If you own a Fitbit Versa, Versa 2, or Ionic, you’ll soon be unable to transfer music from your computer to your Fitbit device. In a support page spotted by means of 9to5GoogleFitbit says it is discontinuing its Fitbit Connect app, leaving you with only two ways to download music to your device: a paid subscription to Pandora or Deezer.
Fitbit Connect is a companion app for Mac and Windows computers that lets you sync fitness data between devices and transfer music to older Fitbit devices. Fitbit has been slowly phasing out the software in favor of its mobile app, as it no longer recommends users download it on the startup page.
But without access to Connect, there’s no way to download music to your Fitbit without a paid subscription to either one Pandora or Deezer. On its support page, Fitbit says that “you may be eligible for a 90-day trial” of both services, which will get you $9.99 per month for Deezer Premium or $4.99 per month for Pandora Plus once the trial is over. .
This change won’t affect newer Fitbit models, though, as they don’t have the option to transfer files between your PC and Fitbit device (devices like the Versa 3 and Sense already only let you download music via Deezer or Pandora). If you have an older Fitbit that can store music, you can still access the music files you have on your Fitbit device — you just can’t download additional songs without Pandora or Deezer past the October deadline.
Many users use their Fitbit devices to control the music they play on their smartphone, whether streaming music from Spotify or listening to songs already downloaded to their phone. Still, having access to local music files can be useful if you’re listening to music offline or want to use your Fitbit without your smartphone.
While Fitbit doesn’t explain why it’s removing Fitbit Connect, it’s possible there just isn’t enough demand to keep the service up and running. Google (the parent company of Fitbit) did not immediately respond The edge‘s request for comment.
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