While Fitbit makes the best smartwatches on the market, there are a number of issues, mostly with minor software glitches. This guide examines the most common Fitbit problems and their solutions.
1. Fitbit Won’t Turn On
One of the most common (and frustrating) problems encountered by Fitbit users is their device refusing to turn on. There can be a number of reasons for this, such as a simple drained battery. If the battery is completely out of charge (which is typically the case with a new Fitbit), it might take a few moments before any signs of life appear when charging. Keep track of the charging status using the Fitbit app on the phone via the battery icon in the top-left corner.
We also recommend ensuring that the charging cable and charger aren’t faulty. Try using a different cable and charger, preferably the ones that came with your device, to see if this resolves the issue. Another potential factor to consider is the cleanliness of your Fitbit, particularly around the charging contacts. Over time, dust and sweat can accumulate, which can prevent the device from charging and turning on.
If your Fitbit still won’t turn on, try manually restarting it. The process for a soft reset can vary slightly depending on the Fitbit model you own, but it generally involves holding down a combination of buttons for about 10 seconds.
2. Fitbit Won’t Charge
If you are attempting to charge a new Fitbit, make sure the plastic cover on the charging port at the back has been removed. It’s a common oversight that can easily prevent your device from charging correctly right out of the box. Also, if you are trying to use your Fitbit after a long break from it, give it at least 30 minutes to show any signs of life.
Inspect whether the charging cables, or specifically the pins, are dirty. If you spot any dirt, the Fitbit Help Center recommends wetting a toothbrush with fresh water and gently cleaning the contacts on the back of your Fitbit. Dry them using a soft cloth or a tissue. If the pins of the charging cable are dirty, clean them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Be super careful, as you don’t want to leave any swab particles around the pins while cleaning. Ensure that your device is completely dry before you charge it.
FYI: read on for some additional fixes for a Fitbit that won’t charge.
3. Fitbit Firmware Won’t Update Successfully
Firmware updates are essential. If your Fitbit’s firmware won’t upgrade successfully, start with some preliminary checks. First ensure that your device is sufficiently charged, ideally to at least 50%, before you attempt to install the update. Firmware updates typically consume a significant amount of power, and if your device runs out of battery midway, the update could fail. Verify that your Fitbit is in close proximity to your phone or computer to ensure a stable connection throughout the update process.
Next, check your Internet connection if you are trying to update your Fitbit over Wi-Fi. You must have a stable Wi-Fi connection, and your device should be closer to the router for better signals. If your current connection isn’t strong enough, try connecting to another network. Also, check the speed of your Internet connection, and learn how to fix a slow Wi-Fi connection.
If you’re attempting the update over Bluetooth, consider turning the Bluetooth connection off, then back on. If this does not work, temporarily remove your watch from the list of Bluetooth devices connected to your phone, and reconnect it. Remove it by accessing Settings -> Bluetooth -> Fitbit -> Forget, then try reconnecting and updating the firmware again.
4. Tracking Problems
The main purpose of a Fitbit is to accurately track your daily activities. If it fails, it can be a source of significant frustration. To address Fitbit not tracking accurately or not tracking at all, start by ensuring that your device’s firmware is up to date. If you are having problems updating it, the section above should help.
Also make sure that you are wearing your Fitbit the right way. Ensure that your device is not too loose on your wrist, as movement can be inaccurately recorded or missed entirely. Try restarting your device too.
Another solution is to set up your tracker again as a new device. This will refresh the Fitbit’s connection to your phone and potentially clear any problems. To set up your Fitbit as a new device, remove it from your Fitbit account, Re-add it by opening the Fitbit app on your phone, choosing your device, then clicking on the Delete option (bin icon) in the top-right corner and confirming. Once the device is successfully removed, add it back. Hopefully, this will resolve any bugs and glitches that were resulting in the issue.
5. Sync Issues
When your Fitbit fails to sync, it means your fitness data isn’t being updated or transferred to the Fitbit app or dashboard. Fitbit syncing issues can stem from a variety of sources, but fortunately, like other common problems, they can often be resolved with some troubleshooting steps.
First, ensure that the Fitbit app on your phone or tablet is working fine. Typically, the app syncs with the device every time you open it. Check when it was last synced by opening the app and clicking the battery icon in the top-left corner. Choose your Fitbit device, and check the sync history under the Sync section. Manually try syncing it by pressing the icon in the Sync section.
If this does not work, force-quit the Fitbit app on your Android or iOS, then head to Settings -> Bluetooth. Disable Bluetooth, restart your device, then turn Bluetooth back on. Open the Fitbit app, and try syncing your device again.
It is also essential to make sure your device is running the latest version of its OS and that the Fitbit app is up to date. View the app version using the Google Play Store and App Store, and install any available updates that. Additionally, ensure that features like location services, device linking, and Nearby devices (on Android 12.0+) are enabled for the Fitbit app.
6. Battery Health Issues
We discussed the solutions to try if your Fitbit won’t charge, above, but you may encounter other battery-related issues. You may notice that the battery doesn’t last as long as it used to or depletes faster than expected. These are signs of battery health issues. It may be helpful to check the estimated battery life of your device to set realistic expectations.
If your battery is draining faster suddenly, make sure you are not using an old version of the firmware. Updates often include optimizations that can enhance battery life, so you may be missing out on important improvements. Check for updates in the Fitbit app under the device settings.
Also, look at the Fitbit features you are actively using. Some can drain the battery more quickly (continuous heart rate monitoring and an always-on display), so you may want to adjust the related settings to improve the overall battery life. For instance, you can disable the notifications when you have your phone nearby, or turn off the always-on display feature. If, however, everything looks okay, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. Reaching out to Fitbit support can provide you with information on battery replacement options or other solutions.
7. Screen Issues
There can be a number of screen issues that you may encounter with your Fitbit. These can include unresponsive touchscreens, flickering displays, or completely blank screens. An easy solution, that can fix most of the temporary screen issues, is restarting your device.
If, after the restart, you continue to face issues, like colorful lines running across the screen or the pixels turning white, it is likely being caused by an underlying hardware issue. It is best to reach out to the Fitbit support team for suggestions. If you are facing issues with the brightness levels, try manually adjusting the settings by launching the Settings option on your watch and choosing Brightness, then your preferred brightness level.
8. Alarms Won’t Ring
If you’re finding that your Fitbit alarm isn’t ringing as expected, start with some preliminary fixes. First and foremost, ensure that the alarm is set correctly. Double-check the time and frequency. Next, test the vibration of your Fitbit motor by either plugging it into the charging cable (you should feel the device vibrating when you do this) or setting a timer. For the latter, tap on the timer icon, then Stopwatch -> Play to feel the tracker vibrate.
It is also important to note that on Sense, Versa, Versa Lite Edition, Versa 2, and Versa 3, your alarm won’t ring if your device’s battery is less than 8%. Make sure you have sufficient battery before setting up an alarm on your Fitbit.
Of course, other than software issues, there are also common Fitbit hardware problems, such as stuck button, whether physical or touch-sensitive. Avoid using excessive force, and ensure that the area around it is clean and free of debris. For touch-sensitive buttons, check whether the water lock is enabled, and disable it by double-tapping the screen firmly.
Image credit: Pixabay
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