Best Answer: Yes! In order to get the most out of your Fitbit Alta HR, you need the Fitbit app, which is available on the App Store. The Fitbit Alta HR connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and all of your data gets synced automatically each and every time you open the app and have your Fitbit Alta HR nearby. Once you pair your Fitbit Alta HR with the Fitbit app, you can see your steps, calories burned, exercise history, and sleep patterns. You can also log food and water, participate in challenges with friends, and much more.

The Fitbit Alta wristband is made of a flexible, durable elastomer material similar to that used in many sports watches. The Alta tracker and clasp are made with surgical-grade stainless steel. The black/gold Alta and pink/gold Alta feature a 22k gold-plated stainless steel.

Amazon: Fitbit Alta HR ($128)

So all I need is a Fitbit Alta HR, the Fitbit app, and my iPhone?

Pretty much. All Fitbit devices connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth, and you just download the free Fitbit app from the App Store.

Alternatively, if you do not have an iPhone, you can still set it up with your iPad or an Android phone or tablet, or even with a Windows or Mac computer. You'll need the respective Fitbit app version to go with the device you want to sync with, of course.

If you sync the Alta HR to your iPhone though, you'll be able to get call, text, and calendar alerts right on the Alta HR display. This feature is specific to phones only.

What does the Fitbit app keep track of?

The Fitbit app helps you visualize your activity data and monitor your progress to a healthier, more active lifestyle. When you sync data from your Fitbit Alta HR to the app, you'll see how many steps you've taken, calories burned, exercise minutes, flights of stairs climbed, how close you are to your daily goals, sleep tracking, and other fun stuff.

And since eating right is a big part of staying healthy, the Fitbit app also lets users manually log their food consumption and water intake for the day. Doing this lets you see how many calories you've eaten, so you know exactly how much you need to burn to maintain or lose weight.

How often do I need to sync my data?

Fitbit alta hr app for laptop

All Fitbit activity trackers are able to store seven days worth of detailed minute-by-minute data. If you wait longer than these seven days to sync your Fitbit to your iPhone or chosen device, then you only see the most recent week's detailed data.

Fitbit Alta Hr App For Mac

However, summary data (calories, distance, steps, and floors) is stored for 30 days. Regardless, you should sync as often as you can if you care about keeping your data up-to-date.

Do I need an iPhone or other device in order to use my Fitbit Alta HR?

Alta

Unfortunately, it seems that Fitbits are not designed to be used without syncing your data to their web servers. You will need to create a free Fitbit account if you do not already have one, and again, only so much data is stored on the tracker before it must be synced.

Our pick

Fitbit Alta HR

A sleek activity and heart rate tracker

The Fitbit Alta HR is a slim profile activity tracker that also monitors your heart rate. You can track your steps, calories, sleep activity, heart rate, exercise, and more with your Fitbit Alta HR and the Fitbit app.

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It's raining men (and Fitbits)

Get a Fitbit for your dad this Father's Day to keep him active

Father's Day is coming up, so get your dad a Fitbit that can track the metrics he wants. Whether it's weightlifting, cycling, running, or other forms of exercise, these are the best Fitbits for men.

You don't just have to use your Fitbit on iPhone. If you have a Mac at home, work, or school, you can totally set up and manage your Fitbit fitness tracker on macOS as well. There's both a Fitbit Connect app and a web portal, that'll help you get set up and going, right from your Mac!

Products used in this guide

  • Best Fitbit for most people: Fitbit Charge 4 ($150 at Fitbit)
  • Smartwatch and fitness tracker hybrid: Fitbit Versa 2 ($170 at Fitbit)

How to download the Fitbit Connect app for Mac

Fitbit has an app known as Fitbit Connect, which allows you pair and sync your Fitbit tracker with your Mac using the handy wireless USB dongle.

  1. First, download the free Fitbit Connect app.
  2. Click Download for Mac.
  3. Open a new Finder window.
  4. Click Downloads in the menu.

