Using a Fitbit Versa 4 without enabling location services on your phone is partially possible, but it depends on the features you want to use. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Basic Functions
- Heart Rate Monitoring and Step Tracking: Yes, you can use the Fitbit Versa 4 for basic functions like heart rate monitoring and step tracking without needing location services. These features do not require GPS or location data[2].- Local Logging: The device can store data locally, but to sync this data with your phone or access more detailed analytics, you would typically need to connect it to the Fitbit app, which may prompt for location services[2].
Features Requiring Location Services
- GPS Tracking: If you want to use GPS for activities like walking, running, or hiking, you will need to enable location services on your phone. GPS on the Fitbit Versa 4 can be activated directly on the device for exercises, but it relies on connected GPS from your phone if the device itself does not have built-in GPS or if you want more accurate tracking[3][5].- Weather App: The Weather app on your Fitbit requires location services to provide accurate weather information for your current location[4][7].
- Notifications and Syncing: While you can use the Fitbit without syncing, enabling location services can help with smoother syncing and notification delivery from your phone[1].
Workarounds
- Initial Setup: To avoid creating a Fitbit account, you can borrow a friend's phone with a Fitbit account, activate your device, and then remove it from their account. This way, you can use the device without linking it to a phone or account[2].- Disabling Location Services: You can disable location services after initial setup, but you might encounter prompts to enable them each time you use certain features[2].
In summary, while you can use some basic features of the Fitbit Versa 4 without location services, enabling them is necessary for full functionality, especially for GPS tracking and weather updates.
Citations:[1] https://support.google.com/fitbit/answer/14236528?hl=en
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/fitbit/comments/klwmfj/can_i_use_a_fitbit_without_the_app_or_an_account/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7PQka04D_M
[4] https://media.croma.com/image/upload/v1686496760/Croma%20Assets/Communication/Wearable%20Devices/User%20Manual/263858_User%20Manual.pdf
[5] https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa-4/How-do-I-use-the-GPS-on-my-Versa-4/td-p/5314359
[6] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254697666
[7] https://documents.4rgos.it/v1/static/1153729_R_D001
[8] https://support.google.com/fitbit/answer/14225688?hl=en