If you’re a Fitbit device user who has been taking advantage of Fitbit Pay, you likely received a notice that the contactless payments service will be phased out soon, with users being transitioned to Google Wallet instead.
Fitbit Pay is accessible on several Fitbit smartwatch and activity tracker models like the Sense 2, Sense, Versa 4, Versa 3, Versa 2, Versa Special Edition, Ionic, Charge 3 Special Edition, Charge 4, Charge 5, and Charge 6. Starting July 29, 2024, however, it will be phased out in place of Google Wallet.
Google says this will open the option to use cards from more banks, including ones that might not have been supported by Fitbit Pay. This will also allow you to pay in more places, including everywhere that Google Pay is accepted.
You will be able to continue to use existing cards in Fitbit Pay up to July 29, but after that, you will not be able to add new cards to the app. Instead, you’ll be encouraged to switch to Google Wallet.
If you prefer to update now, you can do so in the device settings within the Fitbit app. Once there, follow the instructions to make the switch. There’s also a handy help section on the Google Support site to walk you through the process. Google Wallet can be set up in the Fitbit app version 4.14.1 or higher.
This is just one of many moves Google has been making to phase out Fitbit specific features relating to trackers and smartwatches bearing the brand. Last year, Google began its transition within the Fitbit app whereby new users must now sign up with a Google account. The switch won’t be mandatory for existing Fitbit users until 2025. Google acquired Fitbit in 2021.
Might this be the latest step in the dissolution of the Fitbit brand name altogether? Once a strong competitor in the activity tracker space, changes to the Fitbit platform since the Google acquisition have left fans puzzled. Most table was the elimination of competitions and open groups, the former of which was arguably one of Fitbit’s strongest features.
While Google has not indicated that it plans to eliminate the Fitbit brand altogether, it certainly seems as though the experience is becoming more and more Google and less and less Fitbit. It will be interesting to see what happens with the next evolution of both Fitbit smartwatches and trackers and the Google Pixel Watch. Stay tuned.