    Source: iMore

  5. Double click the Fitbit disk image file. Its name will start with 'FibtitConnect_Mac...'
  6. Double click the Fitbit installer file. It looks like a cardboard box and is called 'Install Fitbit Connect.pkg.'

    Source: iMore

  7. Click Continue on the introduction page of the install wizard.
  8. Click Continue on the software license agreement.

    Source: iMore

  9. Click Agree to agree to the terms and conditions.
  10. Click Continue when you have chosen the drive on which to save the Fitbit Connect app.

    Source: iMore

  11. Click Install.
  12. Enter your password and click Install Software.

    Source: iMore

Boom, you've got the Fitbit Connect app! You open it just as you would any other application – either from the Finder or from your dock. Now you'll be able to access your Dashboard, participate in challenges, and more, all from your Mac!

How to pair a new Fitbit tracker with your Mac

Now that you've got the Fitbit Connect app downloaded, you'll probably want to pair your Fitbit with your Mac. This is done using the wireless dongle that came in your Fitbit's box, so make sure you plug it into an available USB port before starting the setup process. It looks like a thumb drive, but just the tip.

This process continues straight from installing Fitbit Connect.

  1. Click Set Up a New Fitbit Device.
  2. Click New to Fitbit.

    Source: iMore

  3. Enter your email address and create a password.
  4. Click the box next to 'I agree to the Fitbit Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.'
  5. Click Sign Up.

    Source: iMore

  6. Enter your info on the 'Tell us about yourself' page.
  7. Click Sign Up.
  8. Click the Fitbit tracker that you're setting up.

    Source: iMore

  9. Click Next through the information screens.

  10. Perform the action requested.
    • Enter the code that appears on your Fitbit's display.
    • Tap your Flex until you feel it vibrate.
  11. Click Next or I felt it buzz, depending on your Fitbit model.

    Source: iMore

  12. Click Next on the connection confirmation screen.
  13. Click Go to Dashboard.

    Source: iMore

That's all there is to it; your Fitbit tracker is now paired with your Mac. Not only that, but you've now signed up for a Fitbit account as well. Two birds are dead, and you've only tossed one stone.

Keep in mind that you'll need that dongle plugged in all the time if you want your tracker to sync with your Mac continually.

So long as your Mac remains connected to the internet, your Fitbit tracker will wirelessly sync when you're within 20 feet of it. You'll be able to log in to your Fitbit Connect app and see your up-to-date progress without having to connect any cables or clicking the Sync button.

Our top equipment picks

Best all around Fitbit

Fitbit Charge 4

An all-round great wearable

Now with built-in GPS and Fitbit Pay feature on board, the Fitbit Charge 4 is a great tracker for everyday use. Hit the gym, hike a trail, or jump on your bike, the Charge 4 will be with you every step of the way.

It tracks 15 types of workouts, can dive 50 meters into the water, gets seven days of battery life, and does notifications from your iPhone or Android device. It's a truly versatile product for a very reasonable price.

Fitbit smartwatch

Fitbit Versa 2

Fitness and smarts rolled into one

This Smartwatch features Amazon Alexa, a light, sleek design, fitness tracking, has a battery life of 5+ days, and access to all your favorite apps.

The Versa looks and feels the most like a smartwatch out of Fitbit's lineup, and it offers a comprehensive suite of apps, watch faces, and fitness-related features to satisfy even the most hardcore of users. While it's fully waterproof, it lacks GPS for standalone runs, and its 5-day battery life isn't quite as long as the Charge 4's.

Fitbit Alta Hr App For Mac Download

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Fit for a Fitbit

Alta Fitbit App For Computer

Swap out the strap with the best bands for the Fitbit Ace 2

Fitbit Alta Application

If you want to get your kid an alternative — or a spare — band for their precious Fitbit Ace 2, we can help. We've got all the best bands available for the popular wearable, from official options direct from Fitbit, to more affordable third-party choices from other manufacturers.