Google’s Fitbit app is officially transitioning to the Google Health app. This mandatory update introduces a genuinely useful feature: a home screen widget that displays up to six fitness stats at a glance, so you won’t even need to open the app.
What’s Actually Changing
If you’re using Fitbit on Android, you’ve probably seen the prompts. Google Health 5.0 is rolling out now, and the change is mandatory — the Fitbit app you’ve been using is being replaced, not just updated. The new app features the Google Health branding, and as 9to5Google reported, this was hinted at weeks ago when Google first announced the rebrand.
The main highlight is the home screen widget. This lets you pin your most important fitness stats right to your Android home screen. It’s like having a dashboard in your car — instead of lifting the hood each time to check something, key readings are right there when you look down.
What the Widget Actually Shows
The new widget can display up to six fitness metrics simultaneously. While Google hasn’t released a complete list of what stats are supported, the widget is expected to pull from the same data that Google Health tracks, including steps, heart rate, sleep, calories, active minutes, and workout summaries. You can choose which six metrics matter most to you.
This is a big step up from the old Fitbit widget, which offered limited information. Having all six stats visible without unlocking your phone is especially handy for those who check their numbers throughout the day.
Why Google Is Doing This Now
Google acquired Fitbit in 2021 for about $2.1 billion, and since then, they’ve been gradually integrating Fitbit’s features into their ecosystem. Rebranding the app as Google Health is the most noticeable change yet — it shows that Google aims to make health and fitness tracking a core part of Android, rather than just a separate Fitbit product running on Android phones.
This move also puts Google Health in more direct competition with Apple Health, which has been a key feature of iPhones since 2014. Apple’s home screen widgets for health data have been popular among iPhone users for years. Now, Google is giving Android users a similar experience.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Company | Alphabet / Google |
| Ticker | GOOGL |
| Stock Price | $388.91 (+0.32%) |
| CEO | Sundar Pichai |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, CA |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Fitbit Acquisition Cost | ~$2.1 billion (2021) |
| Widget Stat Capacity | Up to 6 fitness metrics |
What This Means For You
If you’re a Fitbit app user on Android, you don’t have much choice here — the update is mandatory. But the good news is that the core functionality you’re used to will remain intact. Your data, device connections, and fitness history should transfer over to Google Health.
The new widget is a practical improvement. Instead of opening the app each time you want to check your step count or review your sleep, you can simply add the widget to your home screen and see everything in one place. For those who track fitness daily, this small reduction in friction really adds up.
One thing to consider: since this is now a Google product instead of a Fitbit product, your health data is more directly within Google’s ecosystem. If you’re concerned about data privacy, keep that in mind as you set up the new app.
Community Reactions
“Honestly fine with the rebrand if the widget is as customizable as they’re saying. Fitbit’s widget was pretty useless before.”
“RIP Fitbit. Grew up with that app. Hope Google doesn’t gut the social features.”
What To Watch
- Rollout completion: Google Health 5.0 is rolling out now but may take several weeks to reach all Android users globally. Check the Play Store for the update if you haven’t seen it yet.
- Wear OS integration: Google has been strengthening the connection between Android and Wear OS (its smartwatch software). Expect further announcements about how Google Health syncs with Pixel Watch and other Wear OS devices.
- Feature parity with Apple Health: Apple’s WWDC developer conference usually takes place in early June. If Apple announces new health features there, watch for Google to respond with its own updates later in the year.
- Fitbit hardware future: The app rebrand raises new questions about whether Fitbit-branded hardware will continue or eventually transition to Pixel branding. No official updates on this yet, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Sources: Android Authority, 9to5Google
Maya Torres
Maya Torres is the Consumer Tech Editor at Explosion.com with 7 years covering product launches for major technology publications. She has reviewed over 300 devices across smartphones, laptops, wearables, and smart home products. Maya specializes in translating spec sheets into real-world buying advice and attends CES, MWC, and Apple keynotes as press. Her reviews focus on helping readers decide what to buy, not just what specs look good on paper.
