Purpose With the rapid development of media network technology, college students’ exercise is influenced by the use of fitness apps. How to improve the impact of fitness apps on college students’ exercise is a current research hotspot. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence mechanism of fitness apps usage intensity (FAUI) on college students’ exercise adherence. Methods A large sample of Chinese college students (N=1300) completed measures by using the FAUI Scale, Subjective Exercise Experience Scale, Control Beliefs Scale and Exercise Adherence Scale. SPSS22.0 and Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS were used to conduct statistical analysis. Results (1) FAUI was positively associated with exercise adherence ( p < 0.01); (2) Subjective exercise experience ( p <0.01) mediated the relationship between FAUI and exercise adherence; (3) Control beliefs ( p <0.01) moderated the relationship between FAUI and exercise adherence as well as subjective exercise experience and exercise adherence. Conclusion The findings reveal the correlation between FAUI and exercise adherence. Furthermore, this study is important in investigating how FAUI is related to exercise adherence in Chinese college students. The results suggest that college students’ subjective exercise experience and control beliefs may be prime targets for prevention and intervention programs. Thus, this study explored “how” and “when” FAUI may enhance college students’ exercise adherence.