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Fitbit doesn't have the Airplane Mode on any of its health tracker. Your only option to switch off Bluetooth is to power down Fitbit Tracker or disable the connection from phone.
What Is Airplane Mode?
Before we proceed too far to come back let’s define the Airplane Mode first. I’m sure most of you would be aware of what it means, to those who don’t, let’s take it step by step.
Airplane Mode is a feature mostly found in smartphones and smartwatches which when turned on can disable communication lines. In other words or just simple words, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and even Cellular Networks are discarded during Flight Mode. You can use your device to perform other tasks that don’t require network input. You can’t make calls or text when your smart device is under the guise of Airplane Mode.
There can be exceptions, for example on iPhone you can turn on Wi-Fi after turning on Airplane Mode. It varies from the manufacturer and the firmware.
Fitbit Stance on Flight Mode!
Fitbit has been the heart and mind of the Fitness Industry for a long time now. They have perfected the procedure of being the one to call upon when in need of a health tracker. Recent releases from the company have all been hit on the market and in the hands of wearers, but that doesn’t excuse them from their own flaws.
As we saw in the matter of Fall Detection on Fitbit and Blood Pressure things aren’t different here. Despite having the required hardware in place there is NO FITBIT TRACKER WITH AIRPLANE MODE in the market (Not even Fitbit Charge 5 or Fitbit Sense 2 have Airplane Mode!).
We can’t predict the future so perhaps there could be one someday. As of 2023 and after the release of Fitbit Sense 2 and Fitbit Versa 4 Flight Mode is something that continues to elude the Fitbit engineers.
So if you’d be in a place where it is necessary for you to turn off the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi you would’ve to turn off the Fitbit tracker itself. Or use the mobile phone to disturb the Bluetooth connection. This means you’d have to establish the Bluetooth connection again – not a fun thing to do.
Possible Reason Why Fitbit Doesn’t Have Airplane Mode?
As much as I’m trying not to say the word, Fitbit attitude towards the issue is quite ‘lazy‘ to say the least. Airplane Mode isn’t something that would require the complete upheaval of the FitbitOS (which isn’t perfect in itself – but that’s for another time).
However, if we put aside the sight of scrutiny, a case can be made that Fitbit devices don’t actively use the communication medium so the need for the Flight Mode isn’t the need. Apart from Bluetooth services like Wi-Fi and NFC are hardly in use at all times. So if someone is fearful of radiation they don’t have the need to be.
Is Airplane Mode Necessary?
Despite popular belief, Airplane Mode isn’t something that is only used in Airplanes. Consider this you have lost your charger (you don’t know the alternative ways to charge a Fitbit) and your Fitbit is losing the power with each second. In cases like this Airplane Mode can come to your rescue. It is the perfect solution to preserve battery. Your smartwatch stops looking for connection the minute it is under the Airplane Mode.
You can also use it to stop interference with the communication system. Many places like Military Establishments require you to turn on Airplane Mode on your smart devices. Not having one in your tracker will only force you to leave it at the entrance. Leading to the non-submission of health metrics, the very reason you bought the tracker.
The lack of Airplane Mode can also result in skewed findings. One of my friends reported his Fitbit Tracker had counted almost 2 Million steps while he was on the plane. Another one raised the concern about EM rays for her and the baby she was breastfeeding. She used to have Fitbit around her arm 24/7. Although we’ve debunked the issue and you can wear your trackers to sleep, you can’t stop the curious mind.
Can You Wear A Fitbit On A Plane?
As a matter of fact you can wear your Fitbit Device to any place you want. Of course, there it will advisable to make sure to check in with your airline first. Perhaps they have some specific policy which might hinder you take your health tracker.
Usually, there is no such restriction which will stop you from boarding a plane with Fitbit on your wrist. You might be asked to power it down during the take off but that’s just about it. There is nothing much you need to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not necessary. Although turning on Airplane Mode is good practice since Fitbit doesn’t have it, you don’t need to worry about it.
Yes, but your data wouldn’t be able to sync with your phone or account until you’d get Wi-Fi connection again.
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