Google Fit can track activity such as steps and distance using device sensors, and a Wear OS watch can add supported data such as heart rate. On Android, Health Connect can also share data from other apps with Google Fit. What you can track and how settings work depend on your device and Android version.
This guide explains how to set up tracking, connect a watch and other apps, manage your data, and understand the separate API changes that matter to developers.
What Google Fit does
Google Fit collects and displays activity and health data from supported devices and connected apps. Its automatic tracking can recognize everyday activities and workouts, including walking or cycling, without requiring you to start each one manually. You can turn tracking on or off in the app settings.
Google says Fit uses device sensors to collect physical activity data such as steps and distance, even when the app is closed. The exact metrics and controls available depend on the device and software version. Treat estimates as activity-tracking information, not a medical diagnosis.
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Phone-only tracking compared with a Wear OS watch
| Setup | What it can provide | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone with Google Fit | Automatic activity data such as steps and distance, when tracking is enabled and supported. | Tracking depends on the phone’s sensors, permissions, and settings. |
| Wear OS watch with Google Fit | Supported watch-based activity data, which can include steps, distance, and heart rate. | Available metrics vary by watch. Using Fit on both the watch and phone can provide more information and enable syncing. |
| Google Fit with Health Connect | Data shared by compatible Android health and fitness apps can appear in Fit. | You control which apps can access Health Connect data; review access and sharing settings. |
If you are choosing a watch, check that its current software and app support match what you want to track. A Wear OS smartwatch for activity tracking is optional; Google Fit can also track supported activity from a phone.
Set up tracking and connect a watch
- Install or open Google Fit on your Android phone and sign in.
- Review the app’s tracking settings and enable automatic tracking if you want Fit to collect activity when you have not started a workout manually.
- Review the permissions requested by Fit. Allow only the access you want to grant; exact permission names and menus vary by Android version.
- If you use a Wear OS watch, install or open Google Fit on the watch as well. Follow the on-screen pairing and account instructions, and check the watch’s available permissions and metrics.
- Give the phone and watch time to sync, then check Fit’s activity statistics or journal. If data is missing, verify tracking, permissions, account, and connection settings on both devices.
Google’s help documentation recommends using Fit on both the watch and phone for more information and syncing. It does not promise identical features across watch models or that every metric will be available in every situation.
Connect Google Fit to Health Connect
Health Connect is an Android service that lets compatible apps share health and fitness data. Google Fit can display data shared through Health Connect. You can manage which apps have access and disconnect Fit when you no longer want it to access or edit Health Connect data.
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- Open Google Fit settings and enable Fit syncing with Health Connect, following the prompts shown on your device.
- Open Health Connect and review its connected-app permissions.
- Choose which data types you want to share and which apps may read or write them.
- Periodically review connected apps and remove access you no longer want.
Disconnecting an app prevents future access through that connection; it does not necessarily erase copies already held by an app or historical data it previously downloaded. Use the relevant service’s own controls if you want to export or delete data there.
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What happens to your Google Fit data?
Google describes Health Connect data as stored on your device, with controls for deciding which apps can access it and for how long. Google Fit also provides controls to export or delete Fit activity data. Review both Fit and Health Connect settings, as well as the controls of any connected app, to understand what is stored and shared.
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For details, see Google’s guidance on connected app sharing and data control and automatic tracking and Fit data.
Google Fit API changes: a note for developers
The API transition is developer guidance, not a confirmed shutdown date for the consumer Google Fit app. Google’s migration guide says the Google Fit API, including the REST API, is supported until the end of 2026. It recommends Health Connect for step tracking and mobile-first apps, and the Google Health API for cloud-based integrations. The appropriate route depends on an app’s architecture and features.
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Google’s documentation also says developers could no longer sign up for Fit APIs as of May 1, 2024. Developers should consult the Fit migration guide and migration FAQ for current implementation guidance. These dates describe API support and developer access, not an announced end date for the Google Fit app.
FAQ
How does Google Fit track my steps?
Google Fit can use sensors on your device to collect activity data such as steps and distance, including while the app is closed, if tracking is enabled. The available settings and results depend on your device and Android version.
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How do I connect Google Fit to my smartwatch?
Use Google Fit on both your Android phone and supported Wear OS watch, then follow the pairing, account, and permission prompts on your devices. Watch capabilities vary, so check which metrics your specific model supports.
How do I sync Google Fit with Health Connect?
Enable Fit syncing in Google Fit settings, then use Health Connect to manage connected apps and the data they can share. Menu labels may vary by device and software version.
What happens to my Google Fit data if I disconnect an app?
Disconnecting prevents Fit from accessing or editing Health Connect data through that connection going forward. It does not necessarily delete data copies or history already held by Fit or the other app. Review each service’s own export and deletion controls.
Will Google Fit stop working when its APIs reach their support deadline?
The end-of-2026 date in Google’s migration guide concerns developer API support. It is not a confirmed shutdown date for the consumer Google Fit app.
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