Developer releases open-source tool to bypass Withings subscription

An open-source project released this month allows users to sync health data from Withings devices to third-party applications without paying for the company's new mandatory subscription. The tool, named YourOwnWeigh, intercepts data traffic from Withings scales and redirects it to a user-controlled server. This workaround eliminates the need for the Withings Plus plan, which Withings announced earlier this month as a requirement for new users seeking to export their health metrics.

Tom Anthony, the project’s creator, developed the software after criticizing the existing Withings mobile application as a bloated mess. Anthony stated the goal was to free their scales from the subscription model. The project was built in response to the company's decision to charge new customers for basic data synchronization features.

The system operates primarily through a web application hosted on a server of the user's choosing. Anthony noted that the project requires minimal computing resources, meaning it can run entirely on a free Cloudflare account. The web app performs several specific technical functions to maintain connectivity. It uses Bluetooth to update the Withings scale with alternate firmware. This modified firmware instructs the device to upload data to the non-Withings server configured by the user rather than Withings' own infrastructure.

The tool does not host a permanent copy of the manufacturer's firmware. Instead, it downloads and patches the necessary files as needed. The web app also imports existing user profiles and current scale settings from the device. It automatically downloads health data generated by regular weigh-ins, ensuring historical records are preserved in the user's local system.

To move this data into Apple Health, Anthony utilized Apple Shortcuts to create a scheduled automation. This process pulls the Withings data from the alternate server and imports it directly into the Apple Health app. Anthony expressed hope that the community will develop similar integrations for other platforms, specifically mentioning Google Health. The project aims to restore the open data flow that was standard before the subscription requirement.

Currently, YourOwnWeigh supports only two older models of Withings scales. The limitation exists because the tool requires specific firmware patching capabilities. However, if the firmware on newer models can be patched in a similar manner, the project's compatibility could expand. The code and quick-start guides for setting up the web app are available on GitHub for immediate use by developers and end users.