How to Use the Fitbit App
Setting up a Fitbit and using the app is almost identical regardless of which Fitbit you own. Here’s how to set it up before delving into the free and paid features available through it.
Is the Fitbit App Free?
The basic Fitbit app is entirely free to use. However, to get the full benefits from it, you may need to subscribe to Fitbit Premium. Here’s a look at the differences between the two services.
The Fitbit app is entirely free for basic health and fitness tracking. For free, your Fitbit will track vital statistics such as your weight, activity levels, sleep patterns, and nutritional intake before providing you with simple insights into your performance.Fitbit Premium offers more advanced insight. Fitbit Premium provides you with premium challenges to motivate you, along with details about your heart rate, resting heart rate, SpO2 levels, and skin temperature variants.Both memberships provide workouts. Both the free Fitbit app and Fitbit Premium include introductory programs, exercises, and mindfulness sessions. The complete collection of workouts is exclusive to Fitbit Premium. To gain access to over 200 activities and 100 mindfulness sessions, you need to subscribe to Fitbit Premium.
Is There a Monthly Charge for Using Fitbit?
There is no charge to use the basic Fitbit app. The Fitbit Premium membership costs either $9.99 per month or $79.99 for a year subscription. When you buy a new Fitbit, the device often comes with a promotional free period for Fitbit Premium. The free trial can vary between 3 months and 12 months, depending on the current offer for the device you have purchased.
Does Fitbit Require a Data Plan?
Yes and no. Your Fitbit does not need a data plan at all times, but it’s essential to update the Fitbit servers regularly about your activities. To get the full functionality from the device, you need to be connected occasionally via Wi-Fi or a cellular connection to keep track of your performance.
Can I Use My Fitbit Without the App?
You need to activate your Fitbit tracker with the app when you first get it; otherwise, you can’t use it. Once you have signed up for an account, you don’t have to sync it to view your step total. You can check each day on the Fitbit device’s screen instead. However, you won’t be able to look at previous day records or see developing trends via the Fitbit device alone. Your Fitbit does not need to be near your smartphone at all times, but it’s helpful to be able to check in regularly and sync it up so you can view past progress and get a complete insight into your performance rather than rely solely on the Fitbit’s screen.
