How to Fix It When Your Fitbit Won't Turn On

Charge Your Fitbit

One of the most common reasons why your Fitbit won’t turn on is that it may be out of battery. Before getting into more troubleshooting steps, let’s start by ensuring that your Fitbit is properly charged. Here’s what you can do:

Connect it to a Power Source: Plug in the charging cable into a USB port or a wall adapter. Ensure that the connection is secure.
Check the Charging Indicator: Look for a battery icon or a charging symbol on your Fitbit’s display. If it appears, it means that your Fitbit is receiving power.
Leave it for a While: Give your Fitbit some time to charge. Depending on the model and the remaining battery level, it may take a few minutes up to a couple of hours to get enough power.
Restart the Charger: If you don’t see any charging indicators, try unplugging and plugging the charger back in. Sometimes, resetting the connection can kickstart the charging process.

Note that while charging, your Fitbit may display a battery icon with a lightning bolt. This indicates that it’s actively charging. Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the icon will change to a full battery symbol.

If your Fitbit still doesn’t turn on after charging, let’s move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Clean the Charging Port

If your Fitbit is charged, but still won’t turn on, the issue may be due to a dirty or obstructed charging port. Dust, lint, or moisture can prevent proper electrical contact and hinder the charging process. Follow these steps to clean the charging port:

Remove the Charging Cable: Unplug the charging cable from your Fitbit.
Examine the Charging Port: Inspect the charging port on your Fitbit for any debris or residue. Use a flashlight if necessary to get a better view.
Clean with a Soft, Dry Cloth: Gently wipe the charging port with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or buildup. Avoid using liquids or harsh cleaning agents that could damage the port.
Blow Air into the Port: If there is visible debris or dust, you can use compressed air or blow air into the charging port to dislodge any particles. However, be cautious not to blow too forcefully, as it may damage the port or internal components.

After cleaning the charging port, reconnect the charging cable to your Fitbit and try turning it on again. If it still doesn’t respond, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Restart Your Fitbit

If your Fitbit is charged and the charging port is clean, but it still won’t turn on, performing a restart can help resolve the issue. Restarting your Fitbit essentially refreshes its system and can fix minor software glitches. Here’s how you can restart your Fitbit:

Method 1: Soft Reset

Press and hold the side button or the combination of buttons specified for your Fitbit model.
Continue holding the button(s) for about 10-15 seconds.
Release the button(s) when the Fitbit logo or a vibration appears on the screen.

Method 2: Hard Reset

Plug your Fitbit into the charging cable and connect it to a power source.
Press and hold the button(s) for about 15-20 seconds.
During this time, you may see the Fitbit logo followed by a blank screen before the device powers off and restarts.
Unplug your Fitbit from the charging cable.

Once you’ve restarted your Fitbit, try turning it on again. If it still won’t power on, there may be a more extensive issue. However, before exploring further troubleshooting options, it’s worth checking for any available firmware updates.

Perform a Hard Reset

If your Fitbit is unresponsive and a soft reset doesn’t solve the issue, performing a hard reset can help resolve more persistent problems. This process will erase all data and settings from your Fitbit, so make sure to backup any important information beforehand. Here’s how you can perform a hard reset:

Plug your Fitbit into the charging cable: Connect your Fitbit to the charging cable and ensure it’s properly connected to a power source.
Press and hold the button(s): Depending on your Fitbit model, press and hold the appropriate button combination. This can usually include the home button or the side button.
Continue holding the button(s): Keep holding the button(s) for about 15-20 seconds.
Look for a vibration or the Fitbit logo: After holding the button(s) for the specified time, you should either feel a vibration or see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen.
Release the button(s) and unplug your Fitbit: Once you notice the vibration or logo, release the button(s) and unplug your Fitbit from the charging cable.

Your Fitbit will now be reset to its factory settings. You can set it up as a new device and sync it with your Fitbit account again. If the hard reset doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s recommended to check for any available firmware updates for your Fitbit model.

