Having your Fitbit display WhatsApp messages can be a convenient way to stay on top of conversations without having to constantly check your phone. However, Fitbit devices do not natively support WhatsApp messaging at this time.
Using a Third-Party App
While you can’t directly get WhatsApp messages on your Fitbit, some third-party apps allow you to route notifications from WhatsApp to your Fitbit. This enables you to see a preview of new WhatsApp messages on your Fitbit’s display.
Here are some third-party apps that can send WhatsApp notifications to your Fitbit:
- Notify & Fitness for Mi Band – This app works with many Fitbit devices and can forward WhatsApp notifications to your tracker. You’ll need to install both the phone app and Fitbit app.
- Fitify – Another option that can route WhatsApp alerts to your Fitbit. This also requires installing an app on your phone and Fitbit.
- IFTTT – With IFTTT you can create an “Applet” with the WhatsApp service and Fitbit service to send notifications to your tracker when you get a new WhatsApp message.
To set up one of these third-party systems, you’ll need to:
- Download the required app(s) on your phone and Fitbit.
- Create an account and connect the app(s) to your WhatsApp and Fitbit.
- Configure settings and permissions so notifications can be forwarded.
- Test that WhatsApp message alerts appear on your Fitbit display.
The specific steps will vary slightly depending on which third-party app you choose. Make sure to follow the setup instructions provided in the app or on the company’s website.
What You’ll See on Your Fitbit
When properly set up, here’s an example of what you’ll see when getting a new WhatsApp message on a Fitbit Versa 3:
- A notification will appear on your Fitbit display with a WhatsApp icon.
- The message preview will show the name or number of the sender.
- A few words from the start of the message may be visible.
- You’ll typically see “WhatsApp” listed as the notification source.
Keep in mind you can only see a limited message preview on your Fitbit’s small screen. You’ll need to view the full message on your phone. The notification just alerts you that a new WhatsApp message has arrived.
Customizing Notifications
In the settings for your third-party app, you may be able to customize what WhatsApp notifications get sent to your Fitbit. Options may include:
- Selecting specific WhatsApp conversations to forward alerts from.
- Choosing to only send notifications from certain contacts.
- Filtering by message type, like just forwarding photos or videos.
- Setting timeframes when you want to receive alerts.
Adjust these settings if you only want to be notified about certain WhatsApp messages on your Fitbit. This prevents your Fitbit from being bombarded with too many alerts.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While you can get a preview of WhatsApp messages, there are some limitations to keep in mind with third-party notification systems:
- Message previews are typically very short due to the Fitbit’s limited screen space.
- You can’t interact with messages or reply from your Fitbit device.
- Images and videos won’t display on your Fitbit, only text previews.
- Alerts may have a slight delay compared to your phone.
- Fitbit screens turn off quickly, so you may miss a notification.
- If your Fitbit isn’t nearby your phone, alerts may not sync over.
Due to these restrictions, your Fitbit shouldn’t fully replace having your phone nearby. But it can provide more convenient alerts about new WhatsApp communication when your phone is in your pocket or bag.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Notifications
If you’ve set up a third-party app but still aren’t getting WhatsApp notifications properly on your Fitbit, here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure the apps are installed on both your phone and Fitbit device.
- Check that all apps are updated to the latest version.
- Re-check notification settings and permissions – you may need to re-enable them.
- Restart your phone and Fitbit device.
- Try uninstalling and reinstalling the third-party apps.
- Check that your phone and Fitbit device are within Bluetooth range.
- Contact the third-party app developer for help.
Proper setup is key for routing WhatsApp notifications from your phone to Fitbit. Take the time to ensure all apps and settings are configured correctly. Refer to installation guides for assistance if needed.
Waiting for Native Support
Currently, Fitbit does not offer official built-in support for forwarding WhatsApp or other messaging app notifications. However, based on customer demand, they may add this feature natively in a future device or app update.
Until then, third-party apps provide a workaround to get WhatsApp alerts on your Fitbit. While not perfect, they do allow some basic messaging notification functionality.
Fitbit may also eventually provide an open API for developers to build improved solutions. This could lead to more robust WhatsApp integration optimized specifically for Fitbit devices.
For now, be patient and use one of the third-party options mentioned if you need WhatsApp alerts on your Fitbit. And provide feedback to Fitbit on the value of native messaging integration for future products.
Conclusion
While you can’t natively get WhatsApp messages directly on your Fitbit, using a third-party app provides a decent workaround for now. You’ll be able to see basic WhatsApp message alerts on your Fitbit’s display. Just keep in mind the limitations compared to having your phone nearby. Hopefully in the future Fitbit will provide official support for WhatsApp and other messaging integration.