This page lists some of the frequently asked questions and their answers.
Q: Is Health Connect only available on the Android platform?
A: Yes. Both the Health Connect API and the Health Connect app are available on the Android platform only.
For health sensor data use cases on Wear OS, refer to the Health Services API documentation.
Q: How do I access Health Connect?
A: The method of accessing Health Connect depends on the version of Android that runs on your device:
- On Android 14, Health Connect is part of the Android system. You can access Health Connect by going to Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy, and look for Health Connect.
On lower versions of Android that support Health Connect, including Android 13, Health Connect is a publicly available app that you can download from the Google Play Store. You can access the app through one of the following ways:
- Go to Settings > Apps, look for Health Connect, and open it.
- Configure the quick access to Health Connect using Quick Settings, which can be found in the system tray.
- Go to the Google Play Store page of Health Connect and tap Open.
Q: How is health data migrated from Android 13 to Android 14?
A: The migration from the Health Connect APK for Android 13 to the Health Connect system app for Android 14 starts automatically as soon as you upgrade to Android 14.
During the migration, the Android 14 APIs are suspended with a "Migration in Process" status. The status is also visible in the Health Connect UI. Once the migration is complete, you can uninstall the standalone Health Connect APK.
Check the Android 13 to Android 14 migration guide for more details.
Q: Does Health Connect support Android phones without Google Play services installed?
A: No. Health Connect has certain compatibility requirements including that mobile devices have Android 9 (API 28) or higher with Google Play services installed.
Q: How does Health Connect compare with Google Fit?
A: The following table describes key architectural differences between the two APIs:
| Health Connect | Google Fit |
|---|---|
|
Device-centric
Health Connect is device-centric. Data is stored on the user's device instead of being associated with a specific Google Account. |
Google Account-centric
Google Fit is account-centric. Data is stored on a server-side infrastructure. Its data model is entirely tied to specific Google Accounts as opposed to the user's devices. This makes the server the source of truth in Google Fit. |
|
Fine-grained permissions
Users have granular control over which apps have read or write
access to each data type through Health Connect. |
OAuth-based permissions
Permissions in Google Fit require additional work as these are based on OAuth authentication. OAuth scopes may also cover a larger number of data types. |
|
Minor data processing
Health Connect involves very little data processing and derivation, with some minor exceptions for data types like Basal Calories and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Therefore, developers will have access to more raw data with Health Connect. |
Service-specific data processing
Google Fit processes more data, turning some data types into others or merging them. Google Fit processes data for a specific service, rather than providing access to raw data as Health Connect does. |
Q: Is the Health Connect storage on-device or cloud based?
A: Health Connect provides on-device storage. Our goal is to create a system that puts users fully in control of their data, as well as which apps and services they share it with.
Q: Which mobile devices are able to use the Health Connect app?
A: Only mobile devices with Android 9 (API 28) or higher can use the Health Connect app. These devices must also have Google Play services installed.
Q: Does a Java SDK exist on Jetpack? Will this be added eventually?
A: The Health Connect SDK is only available in Kotlin. We don't have immediate plans to add a Java SDK to the Jetpack library. However, we may eventually support both programming languages depending on developer feedback.
Q: What is the range of historical data Health Connect can read or write?
A: Health Connect allows your app to read records with
time or startTime for up to 30 days before your app's
first successful permission request. If you would like your app to
read records after 30 days, use the PERMISSION_READ_HEALTH_DATA_HISTORY
permission. If your app is uninstalled and then re-installed, the date is reset
which marks as your new starting date as if you use the app for the first time.
There are no restrictions on the data you share with Health Connect, however
avoid writing large amounts of historical data at this time. Similarly, avoid
writing data associated with future events such as a predicted
MenstruationPeriodRecord.
Q: Who should I contact if I need help integrating with Health Connect?
A: If you have any technical questions, issues, or concerns about Health Connect integration, submit a ticket to Health Connect Developer Support.
Our support specialists work hard to respond to developer questions as quickly and comprehensively as possible. In the meantime, consult the Health Connect documentation for any guidance you may need.
Q: How do I declare access to read or write data types?
A: For your app to have read or write access to Health Connect data types, use the Play Console to declare that your app accesses these types.