John Paul M. Joaquin Tech 08.08.2022 01:Aug AM EDT

Fitbit Will No Longer Support PC, Mac Syncing Starting October 13

Fitbit users will have only one way of transferring their data soon.

Fitbit is reportedly removing the option of syncing Fitbit devices with the Fitbit Connect app on computers and Macs, leaving the Fitbit mobile app as the only way to sync Fitbit data, per 9to5Google.

The removal is scheduled to take place later this fall, per a Fitbit support page.

Fitbit Connect app Discontinuation Details

Fitbit mentioned on one of its support pages that it is discontinuing the Fitbit Connect app for computers and Macs on October 13, 2022, and that Fitbit users are advised to download and use the Fitbit mobile app to sync their Fitbit data.

The ability to sync data is not the only one being affected by the discontinuation. Engadget mentioned that the company would also remove the option to transfer playlists to Fitbit devices through computers. As such, Fitbit users who wish to continue to play or transfer personal music stored on their device should use either the Deezer app or Pandora app to do so.

According to 9to5Gogle, the discontinuation of the Fitbit Connect app has been a long time coming. The app was originally used to help users sync data from the first Fitbit devices to their computer, which is normally done by connecting a dock to a computer and plugging in the tracker.

However, with the advent of smartphones, which are more portable and easier to use than a computer, the Fitbit Connect app eventually became obsolete.

As the Fitbit Connect becomes obsolete by the day, Fitbit may have wanted to cut off unnecessary weight and centralize how people sync their data, providing a much-needed quality of life improvement and user convenience.

Thanks to the discontinuation, not only will Fitbit users have to rely on the Fitbit mobile app to sync their data, but they will also have to use third-party apps to play their favorite tracks, which were noted to be not as popular as other music apps.

Fitbit Connect can still be downloaded and used by interested users before October 13. Downloading the app can be done at the bottom of the Fitbit set-up instructions page.

Impact of Fitbit Connect App Discontinuation

Another thing to be thankful for is that the change will only affect a handful of people due to the proliferation and accessibility of smartphones. As such, users of current or newly released Fitbit devices are in the clear.

The removal of the option of transferring playlists to Fitbit devices through a computer and Mac will also affect current Fitbit users, though it won't be much of an issue with new Fitbit wearables.

One way to solve the playlist transfer problem is to get the upcoming Pixel Watch, which is expected to have deep Fitbit integration.

Another solution is to wait for the arrival of Wear OS support for music apps like offline Spotify and YouTube Music.