What Data Can You Transfer When Changing Fitness Trackers?
Before switching your fitness tracker, it’s crucial to understand what type of data you can move to your new device or platform. Most brand upgrades within the same ecosystem, like Apple Watch upgrades or Garmin model replacements, allow a straightforward data sync through your account. However, switching between different manufacturers can be complex.
Common workout data such as activities, distance, and basic health metrics like heart rate typically transfer better than proprietary or calculated metrics like sleep scores or readiness assessments. Different brands use unique algorithms and formats for these insights, so these specialized metrics often do not carry over.
Always check the compatibility of your new tracker’s companion app regarding file formats like FIT, TCX, or GPX to avoid potential data loss surprises.
Step 1: Back Up Your Fitness Data Safely
Before initiating the switch, ensure your current tracker has fully synced recent workouts and health stats to its companion app. Then export your data to create a backup, which is important for restoring in case something goes wrong.
- Apple: Use the Health app on your iPhone to export all health data as an XML file.
- Garmin: Access Garmin Connect on a desktop browser, navigate to Data Management > Export Your Data, and download data archives or individual workouts.
- Google/Fitbit: Use Google Takeout to export your Google Health and Fitbit data.
Store these backups securely on your computer or a private cloud. Don’t reset or deactivate your old device until you confirm your data successfully transferred.
Step 2: Transfer Data Within and Between Platforms
For same-brand upgrades: Pair your new device with the same account. For instance, Apple Watch syncing uses iCloud to restore your previous health and workout data; Garmin automatically maintains your history via Garmin Connect, and Google Health links your device to your Google Account.
For cross-brand switching: Importing data usually requires manual effort. Export workout files (FIT, TCX, GPX) from your old platform, then import them into your new tracker’s app or use a third-party service like COROS Training Hub for formats compatibility.
Note that while workout data can usually be transferred, daily health stats like sleep quality or readiness scores may not migrate due to proprietary differences.
Step 3: Use Strava to Keep Workout History Centralized
Strava is an effective tool for preserving your workout history across devices and brands, especially for running and cycling activities.
- Connect your new fitness tracker to Strava by going to Settings > Connect an App or Device within the Strava app and following prompts.
- For historical workouts, visit Strava’s website, use the Upload Activity > File feature, and upload your exported FIT, TCX, or GPX files.
This ensures you maintain a continuous record of your workouts even if health data doesn’t fully transfer between apps.
Step 4: Verify Your Data on the New Device
After completing the transfer, review your new tracker’s app carefully:
- Check recent and older workouts for completeness, including routes, timestamps, and heart rate.
- Look for missing or inconsistent data, especially proprietary metrics.
- Remove any duplicate activities that may appear if you connected multiple services.
Keep your old account active until you’re completely confident the migration is successful. Keep backups handy for any needed manual restores.
What to Remember: Practical Takeaways for a Smooth Transition
- Your ability to transfer fitness data depends largely on brand ecosystems and compatible file formats.
- Backup is essential—export all data before switching to avoid permanent loss.
- Cross-platform transfers often require manual imports and the help of intermediaries like Strava or third-party apps.
- Not all health metrics will transfer due to differences in proprietary calculations.
- Verify your new tracker’s data carefully before deactivating the old one.
Following these specific steps will help you keep your fitness progress intact, letting you focus on smashing your new personal bests instead of losing valuable health data during the upgrade.