For future Fitbits and new features in 2023, you’ll need a Google account.
Since Google purchased the fitness tracker business for $2.1 billion, Fitbit has not yet been completely incorporated into the Google ecosystem. But the most recent information from Google indicates that a change is imminent.
Google revealed on a Fitbit support website that it will start requiring Google accounts for Fitbit devices, as first reported by 9to5Google. This will start for new Fitbit users sometime in 2023. At that time, current customers will also be able to switch from a Fitbit account to a Google account.
Google plans to still support Fitbit accounts until at least 2025 — though with some caveats. While support will continue during this time, some Fitbit features will require a Google account, likely forcing existing users to make the switch.
At this time, we do not know exactly which features will be locked behind Google accounts, though Google says more information will become available as the 2023 launch date nears.
Fitbit by Google
Currently, Fitbit users use their Fitbit account and Fitbit to manage their Fitbit fitness tracker. You can log into your account using your Google account as credentials, but it is still a Fitbit account.
This is due to the fact that Google currently views Fitbit as a separate ecosystem. The Fitbit Sense 2 even has Alexa built in as a voice assistant, rather than Google Assistant, and they are Fitbit-branded devices running Fitbit applications. While Google applications like Google Maps and Google Wallet are included, Fitbit OS, not WearOS 3, serves as the operating system.
However, this update from Google indicates that this could be changing, if slowly. The purpose of Fitbit devices won’t change; they will still be health and wellness-focused fitness trackers, even the ones with a smartwatch form factor like the Sense 2. In fact, most of the language about these changes seemed to be focused on improving security for Fitbit users.
It would also be strange to have several operating systems for Google’s smart wearables given that the Google Pixel Watch may debut at the October Google Event. Perhaps when Google accounts replaced Fitbit accounts, WearOS will be the next integration.
The state of Fitbit devices
Fitbits and smartwatches are not interchangeable terms, at least not entirely. While several Fitbit watches are in our list of the best smartwatches, the majority of them are still fitness trackers. Although the Fitbit Versa 3 and Sense 2 provide some amazing smartwatch features like contactless payment and an integrated voice assistant, the company’s main selling point is its fitness tracking capabilities.
Anyone wishing to start tracking their daily activity will find a lot of value in even the entry-level Fitbit, the $99 Fitbit Inspire 3. Users can obtain some practical health data, automated exercise monitoring, and surprisingly precise sleep tracking information for less than $100.
Due to this, despite its low price, it is now ranked number two on our list of the best fitness trackers. No, it won’t cut it if you’re searching for a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 rival, but Fitbit is still a fantastic choice if all you’re trying to do is get fitter.