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Wearables and health

Google Fitbit Air early deliveries hit a snag: missing Android app update causes pairing woes

By Adamya Sharma • 2 hours ago • 0 comments

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TL;DR

• Some customers have received the Google Fitbit Air ahead of its expected May 26 delivery window.
• Early Android buyers cannot pair the device because the required Google Health 5.0 update hasn't fully rolled out.
• Google has confirmed the app pairing issue and says support for syncing Google Health data to Apple Health is coming soon.

The Google Fitbit Air was originally scheduled to reach early buyers around May 26, but some customers have already received the new screenless fitness tracker ahead of schedule. While the expedited shipping is a pleasant surprise, many Android users who have received the wearable are unable to use it due to a missing app update.

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Over the weekend, a Reddit user reported receiving their Google Fitbit Air early but being unable to pair it with their phone. "Got mine today as well, but I’m stuck on — app update required — and can’t actually pair it," the user noted. A member of Google's product team quickly responded, confirming that the device requires an updated version of the app that hasn't fully rolled out to all Android users yet.

The product team member said, "Hey, Andy from Google product team here – looks like your order arrived early! Sorry for the experience, as others have said here, confirming you do need the updated app. We are doing our best today to accelerate the rollout of the updated app on Android via Play to accommodate early deliveries and it should be available shortly. Anyone on iOS should be able to update via the App Store already. Look for an update soon, as yes, you do need the new Google Health (version 5.0) to pair and use the product."

Google began rolling out version 5.0 of the new Google Health app a few days ago. Many users, including those with Pixel phones, have already received the update, but it appears the rollout hasn't reached everyone yet. As the Google team member explained, the update required to pair the new Google Fitbit Air should be available very soon and may already be rolling out more widely.

Interestingly, another user asked whether Google Health can write data to Apple Health and Apple Fitness. In response, the Google product team member said support for writing to Apple Health is "coming soon." This feature could allow fitness and health data tracked through Google Health and the Fitbit Air to sync directly into Apple's ecosystem, potentially broadening the device's appeal among iPhone users.

The Google Fitbit Air is a screenless fitness tracker that marks the first device released under Google's ownership of Fitbit. The product was announced in early 2025 as a more affordable alternative to traditional smartwatches, focusing on health tracking and seamless integration with the Google ecosystem. Key features include heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking, and integration with Google Health. The device is designed to compete with other minimalist trackers such as the WHOOP band and the Oura Ring.

This is not the first time a new wearable has faced software issues upon early delivery. Similar problems have occurred with other devices, including the Apple Watch and various Samsung Galaxy Wearables, where firmware or app updates were not yet available for early adopters. Google's prompt acknowledgment of the issue and commitment to accelerate the rollout is a positive sign, but it also highlights the challenges of coordinating hardware and software launches.

The rollout of Google Health 5.0 is part of Google's broader effort to unify health data across its ecosystem, replacing the previous Google Fit app. The new app offers improved data visualization, better integration with third-party health services, and a more streamlined user experience. The Fitbit Air is the first device to require this new app, which means that even existing Fitbit users may need to update their software before using the new tracker.

For those who have already received their Google Fitbit Air and are waiting for the app update, Google advises checking the Play Store regularly for the Google Health update. Once installed, users will need to follow the pairing instructions within the app. The device itself is expected to work seamlessly once the correct software is in place.

The early deliveries have generated excitement among fitness enthusiasts and tech reviewers, but the app issue has tempered that enthusiasm slightly. Some users have expressed frustration on social media, but most understand that early adopters often face such hiccups. Google's responsiveness on Reddit has been praised, demonstrating that the company is actively monitoring feedback.

Looking ahead, the Google Fitbit Air is poised to become a strong competitor in the screenless fitness tracker market. Its integration with Google services, including Google Health and Google Fit, gives it an advantage over devices that rely on proprietary apps. Additionally, the upcoming Apple Health sync feature could attract users who want to combine Android's health tracking with Apple's ecosystem for fitness data.

In summary, while early deliveries of the Google Fitbit Air have encountered a temporary pairing issue due to an incomplete Android app rollout, Google is working to resolve it swiftly. The company has communicated clearly with affected users and is accelerating the update. Once the Google Health 5.0 update is widely available, Android users will be able to enjoy the full capabilities of their new fitness tracker. Meanwhile, iOS users can already pair the device, and future updates will bring support for Apple Health integration. The Google Fitbit Air represents an important step forward for Google's wearable strategy, and despite this early hiccup, the device is expected to perform well once all software pieces are in place.

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Source: Android Authority News