iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If your Fitbit doesn’t vibrate when a message arrives, first turn off Do Not Disturb and Sleep Mode on the device and check its vibration setting. Then confirm the message notification appears on your phone, the phone is near and connected to the Fitbit, and the phone and Google Health app are allowed to deliver notifications. The exact menus vary by Fitbit model, and Android and iPhone require different checks.
1. Turn off Fitbit quiet modes and check vibration strength
On your Fitbit, open quick settings and check both Do Not Disturb and Sleep Mode. Either can mute notifications. If Sleep Mode is scheduled, it may remain on until its configured end time; turn it off manually or review its schedule. Also check the device’s vibration-strength control, since a low setting can make an alert difficult to notice. Google Health’s navigation instructions explain that gestures and menu labels vary by model, so use the sequence for your specific device rather than assuming one path works on every Fitbit: Google Health: How do I navigate my Fitbit device?
2. Confirm that your phone receives the message alert
A Fitbit relays notifications from a nearby phone; it does not independently generate the phone’s message alert. Send or receive a test message and verify that its notification appears on the phone. Check the phone’s Do Not Disturb, Focus, driving mode, and quiet-hours settings if the alert is missing or suppressed. Google Health says the phone must be within 30 feet of the Fitbit for notifications. It also notes that if the conversation is already open on the phone, a new Fitbit text notification will not appear; the device shows new, unread texts.
Google Health describes the feature this way: “Your Fitbit device can receive notifications from your nearby phone to keep you informed about calls, texts, meeting alerts, and app updates.” Available notification types depend on the Fitbit model.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Superb Visual Experience & Effortless Operation】Diving into the latest 1.58'' ultra high resolution display technology, every interaction on the fitness watch is a visual delight with vibrant colors and crisp clarity. Its always on display clock makes the time conveniently visible. Experience convenience like never before with the intuitive full touch controls and the side button, switch between apps, and customize settings with seamless precision.
- 【Comprehensive 24/7 Health Monitoring】The fitness watches for women and men packs 24/7 heart rate, 24/7 blood pressure and blood oxygen monitors. You could check those real-time health metrics anytime, anywhere on your wrist and view the data record in the App. The heart rate monitor watch also tracks different sleep stages for light and deep sleep,and the time when you wake up, helps you to get a better understanding of your sleep quality.
- 【120+ exercise modes & All-Day Activity Tracking】There are more than 120 exercise modes available in the activity trackers and smartwatches, covering almost all daily sports activities you can imagine, gives you new ways to train and advanced metrics for more information about your workout performance. The all-day activity tracking feature monitors your steps, distance, and calories burned all the day, so you can see how much progress you've made towards your fitness goals.
- 【Messages & Incoming Calls Notification】With this smart watch fitness trackers for iPhone and android phones, you can receive notifications for incoming calls and read messages directly from your wrist without taking out your phone. Never miss a beat, stay in touch with loved ones, and stay informed of important updates wherever you are.
- 【Essential Assistant for Daily Life】The fitness watches for women and men provide you with more features including drinking water and sedentary reminder, women's menstrual period reminder, breath training, real-time weather display, remote camera shooting, music control,timer, stopwatch, finding phone, alarm clock, making it a considerate life assistant. With the GPS connectivity, you could get a map of your workout route in the app for outdoor activity by connecting to your phone GPS.
3. Check connection and notification settings by phone platform
Android
- Update the Google Health app, the Fitbit device, and Android.
- Confirm Bluetooth is on and the Fitbit is connected to the phone.
- In phone settings, allow notifications for the messaging app, including delivery on the lock screen.
- Allow the Google Health app to run in the background so it can maintain notification delivery.
- In the Google Health app, open the Fitbit device’s Notifications > Vibration Settings and enable Always Vibrate, if that option is available for your device.
Google Health’s Android instructions are here: Change phone notifications on my Fitbit device – Android.
iPhone
- Confirm Bluetooth is on, the Fitbit is connected, and notifications for the messaging app are enabled.
- Check that the phone is not in a quiet mode that prevents the message alert, and review the Fitbit’s own quiet modes as well.
- Check the Google Health app’s background access where applicable.
- If Share System Notifications appears for the Fitbit in iPhone Bluetooth settings, turn it off and then back on as a troubleshooting step.
Google Health’s iPhone instructions are here: Change phone notifications on my Fitbit device – iPhone & iPad.
