Introduction
Google has announced that Google Fit will be phased out, replaced by the rebranded Fitbit app now called Google Health. For users who have been tracking their activity, heart rate, sleep, and more with Google Fit, this change may seem disruptive. However, Google is planning to release a dedicated migration tool later this year to help you move your data over. This step-by-step guide walks you through everything you need to do to prepare for the transition, use the migration tool when it arrives, and settle into Google Health without losing your precious fitness history. Whether you’re an occasional walker or a committed athlete, these steps will ensure you don’t miss a step.
What You Need
- Your Google account – The same one you used for Google Fit.
- A mobile device (iOS or Android) – Both Google Fit and Google Health are available on these platforms.
- The Google Fit app (still installed on your device) – Needed to access your current data and to receive the migration tool prompt.
- The Google Health app – You can pre-install it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store; if not yet available in your region, wait for the global rollout.
- Active internet connection – For syncing and eventual migration.
- Patience – The migration tool will be released later in the year; until then, keep using Google Fit as normal.
Step-by-Step Migration Guide
Step 1: Review Your Current Google Fit Data
Before any migration, know what you have. Open Google Fit and explore the Journey tab to see your recorded activities, steps, heart rate points, and sleep logs. Take screen shots or note down any metrics you consider especially important. This step ensures you can verify the data integrity after migration.
Internal link: Jump to Tips for data verification.
Step 2: Ensure Your Account Is Compatible
Google Health is built on the Fitbit platform, which uses a different data model. Make sure your Google Fit account is linked to the same Google ID you use for other Google services. If you have multiple accounts, decide which one you want to be your primary health hub. You can check in Google Fit under Settings > Account.
Step 3: Install Google Health (or Prepare for It)
Search for ‘Google Health’ in your app store. If it appears, download and sign in with your Google account. If not, you can install the existing Fitbit app – Google will update it to become Google Health. Alternatively, bookmark the Google Health webpage for future reference. Once installed, explore the interface to familiarise yourself with the new dashboard.
Step 4: Stay Tuned for the Migration Tool Announcement
Google plans to release the migration tool later this year. Turn on notifications for the Google Health app or follow the official Google Health blog. The tool will likely appear as a pop-up within Google Fit or Google Health. Do not try to manually transfer your data (e.g., by exporting CSVs) unless Google provides specific instructions, as that may cause data loss.
Step 5: Execute the Data Migration When Available
Once the tool is live, launch Google Fit. Look for a banner or notification that says “Move your data to Google Health”. Tap it and follow the on-screen wizard. You will be asked to authorise the transfer – agree to the permissions. The process may take a few minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have. Keep the app open and your device connected to power and Wi-Fi.
Step 6: Verify Data Integrity After Migration
After the transfer completes, open Google Health and compare your key stats (total steps, last week’s activity, etc.) with your earlier screenshots from Step 1. If anything looks missing or incorrect, check the migration status under Settings > Data > Migration History. You can also contact support via the Google Health help center.
Step 7: Uninstall Google Fit (Optional)
Once you’re satisfied that all data has moved, you can remove Google Fit from your device. Google has indicated that the app will still function for a grace period, but eventually it will stop syncing. Deleting it frees up storage and prevents confusion.
Step 8: Set Up Your Goals and Devices in Google Health
Now that you’re in Google Health, take time to personalise it. Set your daily step goal, connect any Fitbit wearables or other compatible devices, and adjust privacy settings. Explore the new features like Readiness Score and Sleep Profiles that weren’t available in Google Fit. This is your new fitness home.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Back up your Google Fit data manually – Before migration, use the “Export your data” option in Google Fit’s settings to download a copy of your archived data as a JSON file. This acts as an extra safety net.
- Do not share your migration codes – If the tool generates a verification code, do not share it with anyone; scammers may try to intercept your health data.
- Check app permissions – Ensure that both Google Fit and Google Health have permission to access activity recognition, body sensors, and storage if needed.
- Be patient with the timeline – Google has not specified an exact date for the migration tool. Continue using Google Fit as usual; your data remains safe on Google’s servers.
- Sync before migrating – Make sure your Google Fit is fully synced the day you run the migration tool. Open the app, pull down to refresh, and confirm the last sync time shows “Just now”.
- Read the official migration guide – Google will publish a detailed help article when the tool launches. Always refer to that for the most accurate instructions.
Migrating from Google Fit to Google Health doesn’t have to be stressful. With these steps and tips, you’ll preserve your activity history and jump-start your experience with the new platform. Stay active and enjoy the enhanced features!