Fitbit ends support for music file transfers on PC

If you’re a Fitbit Versa, Versa 2, or Ionic owner, you won’t soon be able to transfer music from your computer to your Fitbit device. in support page observer by 9to5GoogleFitbit says it’s discontinued its Fitbit Connect app, leaving you with only two ways to download music to your device: a paid subscription to either Pandora or Deezer.

Fitbit Connect is a companion app for Mac and Windows computers that lets you sync fitness data between devices and transfer music to older Fitbit devices. Fitbit is slowly phasing out the software in favor of its mobile app, no longer recommending users to download it on its setup page.

But without access to Connect, there is no way to download music to your Fitbit device without a paid subscription to either Pandora or Deezer. On its support page, Fitbit says you “may be eligible for a 90-day trial” of either service, which will pay you $9.99 per month for Deezer Premium or $4.99 per month for Pandora Plus once the trial period is over.

However, this change does not affect newer Fitbit models, as they do not come with the option to transfer files between your computer and your Fitbit device (devices like Versa 3 and Sense only let you download music through Deezer or Pandora). If you own an older Fitbit with the ability to store music, you’ll still be able to access the music files on your Fitbit for now — you won’t be able to download any additional songs without Pandora or Deezer’s October deadline.

Many users use their Fitbit devices to control the music they play on their smartphones, whether they’re streaming music through Spotify or listening to songs already downloaded to their phone. But still, accessing local music files can come in handy if you’re listening to music offline or want to use your Fitbit app without your smartphone.

While Fitbit doesn’t explain why Fitbit Connect is being phased out, it’s possible that there isn’t enough demand to keep the service up and running. Google (the parent company of Fitbit) did not immediately respond the edgeComment request.