plans to remove features from its devices to make them easier to use with Google. As part of a “streamlining” attempt to integrate the Fitbit app with Google, Fitbit has announced that its community features, such as Adventures, Challenges, and open groups, will be discontinued.

Group challenges with other users will no longer be available to owners of the best Fitbit watches or exercise trackers. While the “Workweek Hustle” and another step count, distance, and time tasks are some of the most popular, anyone can join an open group centered around a hobby like yoga or rock climbing.

Adventures were a distinct subset of Challenges that enticed users to discover a new “Daily Destination” and finish online courses modeled after well-known trails in places like Yosemite national park.

All three of those features and any “trophies” or virtual rewards users may have earned by successfully finishing those challenges will be eliminated. Although users can still join smaller closed groups, the open group’s function is where users meet other Fitbit users worldwide who share their interests and participate in the same challenges and adventures.

When Will Fitbit Remove Features?

The timeline for removing features is currently March 27th. In a statement on the community boards, Fitbit said it worked diligently behind the scenes to improve the Fitbit app this year with Google technology. Consequently, we’re streamlining various Fitbit app features, such as Challenges and Adventures.

Are There Any Existing Features Fitbit Doesn’t Plan to Remove?

Yes, there are a few features that Fitbit does not plan to remove from their devices. These include activity tracking, heart rate tracking, and sleep tracking. Additionally, the Fitbit app will remain available for download on most devices.

Users could still “create a closed group with your friends,” “connect with other Fitbit users on our Health & Wellness forums,” and “still compete with friends on your leaderboard and earn badges for personal accomplishments,” according to Fitbit. If you’re interested, the website fitbit.com/settings/data/export has instructions on obtaining your data before removing the features.

Users are not pleased with these modifications, particularly the elimination of Trials. According to a Reddit post, Fitbit’s Features Suggestions page is flooded with requests to retain Challenges (opens in a new tab). The community forums for Fitbit are similarly incensed. The obvious question is, “how long for?” even though Fitbit is eager to stress that some features, like the forums and closed group, are still available.

What Features Do I Need To Be Careful Of?

If you are currently using a Fitbit device, you should be aware of the features still available on your device. Watch for feature changes, and read the user manual before using any new features.

Alphabet, the parent company of Fitbit, has been removing crucial Fitbit features left and right to merge Fitbit into the larger Google ecosystem quickly. Another instance of Alphabet abandoning Fitbit owners and driving them to the Wear OS Pixel Watch is the removal of Fitbit’s music features. Now Google has struck once again.

Owners of Fitbits have every reason to be incensed because many of these capabilities were advertised as coming with the device, and customers made initial purchases predicated on being able to utilize them. Participants can connect with other Fitbit users worldwide by joining open groups and using the Challenges features to encourage one another and themselves to stay active. That gives the app a sense of community. Still, Alphabet has removed that community in favor of development rather than bringing it into the Google family.

What Should I Do to Keep My Current Features?

If you want to stay with your current device, the best thing to do is contact the manufacturer of your device and request that they keep your current features. You can also get Fitbit and tell them you want them to keep your current features.

Google’s remark implies that it doesn’t require or care about current Fitbit users. Unsurprisingly, many people consider switching to Apple or Garmin when they read the forums and Reddit remarks. Fitbit’s treatment by Google does nothing to encourage brand loyalty. The email and forum post even had a link that instructed members to deactivate their accounts if they objected to the change.

If you’d like to request to keep the features, you can order it here: https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Feature-Suggestions/Keep-the-Challenges-feature/idi-p/5335786.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Fitbit’s decision to remove popular features such as Adventures, Challenges, and Open Groups has saddened many users. These changes could be a step backward, but Fitbit is taking this exploration of new possibilities seriously. They have committed to making the platform more personal and interactive for their users. It will be interesting to see what changes Fitbit brings in the future.

We hope this guide has helped you understand what is happening with Fitbit and what you can do to keep your current features. We hope this guide has also helped you understand why the changes are happening and what you can do to stay informed.