Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Google is phasing out Google Assistant on the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3—not on every Fitbit device. Google says the change will happen “over the coming weeks,” but its notice does not give a single shutdown date. Alexa remains an option on supported devices, countries, and languages. Crucially, Google’s specific wording confirms the loss of “voice control for activities”; it does not clearly spell out whether every other Assistant command is also being disabled.
Which Fitbit models are affected?
Google’s notice names two watches: Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3. It does not announce a simultaneous removal across the entire Fitbit range.
| Device | What Google has confirmed | What owners should do |
|---|---|---|
| Fitbit Sense | Google Assistant voice control for activities is being phased out. | Use Alexa if supported, or continue using the watch without relying on voice control. |
| Fitbit Versa 3 | Google Assistant voice control for activities is being phased out. | Use Alexa if supported, or continue using the watch without relying on voice control. |
| Other Fitbit trackers | The notice does not say they are losing Google Assistant. Trackers that never offered it are not losing that feature. | Check the support information for the exact model rather than assuming the Sense and Versa 3 change applies. |
| Sense 2 and Versa 4 | The notice does not say these models are receiving Google Assistant or restoring the Sense and Versa 3 experience. | Confirm the exact features you want before buying; do not purchase either on the assumption that it includes the old Assistant experience. See Google’s current Fitbit lineup. |
What exactly is being removed—and when?
Google’s published language is narrower than the shorthand “Assistant is gone”: it says “Google Assistant voice control for activities” will no longer be available on Sense and Versa 3. The notice does not enumerate what happens to commands such as timers, weather, alarms, reminders, or smart-home controls. Those commands should not be described as definitely continuing—or definitely disappearing—without confirmation for the affected watch and its current software.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Google says the phase-out will occur “over the coming weeks” and does not publish a universal end date in the cited notice. Its timing may therefore vary as availability changes. As of August 18, 2026, no single final shutdown date is stated in that notice. This is a feature change, not an announcement that the watches themselves will stop working.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.59in l x 1.59in w x 0.49in h. ECG, stress sensing and a skin temperature sensor. Get notifications for calls, texts, calendar events and apps like Gmail and Facebook plus send quick replies and voice replies right from your wrist.
- Compatibility: Apple iOS 12.2 or higher, Android OS 7.0 or higher, Syncing range: Up to 30ft, Music control via Bluetooth Classic on Android and Bluetooth LE on iOS devices.
- Built-in GPS + GLONASS, Speaker, Microphone, Multi-path optical heart rate sensor, IR sensors for oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring
- Water-resistant to 50 meters. Battery life up to 6+ days. Heart rate tracking technology. Saves 7 days of detailed motion data minute by minute.
- International Model - No warranty in the US. In Box: Fitbit Versa 3, Classic wristband (both small & large), Charging cable
Can you switch to Alexa?
Google says Amazon Alexa will continue to be available on Fitbit devices, but support varies by country and language. Check the official voice-assistant support page for availability and setup guidance before counting on it.
Google’s current information does not establish one reliable menu path for every owner. The Fitbit companion app transition to Google Health may also mean that app names and screens differ between users, platforms, and accounts. Follow the instructions shown for your device in Google’s support page rather than relying on an older tutorial that assumes the same Fitbit-app menus.
Alexa is a different assistant, not a Google Assistant mode with identical commands. Its account links, smart-home compatibility, and command coverage may differ. If Alexa is unavailable in your region or does not support a task you depend on, the watch can still be used for its other functions, or you can make that limitation part of your upgrade decision.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- Assess your heart for atrial fibrillation -a heart rhythm irregularity- and easily share results with your doctor (The Fitbit ECG app is only available in select countries. Not intended for use by people under 22 years old.Operating temperature: 14° to 113°F
- An on-wrist skin temperature sensor tracks yours each night so you can see how it varies. You can also see your nightly blood oxygen levels at a glance with our collection of clock faces.Radio transceiver: Bluetooth 5.0.Operating temperature: -10° to 45° C
- High & low heart rate notifications alert you if yours seems above or below your average.Battery lasts 6 plus days plus, fast charging gives you a full day's charge in just 12 minutes (Varies with use and other factors; up to 12 hours with continuous GPS).Use built-in GPS during runs, hikes, rides and more to see pace & distance without your phone and use the built-in mic and speaker to take Bluetooth calls hands-free when your phone is nearby (Requires more frequent charging).
Is Gemini replacing Assistant on the watch?
Not according to the official material cited here. Google describes Gemini as part of Google Health Coach, a personalized health and fitness coaching experience in the Google Health app—not as a confirmed on-watch replacement for Assistant’s voice commands.
| Experience | What it is | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Google Assistant on Sense and Versa 3 | The existing watch assistant; Google says its voice control for activities is being phased out. | Google’s notice does not clarify the status of every other command. |
| Amazon Alexa on Fitbit | The remaining watch-based assistant option where device, country, and language support it. | It is not a guaranteed like-for-like replacement for Google Assistant. |
| Google Health Coach | A Gemini-built coaching experience in the Google Health app, described by Google. | It is not confirmation that Gemini can take over Assistant’s on-watch tasks. |
| Gemini on a phone | A phone-based assistant experience, separate from the watch’s voice-assistant feature. | It does not make the Fitbit itself a Gemini-enabled watch or guarantee control of Fitbit functions. |
What changes with the Fitbit-to-Google Health transition?
