How often do wearables sync and do syncs happen automatically in the background?
Fitrockr is able to automatically sync wearables in the background without interaction from the user. The process and capability (reliability and frequency) depends on each wearable brand.
Sync via Wearable App
Wearables that sync through the wearable app (e.g. Polar via Polar app, Oura via Oura app, etc.) will automatically sync to Fitrockr whenever the wearable syncs data to its app. This logic is entirely controlled by the wearable app and cannot be influenced by Fitrockr. In general, wearables sync several times per day to their wearable app.
Sync via Fitrockr App
Wearables that sync directly via the Fitrockr app (e.g. Garmin via Fitrockr app) will automatically sync to Fitrockr regularly in the background. The frequency is set to multiple times per day by default. Frequency can be adjusted* on request (*will involve extra cost).
Limitations and Restrictions
Automated hourly background syncs via the Fitrockr app have a few aspects to consider:
▶︎ Android users have to manually approve background syncs during onboarding of the Fitrockr app.
▶︎ If Android users onboarded without background sync approval, setting can be (re)activated on the Android phone as follows:
Settings > Apps > Fitrockr Sync > App Battery Usage > Allow Background Usage > Unrestricted
Alternatively, Fitrockr app can just be reinstalled to run through onboarding again. Remember to sync before deleting the app to avoid data loss.
▶︎ iOS users do not have to manually allow background syncs during onboarding of the Fitrockr app. This setting will be applied automatically.
▶︎ Background sync may only work if the Fitrockr app is not closed. Users should be advised to just minimize the Fitrockr app and not fully close it (swipe up).
▶︎ Background sync and frequency is not guaranteed! Reason is that Android and iOS operating systems ultimately decide if and when a sync happens.
Troubleshooting tip: if background syncs were to stop for a user, do the following:
– if Android, check if background sync is enabled in Android settings and if applicable activate the setting and start the app.
– if iOS, advise user to reopen (close and open) the app which will automatically reactivate the background sync.