Fitbit was one of the pioneers of fitness tracking, and continues to prove itself as one of the more innovative companies in the market. With dozens of different models to choose from,there’s a Fitbit option for everyone. However, because the company releases new software updates every few weeks, its devices aren’t immune to the occasional hiccup.
Fitbit tips and tricks: Get more from your Inspire, Luxe, Charge, Versa and Sense trackers
A comprehensive guide to all the tips and tricks of the Fitbit app to help you get the most out of your Fitbit fitness tracker.
If your Fitbit is ready to move on to a new owner or account, you can wipe all the data and start from scratch with a factory reset. Alternatively, if it’s lagging, not illuminating its screen, or failing to sync, you can restart the device without deleting all your data. Below, we explain how to factory reset a Fitbit and then dive into the different ways of restarting various Fitbit models.
How to factory reset your Fitbit
A factory reset will completely wipe all the data on your Fitbit and revert it to the same state it was when you bought it. This is the best move for those looking to sell their Fitbits or hand it off to a new owner. After all, your health data is personal, so let’s keep it that way.
Before you proceed, considerbacking up your databy exporting it using your Google or Fitbit account. The easiest is through a Google account, since you’re able to select which files you want to export and create a downloadable archive of everything. To factory reset your Fitbit, follow these steps:
The Fitbit will proceed with the factory reset process from here. Once it’s done, you can sync it to a new phone. If you don’t see the option to connect it to a new device, it’s likely because the original phone is still connected over Bluetooth. On iOS, here’s how you remove a Bluetooth device:
On Android:
If you don’t see the option to connect it to a new device, it’s likely because the original phone is still connected over Bluetooth.
How to remove a device from the Fitbit app
If you’re passing your Fitbit to a new owner, you should also make sure it’s no longer synced with your phone. This is to avoid blocking the new owner from syncing the Fitbit to their account. But even if you intend to re-sync your own account, it’s still a good idea to start from scratch. To un-sync a Fitbit, follow these steps:
How to “soft” restart your Fitbit
If you want to continue using your Fitbit but feel that a factory reset is not necessary, you can reset your Fitbit without wiping it completely. This is the best move for those who are experiencing issues with their device’s software, such as slow response times, blank screens, failure to connect wirelessly, and inaccurate health readings.
Before attempting any troubleshooting, ensure your device is charged. If you attempt to reset a device and the battery runs out during the process, it can cause additional issues.
Before you proceed, however, ensure your Fitbit is charged or charging. You might even discover that problems like response times are actually related to a low battery. And should the battery die in the middle of a reset, it can interrupt the process and cause additional issues. So, give your Fitbit time to charge, and see if it’s still acting up.
How to restart a Fitbit whose charging cable has a button:
Some Fitbit trackers have buttons on the charging cable you can press to restart them. For example, the Fitbit Luxe andFitbit Charge 5feature this design.
If nothing happens, you may need to repeat the above steps. Alternatively, your Fitbit model may not use the charger button to restart.
How to restart a Fitbit whose power button is on the watch itself:
Should you find a power button on the side of the Fitbit itself, restarting it is easy. Follow these steps:
How to restart specific Fitbit models
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How to restart a Fitbit Versa or Ionic
Some Fitbit trackers feature additional buttons. With theFitbit VersaandFitbit Ionictracker, follow these steps:
How to restart a Fitbit Sense
If you’re attempting to restart aFitbit Sense smartwatch, then you’re in luck. It’s straightforward:
How to restart a Fitbit Charge
Whether you own a newFitbit Chargeor an older model, the steps for restarting it are basically the same. If you’re able to access the Settings menu on your Fitbit Charge, then you can restart the device directly from there.
You can also restart a Fitbit Charge using its buttons.
How to restart a Fitbit Inspire
DifferentFitbit Inspiremodels can be restarted using the same process, including both older models and the more recently released ones.
If you cannot access the Settings menu, you’re able to reset the Inspire using these steps:
With theFitbit Inspire 3, it’s possible to restart the device from the digital interface itself:
How to restart a Fitbit Ace
Depending on the model of Fitbit Ace, the button will be located on either the charging cable or the device itself. ensure your Fitbit Ace is plugged in and connected to the charger.
How to restart a Fitbit Luxe
With the Fitbit Luxe it should be possible to restart the device from the tracker itself:
If this doesn’t work, then you may need to use the cable:
