To get text messages on Fitbit Versa 4, you need to set up notifications through the Fitbit app on your phone.
How to get text messages on Fitbit Versa 4: A quick prerequisite checklist
Before you can see text messages on your watch, confirm these three things are in place:
- The Fitbit app (or Google Health app) must be installed and running in the background on your phone.
- Both your phone’s operating system and the Fitbit app are updated to their latest versions.
- Bluetooth is enabled on your phone, and your Versa 4 is paired and connected.
On some phones, you may need to grant permission for the Fitbit app to access your notifications during setup; follow the on-screen prompts. You can customize text message notification type (vibration or silent), font size, and appearance on your smartwatch via the Fitbit app. The Versa 4 offers personalized coaching guidance and the ability to set goals. The Versa 4 can automatically detect different types of exercises. The Versa 4 has built-in music control to play, pause, or skip tracks without your phone. The Versa 4 monitors sleep stages including REM, deep, and light sleep. The Versa 4 offers customizable watch faces and interchangeable bands. The Versa 4 has a long-lasting battery life lasting multiple days.
Once those are ready, open the Fitbit app, tap the Today tab, then your profile picture. Select your Versa 4, tap “Notifications,” and ensure “Text Messages” is toggled on. That’s the core step-by-step app navigation to enable text notifications. After this, any new SMS from your phone will appear on your watch.
How to reply to text messages from your Versa 4
Reply capabilities depend entirely on which phone you use. On Android phones, you can respond to text messages directly from the Versa 4 using preset quick replies or voice replies via Google Assistant. This lets you send a short answer or dictate a message without pulling out your phone.
iPhone users cannot reply to regular SMS text messages from the Fitbit Versa 4. The watch is read-only for standard texts. You can only reply to Fitbit app notifications with quick replies, not to your phone’s SMS. If you want to reply, you’ll need to pick up your iPhone.
Why are text notifications not working on my Fitbit Versa 4?
If your watch stops showing texts, start with these common troubleshooting steps. Restart both your phone and Fitbit, then toggle Bluetooth off and on. Check for the “not connected” symbol (a rectangle with a diagonal line) on your Versa 4, that means the watch has lost its link to the phone app. If you see it, reconnect Bluetooth or reopen the Fitbit app.
On Android, ensure the Fitbit app has “Device & app notifications” access enabled in your phone’s special app access settings. Also confirm the app has unrestricted background permissions so it can keep sending notifications to your watch. If you previously set up notifications for an older model, note that the process is similar to how to receive text messages on Fitbit Versa 2, but the Versa 4 requires the updated app and permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many text messages can my Fitbit Versa 4 store?
The Fitbit Versa 4 can store up to 30 notifications. The oldest ones are automatically deleted as new ones arrive, so you’ll always see the most recent messages.
Do I need to keep my phone nearby to get texts on my Versa 4?
Yes. Your Versa 4 must be connected to your phone via Bluetooth to receive text message notifications. If you move out of range, the watch will stop showing new messages until the connection is restored.
Can I see the full text of a message on my Versa 4?
You can read a preview of the message on your watch. The exact length shown depends on the notification, but you can scroll to see more of the text if the message is long.
Will text notifications work if my phone is on silent or Do Not Disturb?
Generally, yes. The Versa 4 receives notifications based on the app’s permission settings, not your phone’s sound profile. However, if your phone’s Do Not Disturb mode blocks notification delivery entirely, the watch may not receive them.
Why do I only see the sender’s name and not the message?
This usually happens when the Fitbit app doesn’t have permission to read notification content. On Android, check that “Device & app notifications” access is enabled. On iPhone, ensure the Fitbit app has notification previews allowed in your phone’s notification settings.
Related reading: How Do I Get Text Messages On My Fitbit Luxe.
