Google Fit App: Is It Shutting Down? What to Use Instead
Yes, Google Fit is being retired. Google stopped accepting new developer sign-ups for the Google Fit APIs in May 2024, and the app itself is scheduled for full end-of-service by late 2026. It isn’t being replaced by a single app: Health Connect now handles on-device health data aggregation on Android, while Google Health (the rebranded Fitbit app) is becoming Google’s primary consumer-facing fitness app. If you still use Google Fit, treat it as legacy software; it may still open, but it will not receive updates, and you should back up your historical data before it’s no longer accessible.
If Google Fit still works on your phone right now, that’s not surprising; Google has stated it will continue supporting the app until “the end of 2026,” without publishing an exact shutdown date. But the direction is clear: this isn’t a rumor or a delayed update; it’s an announced deprecation, and treating Google Fit as your long-term fitness data home is no longer a safe bet.
This guide explains exactly what’s changing, what to do with your existing Google Fit data, and which app to move to depending on what device ecosystem you’re already in.
This isn’t a review of every fitness app on the market; it’s specifically focused on the Google Fit transition and the most direct replacement paths.
What’s Actually Changing
| Then (Google Fit) | Now / Replacing It What | It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Google Fit app (consumer-facing) | Google Health (rebranded Fitbit app) | Your main day-to-day fitness dashboard |
| Google Fit REST/Android APIs | Health Connect | On-device data aggregation for developers & apps |
| Fitbit Web API | Google Health API | Cloud/account-based integrations |
| Wear OS sensor data | Health Services | Data collection directly from wearables |
Why Google Fit Is Being Retired
How We Got Here
Google’s move away from Fit has happened in stages rather than all at once, which is part of why many users are only noticing the change now, in 2026.
- May 2024: Google closed new developer sign-ups for the Google Fit REST and Android APIs
- Google Fit hasn’t received a meaningful design or feature update since Health Connect support was added in 2022
- Late 2026: official end-of-service scheduled for the Google Fit APIs, with no exact shutdown day published as of this update
- Google has said existing Fitbit users are being migrated into the rebranded “Google Health” app automatically
- The consolidation reflects Google folding Fitbit (which it acquired) and Fit into one unified consumer app
- Third-party apps that previously synced with Google Fit are being pushed to migrate to Health Connect instead
What Should You Actually Install?
Google Health (Rebranded Fitbit App)
If you already use a Fitbit device, your account has likely already transitioned automatically; the app itself has been renamed from Fitbit to Google Health, and you’ll need a Google Account to sign back in if you haven’t opened it recently.
- Includes a “readiness score” based on sleep, recovery, and recent activity, a feature Google Fit never had
- Works with Health Connect on Android and Apple HealthKit on iOS, meaning even iPhone and Apple Watch users can pull data in
- Existing Fitbit hardware continues to work without needing a new device
- Third-party connections to the old Fitbit Web API need re-authorization before the legacy API fully shuts down
- Best if you already own Fitbit hardware or want a more complete health dashboard than Fit ever offered
Health Connect (Built Into Android)
If you’re on a modern Android phone and don’t have a Fitbit device, you likely don’t need to install anything separately. Health Connect is already part of the Android system starting with Android 14, and most current fitness apps read through it directly.
- Built into Android 14 and later; available via Play Store download for Android 13 and below
- Functions as a background data hub, not a standalone dashboard app you open daily
- Centralizes permissions so multiple fitness apps can share the same underlying data
- Not really an “app” in the traditional sense; it’s the plumbing other fitness apps now use
- Best paired with a separate app (like Google Health, Strava, or MyFitnessPal) that actually displays your data day to day
How to Protect Your Existing Google Fit Data
Google hasn’t described an automatic migration of your historical Google Fit data into Health Connect. The official way to preserve your history is to export it manually through Google Takeout.
Within Google Takeout, deselect everything except Fit-related data to keep the export focused and manageable.
Don’t wait for an exact shutdown date, since Google hasn’t published one; set up your replacement now while Fit is still accessible for reference.
If other apps or devices sync through Google Fit, check each one individually for Health Connect or Google Health migration instructions.
What Should You Actually Do Right Now?
Choose based on your situation.
- You own a Fitbit device: your account likely already moved to Google Health automatically; sign in with your Google Account.
- You’re on Android with no Fitbit: you probably don’t need to install anything new; Health Connect is already working in the background.
- You’re on iPhone and used Google Fit: Apple Health is the native equivalent, and Google Health can also sync with Apple HealthKit if you want Google’s dashboard specifically.
- You built an app or workflow around Google Fit’s API: migrate to Health Connect or the Google Health API before the late-2026 cutoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Fit actually shutting down in 2026?
Yes, Google has officially announced that the Google Fit APIs are scheduled for end-of-service by late 2026. Google stopped accepting new developer sign-ups for Google Fit back in May 2024, and the consumer app has not received a meaningful update since 2022.
What is replacing Google Fit?
There isn’t a single replacement. Health Connect now handles on-device health data aggregation for Android, while Google Health, the rebranded Fitbit app, is becoming Google’s main consumer-facing fitness dashboard app.
Will I lose my Google Fit data when it shuts down?
Google has not described an automatic migration of historical Google Fit data into Health Connect. The recommended way to preserve your data is exporting it manually through Google Takeout before the service fully shuts down.
Do I need to download a new app if I already use Google Fit on Android?
If you’re on Android 14 or later, Health Connect is already built into your system, and most modern fitness apps will read through it automatically. You’d only need to separately install Google Health if you specifically want its dashboard, or if you own Fitbit hardware.
Is Google Fit still safe to use right now, in the meantime?
Yes, Google Fit still functions as of this update, but it should be treated as legacy software rather than something to rely on long-term or set up fresh. It’s not receiving new features or updates, and an exact shutdown date has not been published.
The Bottom Line
Google Fit is being retired, with Health Connect taking over data aggregation on Android and Google Health (the rebranded Fitbit app) becoming the primary consumer dashboard. If you currently rely on Google Fit, export your data through Google Takeout now, and set up Google Health or simply let Health Connect work with your existing fitness apps before Google’s late-2026 shutdown window closes.
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8 Best Free Cloud Storage Platforms — back up your exported Google Fit data
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EMAY Portable ECG Monitor Review — a dedicated home health device worth considering
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8 Best Free Cloud Storage Platforms — where to back up your exported health data
Best Free Yoga Apps — keep building healthy habits after the switch
Google Fit does NOT work and despite I send feedback every 2nd day, no reply was ever received from the support, so they are possibly doing nothing to fix their bugs. Everyday I lose between a few hundreds and a few thousands steps because the app resets the count. This is unbearable.