How To Use Fitbit App Without Fitbit

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Have you ever forgotten to wear your Fitbit? Find out how I count my steps when I forget my Fitbit, using the Fitbit Mobile Track app! The Fitbit app won't count your steps automatically unless you set up one simple thing, which takes about a minute. #Fitbit AmyEverAfter.com

Have you ever forgotten to wear your Fitbit and figured there was no way to count your steps and automatically sync them up with your Fitbit account? There is, and it's super easy! Read on to find out how I count my steps when I forget my Fitbit, using the Fitbit Mobile Track app!

Fitbit Versa 2 on my wrist

Every step counts

When I'm using my Fitbit Versa 2 and trying to move more, I want to track every step! So earlier this week, after a long day of working (which for me means sitting at a computer most of the time), I headed to a mall with my kids. We were visiting my mom in Buffalo and wanted to get out of the house, but it was freezing, so I figured I could at least get some steps in while shopping.

When we got to the mall I realized I wasn't wearing my Fitbit! I'd taken it off to shower and had forgotten to put it back on. I knew that I could just use a step tracker app on my Android phone to keep track and then add the steps to my Fitbit app manually, but that seemed like a couple of extra steps that I shouldn't have to take.

A little googling and I had found some help threads on the Fitbit website explaining that I could just use the Fitbit app itself. It only took me about a minute to set up. There's a tutorial at the bottom of this post, but read the following for some useful info about Mobile Track!

What is Fitbit Mobile Track?

Fitbit Mobile Track acts like a Fitbit device that's built into your phone. You set it up just like a Fitbit wearable, and it works in the background, counting your steps and tracking your other activity.

It does not count stairs or active minutes, or track sleep, but it will count steps, distance, and calories burned.

Can't you just use a free steps app to count your steps?

You can, but as I mentioned above, you then have to add those steps to the Fitbit app yourself, and make sure your numbers aren't overlapping with steps counted by your Fitbit. If you use Mobile Track, your steps will already be in your Fitbit app.

Will Mobile Track double count your steps?

No. When you're wearing your Fitbit and you have your phone with you, your steps will not count twice. When data is recorded on both devices, the data from your Fitbit will override the data from Mobile Track.

Will Mobile Track use a lot of your phone's battery?

Mobile Track uses very little battery, but if you want it to use even less, all you have to do is sign out of the Fitbit app, and then close it. Your phone will continue collecting your step data even when the Fitbit app isn't running. As soon as you sign back into the Fitbit app, your step data will sync to the app.

Fitbit app screenshot - Log Out

Will the correct step count show on your Fitbit?

It will! Once Mobile Track syncs with the Fitbit app, that same info will sync to your Fitbit.

Steps taken mostly at the mall, when I wasn't wearing my Fitbit Versa 2:

Fitbit app screenshot - synced steps from Mobile Track

Steps showing on my Fitbit when I got back home, found it, and it synced with my phone:

Fitbit Versa 2 - steps

What about Fitbit Challenges?

If you're participating in any Fitbit Challenges, steps recorded with Mobile Track will NOT count.

Can you use Mobile Track if you don't have a Fitbit tracker?

Absolutely! You'll also be able to use some of the Fitbit app's features, like food tracking, weight tracking, and messaging.

You just need to install the free Fitbit app first, which you can do in the app store for your phone.

Active Time 1 minute

Total Time 1 minute

Difficulty Easy

That's it, you're all set up. Now, whether you're signed into the Fitbit app or not, whether your phone is online or not, it will be counting your steps and saving the info until it can sync again.