Does The Fitbit Phone App Need To Be Active While Using The Fitbit Flex 2?

New Fitbit Flex 2

New Fitbit Flex 2? Lucky you! Hopefully by now you've set up your device and explored the Fitbit app a bit. Good, you're on the right track.

Now, here's the number one thing to keep in mind: Don't be intimidated! Although it's natural to feel a little overwhelmed when adopting a new piece of technology, the Fitbit experience is designed with newbies in mind. As you get to know your new Flex 2 and the app, you'll notice prompts, pop-ups, and other intuitive features guiding you through the process.

That said, you might still have some questions, so read on. The 8 tips below will ensure you and your new Flex 2 hit your activity-tracking in stride.

How to Hit the Ground Running With Your New Fitbit Flex 2

Wear it right. For greater accuracy and ease of use make sure you're following these best practices. First, let your Fitbit app know which wrist you're wearing it on—your non-dominant hand is preferred since the extra movement from your wrist can impact your charts. To confirm your settings, go to your account, tap Flex 2 and then select either Left or Right for both "Handedness" and "Wrist". Put on the wristband so the colored LED light is closest to the outside of your wrist. Make sure the tracker is snug but not constricting (especially during exercise), so it doesn't restrict blood flow.

Create goals . One of the most important things you can do when you start using a new Fitbit Flex 2 is to determine where you are in your health journey and where you want to go. Personal Goal Setting can help you set realistic and achievable targets around daily steps and activity, exercise and workouts, sleep, diet, and weight. You should see a prompt on your app's dashboard. Tap it when you have a few minutes to go through the process (don't dismiss it just because you're currently busy or in a hurry; you won't be able to use the guided feature again and will have to manually set your goals ).

new Fitbit Flex goals

Set a bedtime reminder. After you've set a sleep goal and a sleep schedule , create a bedtime reminder. Scheduling an alert that prompts you to start unwinding 30 minutes before your bedtime target can help you maintain a consistent sleep schedule, which experts say may benefit your health .

Opt into Reminders to Move. I f you followed the goal-setting directions above, then you've already elected which hours of the day you want to commit to taking at least 250 steps. This hourly activity goal ties into Reminders to Move , an alert you can receive on your tracker at ten to the hour if you haven't fulfilled your step requirement. To turn on Reminders to Move, tap the Hourly Activity tile on your app dashboard and then the gear icon in the top right corner. Slide the circle over until the background is green. Your start and end times should match what you set as your goal, but you can also confirm which days of the week you want to use Reminders to Move.

new Fitbit Flex 2 reminders to move

Set a silent alarm—or eight. Your tracker will vibrate at the specified times, making the alarms a great way to wake up gently, remember to take your vitamins, and so much more .

Stay fully charged. The battery in Fitbit Flex 2 can last up to five days*. L earn specific ways to extend its battery life and then develop a charging strategy so that a drained battery doesn't leave you trackerless. In your Fitbit.com settings, you can sign up to receive a push notification on your mobile device or an email (or both!) when your tracker's battery is low.

Enlighten yourself. Your new Fitbit Flex 2 communicates via a set of lights. Knowing what the different light patterns mean is key to getting the most out of your tracker. Watch the video below or read on for a quick overview.

First-time setup: The first time you put your tracker in the charger before you set it up (pair), your Flex 2 will flash and vibrate to greet you. The top light changes color several times before flashing blue continuously. When you put the tracker in the wristband and begin the pairing process, all five lights flash in a looping pattern until you're prompted to double tap the tracker. When pairing is done, all five lights blink twice and you'll feel two short vibrations.
Charging: While Flex 2 is charging, each pulsing indicator light represents progress towards the total charge in increments of 25 percent. When Flex 2 is completely charged, a green light flashes and then all five lights shine for a few seconds before turning off.
Updating: We occasionally make free feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates. During an update, all five lights on Flex 2 flash in an upward pattern. If an update can't finish, you'll see your progress toward today's goal and receive an alert in the Fitbit app.
Activity goal tracking: Tap your Flex 2 to see your progress towards your daily activity goal. Each solid white light represents 25 percent of your goal, meaning for example that if your goal is 10,000 steps and you see four white lights, you've gone at least 7,500 steps. When you reach your goal Flex 2 vibrates and the lights flash in celebration. After you reach your goal and you check your goal progress you'll see a flashing green light and four white lights
Alarms: Flex 2 vibrates to wake you if you set a silent alarm. You'll also see a yellow light and three white lights for 30 seconds or until you double tap to dismiss the alarm.
Call notifications: If you have call notifications enabled and you receive a phone call with your phone nearby, Flex 2 vibrates two times and you'll see a pattern of one blue light and four white lights repeated four times, or until you answer the call or double tap Flex 2 to dismiss the notification.
Text notifications: If you have text notifications enabled and you receive a text message with your phone nearby, Flex 2 vibrates once and you'll see a blue light and one white light.
Reminders to move: When you receive a reminder to move Flex 2 vibrates twice and you'll see a magenta light and two white lights. When you meet the 250-step goal after receiving a reminder, you'll feel a second vibration and see a celebratory light pattern.
Low battery: When your tracker is in a low battery state, usually when you have about a day of battery life remaining, you'll see a flashing red light after you see your goal progress.

Accessorize! Now that you're dialed in, commit to wearing your new Fitbit Flex 2 every day. The variety of accessories available—from fun and sporty to eye-catchingly luxe—make it easy**. Check out the Flex 2 Lookbook for the full range of styles.

new Fitbit Flex 2 accessories

*Battery life may vary with use and other factors.

**Tracker sold separately.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.

Danielle Kosecki

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Senior health and fitness editor Danielle Kosecki is an award-winning journalist who has covered health and fitness for more than 10 years. She's written for Glamour, More, Prevention, and Bicycling magazines, among others, and is the editor of The Bicycling Big Book of Training. A New York native, Danielle now lives in the Bay Area where she doesn't miss winter at all.

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