Fitbit now allows users to add two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect their accounts, 9to5Google reports.
Fitbit products usually store some information regarding your activities, health, or location. This information might not sound important to you, but hackers may expose them and put you in trouble anyway.
“Two-factor authentication helps protect your Fitbit account. Every time you log into your Fitbit account, you sign in with 2 pieces of information: your password (something you know) and a verification code sent to your phone (something you have).” Fitbit said on its website.
Fitbit’s two-factor authentication method is not widely available yet, and users around the world need to wait a little more to receive it. Also, for now, it just supports SMS text messages for verifying your identity. Support for other authentication apps like Google Authenticator may be added in the future. However, some apps like Instagram are relying WhatsApp for sending 2FA codes.
This feature is currently rolled out for both Android and iOS users. If it becomes available in your area, you will receive an “Increase your security” prompt that will encourage you to activate two-factor authentication.
You can now protect your Fitbit account with two-factor authentication
For activating 2FA in the Fitbit app, you first need to add your phone number. For this, you should go to “Account Settings” and scroll to “Two Factor Authentication.” After adding your phone number, you will receive a text message with a verification code. Enter it and then tap Confirm. In the last step, you need to enter your Fitbit account password. Moreover, the standard SMS rates and charges may apply.
Like any other two-factor authentication system, Fitbit gives you some recovery codes that you need to keep in a safe place.
According to Fitbit, you can’t link multiple accounts to a phone number, and “your phone number can only be linked to 1 Fitbit account.”
Also, repeatedly entering the wrong 2FA codes will be considered suspicious activity. As a result, your account will be locked for 24 hours. Fitbit is making changes in its sign-in processes, and it will soon stop supporting Facebook accounts for logging in.