If your Fitbit is not giving notifications, the problem almost always comes down to one of four things: Bluetooth or notification settings on your phone, the notification settings inside the Fitbit app, or Do Not Disturb being enabled on either device. Each of these causes has a specific fix, and if you suspect DND is the culprit, you can check our dedicated guide on what DND mode on Fitbit is and how to turn it off.
Check iPhone Bluetooth and notification settings
On an iPhone, the most common reason Fitbit notifications fail is that the phone is not set to share system notifications with the device. To fix this, open Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon (the blue "i" in a circle) next to your Fitbit device, and turn on Share System Notifications. This setting must be enabled for any phone call, text, or app alert to reach your wrist. Fitbit says to open Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to the Fitbit device, and turn on Share System Notifications.
Next, go to Settings > Notifications and check that Show Previews is set to Always or When Unlocked. Fitbit's iPhone instructions say to make sure the latest version of iOS is installed, as older software can also cause notification delivery issues.
Check Android lock screen notification settings
On Android phones, Fitbit notifications depend on the phone’s lock screen notification behavior. Open your phone’s Settings > Apps & notifications > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen. Ensure this is set to Show all notification content (or a similar option that does not hide content). If this setting hides sensitive content or blocks notifications entirely, your Fitbit will not display them.
Configure Fitbit app notifications
Inside the Fitbit app, the notification settings must be correctly configured for each device. Open the app, tap the Today tab, then tap the devices icon (looks like a small watch or tracker) for your Fitbit device. Tap Notifications to see the available options. Fitbit app Push notifications and Email notifications path: Today tab > profile picture > Fitbit settings > Push notifications and Email notifications.
- Tap App Notifications to see a list of apps that can send alerts to your Fitbit.
- Enable the toggles for any app you want to receive notifications from.
- An app will only appear in this list after it has sent at least one notification to your phone. If an app is missing, open that app on your phone, trigger a notification (for example, send yourself a test message), then return to the Fitbit app and check the list again.
On iPhone, only apps you select in App Notifications will be sent to your Fitbit device, and Fitbit says to sync after choosing them. On Android, the same principle applies, but the phone’s lock screen setting must also allow the content through.
Sync your Fitbit and restart devices
After changing any notification setting, you must sync your Fitbit to apply the changes. Fitbit says to sync the device after changing notification settings. Open the Fitbit app and pull down on the screen to force a manual sync. Wait until the sync completes (you will see a confirmation message or the last sync time update).
If notifications still do not appear, restart both your phone and your Fitbit device. A restart clears temporary Bluetooth glitches and refreshes the connection. For the Fitbit, follow the device-specific restart instructions (usually found in the device’s settings menu or by holding the button for a few seconds). After both devices are back on, sync again and test a notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Fitbit notifications stop working after a while?
Notifications can stop working if the Bluetooth connection between your phone and Fitbit is interrupted, if your phone’s notification settings change after an update, or if the Share System Notifications setting on iPhone gets toggled off. The official pages point to Bluetooth linking, phone notification settings, and Share System Notifications on iPhone as the main checks. Re-checking the Bluetooth and notification settings, then re-syncing, usually restores them.
Why do some apps not show up in Fitbit notification choices?
Apps only appear in the Fitbit app’s App Notifications list after they have sent at least one notification to your phone. Fitbit says apps appear only after they have sent at least one notification to the phone.
How do I receive text messages on Fitbit Versa 2?
To receive text messages on Fitbit Versa 2, ensure your phone’s notification settings allow SMS alerts, then in the Fitbit app go to Today > devices icon > Notifications > App Notifications and make sure the messaging app (like Messages or WhatsApp) is enabled. The phone must send the notification to the Fitbit via Bluetooth for it to appear on the Versa 2.
Does Do Not Disturb on my phone block Fitbit notifications?
Yes, if your phone’s Do Not Disturb or Focus mode is active, it can prevent notifications from being sent to your Fitbit. Check your phone’s DND settings and either turn it off or allow the Fitbit app to bypass it. The Fitbit device itself also has a DND mode that silences all alerts.
What exact path should iPhone users check first?
iPhone users should first check Settings > Bluetooth > information icon next to the Fitbit device > Share System Notifications and ensure it is turned on. This is the most common missing setting for iPhone users.
What exact path should Android users check first?
Without this, the Fitbit cannot display the alert.
