Google Fit is shutting down
Google Health is the new Google Fit: what changes and how to keep syncing
Google Fit is being retired. Google Health is the official replacement, now with Gemini AI coaching and Fitbit integration. But if you use Strava, Garmin, or Samsung Health, you still need a sync layer. Here is everything you need to know.
TL;DR
- Google Fit is being retired in 2026. The official Google replacement is the new Google Health app.
- Google Health includes Gemini AI coaching, Fitbit integration, and is available on both iOS and Android.
- Your Google Fit data is not lost: it was already stored in Health Connect, which stays active.
- Google Health is a tracking and coaching app. It does not replace the sync functionality to Strava, Garmin Connect, or Samsung Health.
- FitMesh fills that gap: it reads from Health Connect and syncs data to Strava, TrainingPeaks, and other platforms.
Google Fit has been the default Android fitness hub for years. In 2026, Google is officially retiring it. The replacement is not another version of Google Fit, but a completely new product called Google Health, built on the same infrastructure as Fitbit and powered by Gemini AI. If you used Google Fit to view your steps, workouts, and sleep, here is what you need to do to keep everything working.
What is Google Health and what changed
Google Health (available at healthapp.google) is the unified consumer health platform that replaces both Google Fit and the standalone Fitbit app. It works on iOS and Android and consolidates data from wearables, apps, and medical records into one view.
- Google Health Coach: an AI assistant built with Gemini that creates personalized workout plans, sleep advice, and recovery guidance. Requires a premium subscription.
- Fitbit integration: Fitbit devices now report into Google Health directly. Separate Fitbit app login is no longer required.
- iOS and Android: unlike Google Fit which was Android-only, Google Health is available on iPhone too.
- Medical records: import health data from compatible providers for a unified view alongside fitness metrics.
- Free base tier: steps, sleep, heart rate, and activity history are free. Gemini coaching requires a paid subscription.
Google Fit vs Google Health: what changed
A
Google Fit (retired)
- •Android only
- •Basic step, heart rate, and workout tracking
- •No AI coaching
- •Fitbit as separate app
- •REST API for third-party integrations
- •No premium tier
B
Google Health (new)
- •iOS and Android
- •Fitness, sleep, cycle health, medical records
- •Gemini AI coaching (premium)
- •Fitbit integrated natively
- •API availability to be confirmed for third parties
- •Free base tier + premium subscription
The problem Google Health does not solve: sync to Strava, Garmin, and Samsung
Google Fit had REST APIs that many apps used to read and write workout data. Google Health is a consumer app, not an open API platform. If you use Strava, TrainingPeaks, Samsung Health, or Garmin Connect alongside your main wearable, the question is not which Google app to use, but what connects them all. That is Health Connect, the local data layer built into Android.
- Health Connect is the hub: every major Android wearable app (Garmin Connect, Samsung Health, Polar Flow, Withings, Fitbit) writes data to Health Connect.
- Google Health reads Health Connect: the new app reads from Health Connect, not the other way round.
- FitMesh bridges Health Connect to cloud services: it reads all your data from Health Connect and syncs workouts to Strava, sleep to TrainingPeaks, and activity to other platforms you use.
How to migrate: step by step
- Check Health Connect is active: open the Health Connect app on your Android device. If it is not installed, download it from the Play Store. All your Google Fit history should already be visible here.
- Download Google Health: install the new Google Health app from the Play Store or App Store and sign in with your Google account.
- Connect your wearables to Health Connect: if you use Garmin, Samsung Health, Polar Flow, or other apps, make sure they have Health Connect write permissions enabled. This is how they will continue writing data after Google Fit is gone.
- Set up FitMesh: if you sync workouts to Strava, TrainingPeaks, or other services, install FitMesh and grant Health Connect read permissions. FitMesh will push your workouts and health data to the platforms you use.
- Remove Google Fit: once your data is confirmed in Health Connect and your new apps are working, you can safely uninstall Google Fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Health the same as Google Fit?+
No. Google Health is a new app that replaces Google Fit. It has a different interface, integrates Fitbit, includes Gemini AI coaching, and is available on iOS as well as Android. The underlying data layer (Health Connect on Android) is the same, so your Google Fit history is still accessible.
What happens to my Google Fit data when it shuts down?+
Your Google Fit data was already being mirrored to Health Connect on Android. When Google Fit shuts down, Health Connect continues storing this data. Any compatible app can still read your full history. Nothing is deleted automatically.
Does Google Health sync with Strava or Garmin?+
Google Health is primarily a consumer dashboard and AI coaching app, not a sync platform. If you want to sync workouts from Health Connect to Strava, TrainingPeaks, or Garmin Connect, you need a dedicated sync app like FitMesh.
Do I need to pay for Google Health?+
The base Google Health app is free and includes steps, sleep tracking, heart rate, and activity history. The premium subscription unlocks Google Health Coach, which is the Gemini AI-powered personalized coaching feature.
Will my Garmin, Polar, and Samsung Health data still sync after Google Fit shuts down?+
Yes. Garmin Connect, Polar Flow, and Samsung Health all write directly to Health Connect on Android. Google Fit was not part of that chain. Your data continues flowing to Health Connect regardless of whether Google Fit exists.
Disclaimer
FitMesh Sync is an independent product. Google Fit, Google Health, Fitbit, Health Connect are trademarks of their respective owners. This article implies no affiliation or sponsorship.
Medical disclaimer
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from your physician, pharmacist or healthcare professional. FitMesh Sync is a fitness/wellness app, not a medical device, and does not diagnose or treat any conditions. For symptoms, clinical questions or treatment decisions always consult your primary care physician.
Written by
Matteo Pizzi
Founder & Solo Dev, FitMesh Sync · Fosforonero
Italian software developer. I built FitMesh Sync to fill the gap between my smartwatch and a real personal dashboard. Privacy-first, indie, EU servers.
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