Rank #2
- Google Fitbit Air is the unbelievably comfortable, exceptionally smart way to transform your health[1]; and Google Health brings together effortless tracking and adaptive coaching to help make the most of your everyday[2]
- Unlock more with Google Health Premium: With a premium membership, get personalized coaching that’s built with Gemini and adapts to your life[2]; get a 3-month trial at no cost to you[5] (Google Health Premium subscription sold separately)
- Comfortable fit - One Size Tracker (130-210 mm): The lightweight, micro-adjustable fit sits comfortably and quietly, so you can wear Google Fitbit Air through work, play, and sleep; advanced sensors and new algorithms power more accurate, precise health tracking, 24/7[1]
- Designed for every occasion: With no screen to distract you or disrupt your style, your tracker moves seamlessly from bracelet to workout band to sleep band, and you can change looks in seconds – just press the pebble in, click, and go
- Long battery life: Google Fitbit Air’s battery lasts up to a week, and fast charging gets you one day of battery life in just five minutes[6,7]
4. Use the symptoms to narrow down the cause
- The phone shows no message alert: Fix the messaging app’s notification or phone quiet-mode settings first. The Fitbit can only relay alerts the phone makes available.
- The phone shows the message, but the Fitbit does not: Check the Bluetooth connection, distance, background access, and platform-specific notification settings above.
- The Fitbit receives messages but stays silent: Check Do Not Disturb, Sleep Mode, and vibration strength on the Fitbit.
- Alarms and other alerts are silent too: The issue may affect vibration beyond message notifications. Follow Google Health’s device alert troubleshooting guidance to test the vibration function: Why didn’t my Fitbit device alert me?
Because the Fitbit model is unspecified, these symptoms alone do not establish a hardware fault. Use the model-specific alert test before concluding that the device needs repair.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Inspire 3 is the tracker that helps you find your energy, do what you love and feel your best – all you have to do is wear it;
- Compatible with Apple iOS 16.4 or higher and Android OS 11.0 or higher
- Move more: Stay motivated with a Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 40+ exercise modes, automatic exercise tracking, and reminders to move
- Stress less: Keep an eye on your well-being with a daily Stress Management Score, mindfulness sessions, relax breathing sessions, irregular heart rhythm notifications, SpO2, menstrual health tracking, resting heart rate, and more[1,2]
- Sleep better: Automatic sleep tracking, a daily detailed Sleep Score, smart wake vibrating alarm, and sleep mode help you improve your sleep quality[3]
Rank #4
- Get inspired and stay accountable with Versa 4 + Premium - learn when to work out or recover, see real-time stats during exercise and find new ways to keep your routine fresh and fun.Operating temperature: -14° to 113°F. Radio transceiver: Bluetooth 5.0.Maximum operating altitude : 28,000 feet (8,534 m).
- Built for better fitness results: Daily Readiness Score(1), built-in GPS and workout intensity map, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 40+ exercise modes and automatic exercise tracking, water resistant to 50 meters
- Tools to measure and improve sleep quality: personalized Sleep Profile(1), daily sleep stages & Sleep Score, smart wake alarm and do not disturb mode. Compatibility-Apple iOS 15 or higher, Android OS 9 or higher
- Maintain a healthy body and mind: daily Stress Management Score, reflection logging, SpO2(2), health metrics dashboard(3), guided breathing sessions, menstrual health tracking and mindfulness content
- Designed for fitness & beyond: on-wrist Bluetooth calls, texts and phone notifications(4), customizable clock faces, Fitbit Pay(5), Amazon Alexa built-in(6), Google Wallet & Maps (Google Maps Android only, coming Spring 2023 to iOS), 6+ day battery(7)
Rank #3
- Learn to manage stress, sleep better and live healthier with Sense 2 – an advanced health and fitness smartwatch
- Manage stress and live healthier: All-day stress detection with cEDA and daily Stress Management Score, ECG app for atrial fibrillation assessment[1], irregular heart rhythm notifications[2], SpO2[3], health metrics dashboard[4], mindfulness content
- Measure and improve sleep quality: Daily sleep stages and Sleep Score, smart wake alarm and do not disturb mode
- Enhance activity: Built-in GPS and workout intensity map, Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and 24/7 heart rate, 40+ exercise modes and automatic exercise tracking, water resistant to 50 meters
- Designed for all-day wear: On-wrist Bluetooth calls, texts and phone notifications[5], customizable clock faces, Amazon Alexa built-in[6], Google Wallet & Maps, 6+ day battery[7]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
