When your Fitbit is not charging, it can be more than a minor inconvenience; it disrupts your daily fitness tracking and overall health monitoring routine. Whether due to charging cable issues, dirty contacts, and software glitches, this common problem often arises at the least opportune moments. Below, we provide straightforward, actionable solutions to get your device back on track.
Content
- Check the Charger and Power Source
- Plug in for an Extended Period
- Reset Your Fitbit
- Update Your Fitbit Firmware
- Try a Different Charging Method
- Contact Fitbit Support
Check the Charger and Power Source
Often, the problem isn’t with the Fitbit itself but with the power supply or charging cable. A faulty cable, an ineffective power source, or even slight wear and tear can disrupt the charging process, leaving your Fitbit unresponsive.
To start, closely inspect the charging cable and adapter for any visible signs of damage, such as fraying, bends, or breaks. These physical cues can indicate that the electrical connection needed to charge your Fitbit is compromised.
Next, confirm that the power source is functioning correctly. If you’re using a USB port on a computer or a wall adapter, try plugging in another device to ensure the port or adapter provides adequate power. This step helps rule out the possibility that the issue lies with the power source rather than the Fitbit or its charger.
After verifying that your charger and power source are functioning correctly, the next logical step is to ensure that the charging contacts on both your Fitbit and the charger are clean. Over time, dust, sweat, and other debris can accumulate on these contacts, forming a barrier that impedes the flow of electricity needed for charging.
To clean the contacts, gently wipe them with a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with rubbing alcohol. This helps remove any buildup and restore a clean connection, allowing your Fitbit to charge efficiently.
Good to know: wondering which smartwatch is better? Check out our comparison of Fitbit and Apple Watch.
Plug in for an Extended Period
Sometimes when your Fitbit doesn’t seem to be charging, it may just need a bit more time connected to the power source. This is particularly true if the battery has been completely drained, or you are trying to charge a new Fitbit. In such cases, the battery requires a longer initial charge to recondition it for regular use.
Leave your Fitbit connected for at least an hour without interruption. This duration provides the necessary time for a deeply discharged battery to begin accepting charge again.
You may not see immediate signs that your Fitbit is charging, such as the battery icon or charging symbol on the screen. This lack of immediate feedback is normal for a device recovering from a deep discharge state. After some time has passed, check back to see whether there has been any progress.
Reset Your Fitbit
You can also try to reset your Fitbit, which will act as a system refresh to clear any temporary glitches affecting its performance. This process can reinitialize the device’s hardware and software connections, potentially resolving any charging issues caused by software bugs or system errors.
To perform a soft reset on your Fitbit, simply connect it to the charger, then press and hold the button on your device for about 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear, signaling a reboot. Release the button once the logo is visible. This process can vary slightly, depending on the model of your Fitbit, so it’s wise to check specific instructions for your device.
If the charging issue persists after a soft reset, consider a hard reset as a last resort. This step involves navigating through your device’s settings to find the Factory Reset option. Selecting this will erase all data from your Fitbit, returning it to its original factory settings. Before proceeding, ensure that you’ve backed up any important data synced to your Fitbit app.
Update Your Fitbit Firmware
Firmware updates often include bug fixes and new features that can resolve existing issues, including those related to charging. If your Fitbit is having trouble charging, it could be due to a software glitch or inefficiency that’s already been addressed in a newer version of the firmware.
To update your Fitbit firmware, start by ensuring that your Fitbit is connected to Wi-Fi (for models that support this feature) or that your smartphone is connected to the Internet, with Bluetooth turned on. If you are going to use the former, make sure to fix any Wi-Fi speed issues before you begin.
Then, open the Fitbit app on your smartphone, and tap on the Today tab, followed by the battery percentage in the top right. Select your device from the list. If there’s an update available, you’ll see a pink Update button. Tap it to begin the update process.
Make sure to keep your Fitbit close to your phone during the update to maintain a stable Bluetooth connection. The update can take several minutes to complete, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your Internet connection.
You’ll see a progress bar on your phone and possibly on your Fitbit screen, indicating the update’s progress. It’s important not to interrupt the update by trying to use your Fitbit or disconnecting it from the phone.
Try a Different Charging Method
Once your Fitbit is updated, it will restart automatically. If the charging issue was related to a software bug, the firmware update could resolve it.
Switching up how you charge your Fitbit can also sometimes make a difference when you encounter charging issues.
To explore a different charging method, start by using a different USB cable, and make sure it’s compatible with your Fitbit. If you’ve been using a computer’s USB port, try switching to a wall charger instead. Wall chargers generally provide a more stable and higher power output, which can be beneficial for devices that are deeply discharged or require more power to charge efficiently.
If, after trying these steps, your Fitbit begins to charge normally, you’ve successfully identified the problem. If the issue was with the original charging cable or power source, replacing or avoiding it will solve your charging problems. However, if the device still doesn’t charge, the problem could be with your Fitbit itself.
Contact Fitbit Support
If you’ve tried all the suggested fixes, and your Fitbit still isn’t charging properly, reaching out to Fitbit Support can be your best option. The support team is equipped with a deep understanding of Fitbit devices and can offer solutions that may not be available through general troubleshooting. Moreover, if your device needs repair or replacement, they can guide you through the process.
Before reaching out, gather information about your Fitbit, including the model, the exact issue, and the solutions you’ve already attempted. Fitbit typically offers several contact options, including phone, email, and live chat. Select the method that’s most convenient for you. Live chat and phone can provide immediate assistance. Email would be better if you need to send detailed information or aren’t available for a real-time conversation.
Fitbit is one of the best smartwatches for phone calls, fitness, and more. However, navigating through the frustration of a Fitbit not charging can seem daunting. Hopefully, with the steps we have mentioned above, you will be able to get your Fitbit back on track.
To avoid future charging issues with your Fitbit, regular maintenance and mindful handling are key. Ensure the charging contacts on both your device and charger are kept clean and free from debris. You can periodically gently wipe them with a soft, dry cloth.
Additionally, use only the original charging cable or a certified replacement to prevent damage. Additionally, avoid overcharging by unplugging your Fitbit once it’s fully charged. If you get your Fitbit wet, follow this guide for taking care of wet electronics.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Zainab Falak.
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Zainab Falak –
Staff Writer
Zainab is an Actuarial Sciences graduate from Pakistan with a passion for technology. When she’s not busy writing insightful pieces on Windows and the latest tech trends, you’ll find her with her nose buried in a productivity book, always on the lookout for ways to optimize her workflow and stay ahead of the curve.
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