After a flood of complaints about the Google Health app that just replaced Fitbit, Google has responded with a list of changes that will roll out starting this week. The company is addressing some of the biggest pain points users have reported since the transition, which forced millions of Fitbit users to migrate their accounts and data to the new Google Health platform earlier this year. The backlash has been intense on social media and forums, with many longtime Fitbit fans expressing frustration over the loss of familiar features and the introduction of an AI-powered coach that some find intrusive. Google’s response details a series of improvements aimed at restoring user trust and improving the overall experience.

Background: The Fitbit-to-Google transition

Fitbit, once a pioneer in wearable fitness tracking, was acquired by Google in 2021 for $2.1 billion. The acquisition raised concerns among privacy advocates and loyal Fitbit users, who feared that Google would use the health data for advertising or overhaul the beloved Fitbit interface. For years after the acquisition, Google allowed Fitbit to operate relatively independently, maintaining the classic Fitbit app and hardware lineup. However, in early 2026, Google began phasing out the standalone Fitbit app and requiring users to migrate to the new Google Health app, which integrates Fitbit data with Google’s broader health ecosystem. The migration process has been rocky, with reports of data loss, syncing issues, and a steep learning curve for users accustomed to the simple, straightforward Fitbit dashboard. The new app replaces the familiar Fitbit Today view with a more complex interface that prioritizes AI-generated insights over manual data exploration.

Key complaints and Google’s planned fixes

Customizable dashboards

One of the most vocal complaints has been about the Today dashboard, which only shows users’ chosen health metrics in the top half of the screen. Many users miss the old Fitbit dashboard that allowed them to see all their stats at a glance without scrolling. Google acknowledges this frustration and says it will “make it easier to customize your Today and Health dashboards so you can more easily re-arrange metrics within them or add or remove metrics.” This change is expected to roll out in the coming weeks, giving users more control over how their data is displayed. For example, users will be able to prioritize steps, heart rate, sleep, and weight in any order they prefer, rather than being forced into a fixed layout.

Missing features: Custom food logging and sleep overview

Another major gap in Google Health has been the lack of custom food logging. Fitbit users were able to create and save custom food items, making it easy to log meals that aren’t in the standard database. Google Health initially removed this capability, forcing users to search for generic entries or skip logging altogether. Google now promises to add custom food viewing, creation, and logging, so you can add custom food items to your logs. Additionally, the Today and Health tabs will get charts for hourly step goals, as well as a new 24-hour total sleep overview that shows both main sleep and naps. Sleep tracking has always been a core feature of Fitbit, and the new overview is designed to give users a more complete picture of their rest patterns, including short daytime naps that were previously ignored in the summary.

AI coach: Divisive but here to stay

Google’s AI coach is one of the most divisive new features. The coach appears in the Today tab and provides personalized insights, suggestions, and motivational messages based on user activity. Some users appreciate the guidance, but others have complained that the messages are verbose, gimmicky, or simply unwanted. One user asked why they “now have to scroll through paragraphs of AI slop” to see their health data. However, others, like David Pierce of The Verge, say they are already getting useful advice and insights. Google says it is tuning the AI coach in three ways: messages will be made more concise without sacrificing helpful detail; more visuals like charts, maps, and glanceable stats will be included; and the system will be tuned to only send messages for activities that genuinely warrant attention. For example, users should expect less commentary on brief walks, but more insights on longer runs or significant changes in activity patterns. Google is also updating the coach to ask for user intent more frequently before responding when more detail would be beneficial, giving users a chance to opt out of unsolicited advice.

Additional improvements coming soon

Google also listed several other improvements in its announcement. For runners, the app will correctly label runs that were incorrectly labeled as general workouts for some users (rolling out this week). Splits will be added to run summaries, allowing users to see their pace per mile or kilometer. Another critical fix involves account migration for families. Heads of families cannot currently migrate their personal account without also migrating or deleting kids’ accounts. Google acknowledges the current process is not easy and says that in June, users will be able to delete child accounts and unblock account migration. This change is particularly important for families who want to keep their children on a separate platform or avoid sharing data with Google.

What this means for Fitbit’s future

The rapid response from Google suggests that the company is acutely aware of the backlash and wants to retain the loyal Fitbit user base. Fitbit has long been a trusted brand for health tracking, especially among users who prefer a non-phone-centric wearable. By addressing these specific complaints, Google hopes to smooth the transition and demonstrate that it is listening to feedback. However, the fundamental direction of Google Health—with its AI integration and deeper ties to Google services—is unlikely to change. Users who prefer the minimalistic, data-first approach of the old Fitbit app may still feel alienated, but the new features aim to restore some of the missing functionality. The success of these updates will depend on how quickly they roll out and whether they truly address the core frustrations. For now, Fitbit users can expect a more customizable, less intrusive experience in the coming weeks, as Google tries to balance innovation with respect for the legacy of the brand it acquired.

Google has not announced a timeline for all the changes, but some, like the corrected run labels and splits, are already rolling out. The company is also soliciting further feedback through the app and community forums, indicating that more adjustments may follow. As the health tracking market becomes increasingly competitive—with Apple Watch, Garmin, and Samsung all vying for users—Google cannot afford to alienate its Fitbit base. The next few months will be critical in determining whether the Google Health app can win over skeptics or whether it will drive users to other platforms. Meanwhile, existing Fitbit hardware, including the Charge, Versa, and Sense lines, will continue to work with the new app, and Google has confirmed that it plans to release new Fitbit-branded devices in the future. The transition may be painful, but for now, Google is trying to make amends.

Source: The Verge News