Fitbit has removed the option for users to sign in with Google credentials – as it starts to officially migrate to requiring a proper Google account.
When Google bought Fitbit, it was obvious that the two companies would become a single entity – and that process has started in earnest.
Fitbit has removed the option for new users to sign into the service using a Google account – ahead of a more formal integration.
The company used to offer the standard Google and Facebook sign-in options, but both have been kiboshed, as the company moves to a requirement for a Google Account in 2023.
“We are removing the option to log in to your account on fitbit.com with your Google credentials to support an improved experience coming soon,” reads a message on the Fitbit app.
Users will need a Google account for new devices, and particular features this year.
This will gradually roll out across the whole Fitbit ecosystem, ahead of a full switchover in 2025.
9to5Google reports that users will eventually have to “consent to transfer Fitbit user data from Fitbit to Google.”
It was this eventuality that caused hostility around Google’s purchase of Fitbit.
For its part, Google promises that integration will mean “industry-leading account security, centralized privacy controls for Fitbit user data, and more features from Google on Fitbit.”
However, plenty of eyes will be on Google, and if its use of Fitbit data changes.
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James is the co-founder of Wareable, and he has been a technology journalist for 15 years.
He started his career at Future Publishing, James became the features editor of T3 Magazine and T3.com and was a regular contributor to TechRadar – before leaving Future Publishing to found Wareable in 2014.
James has been at the helm of Wareable since 2014 and has become one of the leading experts in wearable technologies globally. He has reviewed, tested, and covered pretty much every wearable on the market, and is passionate about the evolving industry, and wearables helping people achieve healthier and happier lives.