Update the Firmware

If your Fitbit still won’t turn on or function properly after performing basic troubleshooting steps, it’s worth checking if there are any available firmware updates. Firmware updates can provide bug fixes and improvements that may help resolve the issue. Here’s how you can check and update the firmware on your Fitbit:

Open the Fitbit App: Launch the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure it’s connected to the internet.
Go to the Account Tab: Tap on the Account tab usually located at the bottom right corner of the app.
Select Your Fitbit: Choose the Fitbit device you are trying to troubleshoot from the list of connected devices.
Check for Updates: Look for the option to check for updates and tap on it. The app will automatically check for any available firmware updates for your Fitbit.
Follow the Prompts: If an update is available, the app will guide you through the process of downloading and installing the firmware update. Make sure your Fitbit is properly connected to the charging cable during the update.
Wait for the Update to Complete: The update process may take a few minutes. It’s important to be patient and avoid disconnecting your Fitbit during the update.
Restart Your Fitbit: Once the firmware update is complete, restart your Fitbit by following the appropriate restart method we discussed earlier.

Updating the firmware can often resolve software-related issues and improve the overall performance of your Fitbit. If updating the firmware doesn’t fix the problem, there may be a hardware issue that requires further assistance. Checking the Fitbit’s battery and cable can help identify if they are causing the problem.

Check Fitbit Battery and Cable

If your Fitbit still won’t turn on after trying various troubleshooting steps, it’s important to ensure that the battery and charging cable are functioning properly. Here’s what you can do to check the Fitbit battery and cable:

Inspect the Charging Cable: Examine the charging cable for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or bent connectors. If you notice any issues, try using a different charging cable to see if it makes a difference.
Use a Different Power Source: Plug your Fitbit charging cable into a different USB port or wall adapter to rule out any power source problems.
Try a Different USB Cable: If you have a replacement USB cable, test it to see if the Fitbit charges properly. This helps to determine whether the issue lies with the cable or the Fitbit itself.
Check the Fitbit Battery: If you’ve had your Fitbit for a while, the battery may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Refer to the user manual or Fitbit’s support website to find instructions on how to check the battery status. If the battery is faulty or not holding a charge, you may need to replace it.
Look for Alternative Charging Methods: Some Fitbit models have alternative charging methods, such as a charging cradle or wireless charging. If applicable, follow the specific instructions for your Fitbit model to ensure you’re using the correct charging method.

By thoroughly checking the Fitbit battery and cable, you can identify any issues that may be preventing your Fitbit from turning on. If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and your Fitbit is still unresponsive, it may be time to seek further assistance from Fitbit support.

Contact Fitbit Support

If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and your Fitbit still won’t turn on, it’s time to reach out to Fitbit Support for further assistance. Fitbit has a dedicated customer support team that can help resolve any issues you’re experiencing with your device. Here are the steps to contact Fitbit Support:

Visit the Fitbit Support Website: Go to the official Fitbit Support website using a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
Select Your Fitbit Model: Choose your specific Fitbit model from the list provided on the support page. If you’re unsure, there are resources available to help you identify your Fitbit model.
Explore the Support Articles: Browse through the support articles related to your Fitbit model. Fitbit provides a wide range of troubleshooting guides and FAQs that can help you resolve common issues.
Submit a Support Request: If you can’t find a solution to your problem in the support articles, you can submit a support request to Fitbit. Look for the “Contact Support” or “Submit a Request” option on the support website. Fill out the required information, including your contact details and a detailed description of the issue you’re facing.
Utilize Other Support Channels: Fitbit also provides additional support channels, such as live chat or phone support, depending on your region. Check the support website for the available options and choose the one that suits you best.
Follow Up on Your Support Request: Fitbit Support will respond to your request via email or through the chosen support channel. Make sure to check your inbox regularly and respond promptly to their queries or instructions.

Fitbit’s customer support team is well-equipped to assist you with any issues you’re facing. They can provide further troubleshooting steps, guide you through advanced troubleshooting, or arrange for a repair or replacement if necessary.

Remember to provide detailed information about your Fitbit model, the steps you’ve taken to troubleshoot, and any error messages you’ve encountered. This will help Fitbit Support better understand and address your issue efficiently.

By contacting Fitbit Support, you can receive personalized assistance to get your Fitbit back up and running or explore possible solutions for a replacement if needed.