Google acquired Fitbit in 2021 and is moving Fitbit data into Google Health
Google completed its purchase of Fitbit in January 2021 for about $2.1 billion. The company is now consolidating Fitbit's health tracking into a broader platform called Google Health, which also pulls in data from other wearables, medical records, and health apps. This means Fitbit devices still work and still track your steps, heart rate, and sleep — but the data now flows into Google's ecosystem instead of staying in a separate Fitbit account.
The transition has been gradual. Fitbit devices continue to function with the Fitbit app, but Google is building new ways to view and use that data through Google Health and Google Fit. If you own a Fitbit, you will eventually need a Google account to access your health data, though the company has extended timelines for existing users to make the switch.
Key Takeaways
- Fitbit devices still work after Google's acquisition, but your health data is now part of Google's broader health platform instead of a standalone Fitbit account.
- You will need a Google account to access Fitbit data going forward, though Google has given existing Fitbit users time to transition.
- Google Health combines data from Fitbit, Google Fit, and other health apps and medical records into one place.
- Your Fitbit device itself does not change — it still tracks the same metrics — but where and how you view that data has shifted.
How the Fitbit app and account are changing
Google announced in January 2024 that it would begin migrating Fitbit accounts to Google accounts. Existing Fitbit users received notice that they must link their Fitbit account to a Google account or lose access to their data. The important date for this migration varies by region, but Google has communicated timelines directly to users via email.
Once you link your Fitbit account to Google, you can still use the Fitbit app to view your daily steps, heart rate, and sleep data. However, Google is also pushing users toward the Google Fit app and Google Health, where the same data appears alongside information from other sources — your doctor's office, other fitness apps, or other wearables you own.
What Google Health includes beyond Fitbit
Google Health is designed to be a central hub for all your health information, not just fitness tracking. It can display data from Fitbit devices, the Google Fit app, connected medical devices, and — in some cases — medical records from your healthcare provider if they use compatible systems.
This means if you use a Fitbit to track activity and also have blood pressure readings from a home monitor or lab results from your doctor, Google Health can theoretically show all of it in one place. The actual availability of medical records depends on whether your healthcare provider has integrated with Google Health, which is still rolling out and varies by hospital system and region.
Whether your Fitbit device still works
Your Fitbit device itself continues to work exactly as it did before the Google acquisition. It still tracks steps, heart rate, sleep, and any other metrics your specific model measures. The hardware has not changed, and the device will not stop functioning because of the ownership change.
What has changed is the backend — where your data goes and how you access it. Instead of syncing exclusively to Fitbit's servers, your device now syncs to Google's infrastructure. For most users, this is invisible: you open the Fitbit app, see your data, and move on. But the company that owns and stores that data is now Google, not Fitbit.
Privacy and data concerns with the Google transition
The shift from Fitbit to Google raised privacy questions because Google is an advertising company that collects data about user behavior. Fitbit users expressed concern that their health information — which is sensitive — might be used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties.
Google has stated that it will not use Fitbit health data for advertising purposes and will keep health information separate from advertising profiles. However, the company's privacy policies are complex, and data can be used for other purposes like improving Google's services or sharing with partners in limited ways. If privacy is a major concern, you should review Google's health data privacy policy directly rather than relying on summaries.
What happens if you do not want to switch to Google
If you own a Fitbit and do not want to link it to a Google account, your options are limited. Google has made the account migration mandatory for continued access to your data. You cannot keep using Fitbit without eventually connecting to Google.
Your alternative is to stop using Fitbit and switch to a different fitness tracker — Garmin, Apple Watch, Oura Ring, or others — that does not require a Google account. Some of these devices sync to their own apps or to platforms like Apple Health or Samsung Health instead. If you have already invested in Fitbit devices and accessories, this is an inconvenient option, but it is the only way to avoid the Google transition entirely.
Timeline for the Fitbit to Google transition
Google began notifying Fitbit users about the account migration in early 2024. The company set different important date for different regions, but the general timeline is that existing Fitbit users have several months to link their accounts before access is restricted.
New Fitbit users who purchase devices after the acquisition must use a Google account from the start — there is no option to create a standalone Fitbit account anymore. If you have an older Fitbit device and have not yet migrated, check your email for a notification from Google or Fitbit with your specific important date and instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my Fitbit device without a Google account?
No. Google requires all Fitbit users to link their Fitbit account to a Google account to continue accessing their health data. If you do not link accounts by your region's important date, you will lose access to your data and the ability to sync your device.
Will my Fitbit data be used for Google ads?
Google has stated it will not use Fitbit health data for advertising. However, your data is now stored on Google's servers and subject to Google's privacy policies. Review Google's health data privacy policy if you want to understand exactly how your information may be used.
Do I have to buy a new Fitbit device because of the Google acquisition?
No. Existing Fitbit devices continue to work and track the same metrics. You only need to link your account to Google to keep accessing your data. The device itself does not need to be replaced.
What if my healthcare provider is not on Google Health?
You can still use Fitbit and Google Health with data from your device and other apps you connect. Medical records integration depends on your provider's system, and not all healthcare systems have integrated with Google Health yet. You can still view records through your provider's own patient portal.
Can I export my Fitbit data before switching to Google?
Google allows you to read your Fitbit data in certain formats before or after migration. Contact Google Support or check the Fitbit app settings for data export options if you want a backup of your historical information.