Google says the Fitbit app began transitioning to the Google Health app on May 19, 2026, with existing users receiving the change through an app update. Fitbit Premium is being renamed Google Health Premium in supported markets. Google describes Health Coach as a Gemini-powered part of that broader app transition; neither the rebrand nor the coaching feature is evidence that Gemini is replacing Assistant on Sense or Versa 3. See Google’s transition information and its Google Health announcement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you keep your watch or replace it?
Keep the Sense or Versa 3 if tracking matters more than voice commands
Assistant’s removal does not, by itself, mean activity, sleep, or heart-rate tracking has stopped. If those core functions, your existing health-data history, and the watch’s familiar Fitbit experience meet your needs, you do not need to replace it solely because of this announcement.
Rank #3
- Optimize your workouts with a Daily Readiness Score that reveals if you’re ready to exercise or should focus on recover (requires Fitbit Premium membership. Premium content recommendations are not available in all locales and may be in English only)
- EDA Scan app detects electrodermal activity which may indicate your body's response to stress and a built-in skin temperature sensor logs yours each night so you can see when it varies
- With a compatible ECG app right on your wrist, assess your heart for atrial fibrillation--a heart rhythm irregularity--and share the results with your doctor (Only available in select countries. Not intended for use by people under 22 years old)
- An on-wrist skin temperature sensor tracks yours each night so you can see how it varies
- Includes a 6-month Premium membership complete with personalized insights, advanced analytics, guided programs and more (New & returning Premium users only. Must activate trial within 60-days of device activation. Content and features may change)
Google’s legacy-device policy says devices typically receive software updates for at least two years after they were last sold on Fitbit.com or the Google Store. It also describes longer-term limits that can eventually affect updates, troubleshooting, and possibly app pairing. That general policy is separate from the Assistant phase-out; Google has not said this change means Sense or Versa 3 pairing is ending now.
Choose a newer Fitbit for the Fitbit-style tracking ecosystem, not to get Assistant back
Google’s current lineup includes products such as Fitbit Charge 6, Sense 2, Versa 4, and Fitbit Air. The store listing establishes that these are products in the lineup, not that they restore the old Assistant experience. Charge 6 may suit someone seeking a screened tracker with GPS and Google services; Sense 2 or Versa 4 may appeal to Fitbit users who want a watch-shaped device. Fitbit Air is screenless, so it is a poor fit for anyone seeking an on-wrist display or smartwatch controls. Check each model’s confirmed features on Google’s lineup page before buying.
Google announced Fitbit Air on May 7, 2026, at a U.S. starting price of $99.99; the U.S. Special Edition was listed at $129.99. Google stated up to one week of battery life and said eligible purchases include a three-month Google Health Premium trial. The announcement says the trial renews at $9.99 per month unless canceled, subject to offer terms and eligibility. Air requires the Google Health app and a Google Account. These launch and offer details are from Google’s announcement; they are not a reason to expect Assistant on the device.
Choose a Pixel Watch for a fuller Google smartwatch experience
If your priority is Google services, richer apps, notifications, navigation, payments, and smartwatch features, consider Pixel Watch rather than assuming a newer Fitbit will provide them. It is a better fit for Android users who accept a more watch-like device and its different battery-life trade-offs. Google presents Pixel Watch alongside Fitbit in its Google Health ecosystem.
Quick Recap
Consider another platform when its strengths match your priorities
- Apple Watch: A natural option for iPhone owners seeking close Apple integration and broad smartwatch functions; it is a poor fit for Android users. See Apple’s Watch page.
- Garmin: Worth considering when training, GPS, exercise metrics, and battery life take priority over Google services. See Garmin’s wearables.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch: A smartwatch alternative for people who want Android and Samsung integration. See Samsung’s watch lineup.
- Oura or WHOOP: Consider these if sleep, recovery, and passive health tracking matter more than a traditional watch display and smartwatch features. Review the subscription model and feature set before choosing: Oura and WHOOP.
What Fitbit owners should do next
- Check your model. The named affected watches are Sense and Versa 3.
- Decide whether you use Assistant commands. Google has confirmed activity voice-control removal but has not listed the status of every other command.
- Check Alexa availability. Confirm device, country, and language support using Google’s current instructions before trying to switch.
- Do not replace a working watch just because of this notice. Upgrade only if a specific missing feature or the longer-term support outlook warrants it.
- Verify any replacement’s features directly. In particular, do not assume a current Fitbit includes Google Assistant or that Google Health Coach is an on-watch substitute.
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.
