Fitbit Ace icon
How the Fitbit Ace App Balances Safety and Activity for Kids

by Google

Designed to help families bridge communication gaps without smartphones, the Fitbit Ace app pairs with compatible smartwatches to offer fitness tracking and controlled messaging. For parents seeking peace of mind, it provides location services and activity incentives tailored for children. This tool integrates seamlessly with Google ecosystems for a cohesive family experience.

Detailed Review

The Fitbit Ace app serves as the central hub for managing Fitbit Ace smartwatches, positioning itself as a specialized solution in the growing market of kid-focused wearable technology. By combining health monitoring with secure communication features, it addresses parental concerns about screen time and safety while promoting physical activity. Unlike general fitness apps, it emphasizes age-appropriate functionality, carving out a niche for families navigating the transition to digital independence for younger members. Core functionality revolves around three pillars: communication, fitness, and safety. The app allows parents to manage contact lists, enabling voice calls and text messaging only with approved numbers, and includes a school mode to mute notifications during set hours. Fitness tracking covers steps, active minutes, and sleep, with data sync to the parent's device. Additional features like family quests—collaborative challenges that reward movement—and mini-games encourage engagement. Integration with Google Pay facilitates contactless payments for older kids, while GPS location tracking offers real-time updates on a child's whereabouts. Setup requires a Google Family account, streamlining the process for households already in the Google ecosystem. In real-world scenarios, the app shines during activities like school pickups, playdates, or sports practices. For instance, parents can receive alerts for forgotten items or schedule changes via text, and kids can check in after biking in the neighborhood. The swim-proof design of compatible watches, as noted in user experiences, supports use in pools, with accurate activity logging post-swim. Daily use involves minimal friction; reviews indicate that children appreciate the gamified elements, while parents value the centralized control panel for adjusting settings without constant oversight. User feedback consistently highlights satisfaction with the balance of independence and supervision. Reviews indicate that features like location tracking and controlled calling reduce anxiety for parents, with one user noting it 'gives peace of mind' during after-school activities. The family quests are frequently praised for making fitness a shared goal, and the absence of social media or app stores is seen as a benefit for avoiding smartphone addiction. However, some minor imperfections exist, such as occasional complaints about account personalization limitations—for example, one review mentions inability to create a fully individualized 'this is mine' profile for the child. Battery life is described as decent but not exceptional, requiring regular charging every few days. Overall, the Fitbit Ace app delivers a robust package for its target demographic, with strengths in safety controls and motivational tools. Its limitations, like dependency on Google services and modest customization options, are offset by reliable performance in core areas. For families prioritizing connectivity without exposing children to unfettered internet access, this app represents a practical choice in the youth wearable space.

Key Features

  • Location Tracking: Provides real-time GPS updates for parental monitoring during outdoor play or commutes, enhancing safety without constant check-ins.
  • Family Quests: Collaborative fitness challenges that set step goals for the whole family, encouraging physical activity through shared objectives.
  • Controlled Communication: Allows voice calls and messaging only with pre-approved contacts, with school mode to silence distractions during class hours.
  • Fitness Games and Motivations: Includes interactive games and step-based alerts that make exercise engaging for kids, promoting healthy habits.
  • Google Pay Integration: Enables secure contactless payments at supported stores, teaching financial responsibility with parental oversight.
  • Swim-Proof Durability: Supports water resistance for pool activities, with accurate tracking of active minutes during swim practices.

Why Users Love It

Safe, age-appropriate communication
Encourages active lifestyles through games

Perfect for: Parents of children aged 8-12 seeking a supervised alternative to smartphones for connectivity and fitness.

Screenshots

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Ranking History

Track Fitbit Ace's performance in Health & Fitness over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#9

Best Rank

#9

All-time high

Average Rank

#9

30-day average

User Reviews

arpit.mehta
Jun 6, 2024

Great watch. My son loves it. Games are nice. Makes him more active. Bands are fun to use. Great fun watch Great watch. My son loves it. Games are nice. Makes him more active. Bands are fun to use.

V@INIK@2.0🚀
May 10, 2025

It functions well, my kids feel really independent and comfortable. It is working well too. We are doing these family quests a lot!🤩 Amazing🤩 It functions well, my kids feel really independent and comfortable. It is working well too. We are doing these family quests a lot!🤩

lazyperson
Apr 18, 2025

My daughter loves the ability to reach us after school and can even reach trusted adults through this app. It makes coordinating with parents of friends the watch particularly easy because they always have the watch installed for their own children. Location tracking is great for peace if mind. The wallet function also allows kids to pay for their own things at stores that take Google Pay. Great watch for younger kids My daughter loves the ability to reach us after school and can even reach trusted adults through this app. It makes coordinating with parents of friends the watch particularly easy because they always have the watch installed for their own children. Location tracking is great for peace if mind. The wallet function also allows kids to pay for their own things at stores that take Google Pay.

ProMisssh
Feb 19, 2025

The Fitbit Ace LTE is a great way for kids to manage their own calling while still having you help them. My kid is always staying connected with me and I am always looking out for him. Fitbit Ace LTE is the BEST!!!!!! Amazing!!! The Fitbit Ace LTE is a great way for kids to manage their own calling while still having you help them. My kid is always staying connected with me and I am always looking out for him. Fitbit Ace LTE is the BEST!!!!!!

a_tech_lover_2.0
Jan 16, 2025

the only problem is that you can not make a “this is mine account” ok the only problem is that you can not make a “this is mine account”

App Details

Developer

Google

Platform

ios

Rating

4.1

Last Updated

12/26/2025