Fitbit OS 5.1 update: All the new features coming to the Sense and Versa 3. The latest software update brings Google Assistant support to Fitbit's newest smartwatches along with text dictation. I have a FitBit Ionic and it used to vibrate on my wrist when I got a notification or when a I set a silent alarm. At some point along the line, it just stopped vibrating all together. The alarm doesn't vibrate. When I receive a notification. Nerds, birds, words. Slice of life comics by Jane. Tries to update Sun and Wed but nobody's perfect!.

Shayla Brooks November 19th, 2016

Fitbit’s beauty lies in its versatility. It doesn’t matter whether you run marathons or prefer nightly walks around your neighborhood — a Fitbit can play a crucial part in helping you reach your fitness goals.

When you’re striving to reach those goals, it’s easy to get addicted to tracking your progress. The temptation to see how many steps you’ve taken and how many calories you’ve burned is always lurking on your wrist.

Having all of this data available is all the more frustrating when something goes wrong.

But before you throw your device out the window, try these Fitbit troubleshooting tips. Read on to learn how to fix the five most common problems.

5 Fitbit Troubleshooting Solutions

How do I set up my Fitbit?

The very first thing you’ll need to do is set up a Fitbit account. Your account will keep all of your fitness data and personal history in one place, so you’ll never lose it even if you misplace or upgrade your device.

Here’s how to create a profile:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
2. Download “Fitbit” from your app store.
3. Once you’ve opened the app, type “Join Fitbit.”
4. Enter your email address and password.
5. Fill in your personal stats, like your height, weight, gender, and birthday.

Once you’ve created your personal profile, you’ll need to add your device. Here’s how:

1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
2. Open your Fitbit app, and tap “Account.”
3. Select “Set Up A Device.”
4. Select your Fitbit. When prompted, place your device next to your phone and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. When your Fitbit shows a four-digit code, enter it into the app.

If you’d prefer to use pair your computer with your Fitbit, here’s our guide on how to set up Fitbit Connect on your Mac or PC.

Why won’t my Fitbit sync?

Now that you’ve set up your personal profile and paired your Fitbit to your phone, the syncing process should be easy. But if you’re having problems with GPS connectivity or data tracking, subpar syncing may be to blame.

There are two options for syncing: automatic and manual. The first sends information from your Fitbit to your phone multiple times throughout the day. In manual mode, your Fitbit will only sync when you tell it to.

Here’s how to set up each of those modes:

Automatic syncing

1. Go into your settings and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
2. Open the Fitbit app, then tap 'Log In.'
3. Enter your email address and password.
4. Once you’re logged in, your Fitbit will sync whenever you open the Fitbit app.
5. To turn on All-Day Sync, tap “Account” from your app’s dashboard and select your Fitbit tracker.
6. Tap the toggle that says 'All-Day Sync.'

Manual Syncing:

1. Go into your settings and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
2. Open your Fitbit app and log in.
3. Tap 'Account,' and tap the tracker that's set up on your phone.
4. Slide the toggle next to 'All-Day Sync.' This will turn off automatic syncing.
5. From now on, your Fitbit data will only sync when you open the app. To save any changes you make to your account, tap 'Sync Now.'

While these general instructions should help you troubleshoot why your Fitbit isn’t syncing, the process varies slightly between iPhone, Android, and Windows phones.

Why isn’t my battery charging?

So, you’ve made sure your Fitbit is set up and syncing properly, but now you’ve encountered another headache — your battery won’t charge.

Before you toss your Fitbit into the closest drawer out of frustration, here are some troubleshooting tips from the company:

1. Make sure the contacts on your charging cable and Fitbit are clean.
2. Double-check that your charger is securely connected to your device and USB port.
3. If everything is properly connected and still not working, try plugging it into a different USB port.
4. If all of these steps have failed you, try restarting your Fitbit.

The length of your charge varies depending on your device, but there are ways to extend it. Try these tips to make sure your battery doesn’t die at the worst possible time, like in the middle of a workout:

1. Stop tapping your device: Constantly checking your stats will drain the battery much faster than if you leave the screen alone.
2. Set fewer alarms: It takes battery power for your Fitbit to remember each alarm.
3. Turn off all-day sync: Instead, set your Fitbit to only sync when you tell it to.
4. Turn off notifications and reminders: As with alarms, your Fitbit has to remember to ping you all the time. Make sure you’re only alerted for the most important issues.
5. Don’t charge your battery in extreme temperatures: Heat and cold will zap your battery quickly, so don’t leave your Fitbit in your car to charge.
6. Turn off heart rate trackers (on some devices): You can do this through the app on heart rate devices.

Fitbit Push Notifications

For more tips on how to extend the battery life of your specific device, read our full article on how to extend your Fitbit’s battery life.

Why isn’t my Fitbit tracking properly?

Your Fitbit is set up correctly, syncing perfectly, and charging smoothly. Sounds perfect, right? Sure, until you check your stats and notice your steps seem way off.

One possible explanation is that you’re moving your arm while you’re otherwise sitting still — like when you’re working at a desk. This movement confuses Fitbit’s algorithm, recording these movements as steps.

Here’s how Fitbit recommends you fix this issue:

1. Log into Fitbit.com.
2. At the top of the screen, click on “Log,” then “Activity.”
3. Select the date of the error.
4. In the “Activity” menu, add your activity, like desk work, then enter the start time and duration.
5. Once you click “Log Activity,” your stats should be more accurate.

Whether you wear your device on your dominant or nondominant wrist can also have an effect on your stats. When your tracker is on your non-dominant wrist, Fitbit increases the step-counting sensitivity. This helps to reduce undercounting your steps, and it is also the default setting.

When you wear your tracker on your dominant wrist, Fitbit decreases the step-counting sensitivity. This helps to reduce overcounting your steps.

Fitbit Notification Not Working

You can specify which wrist you wear your Fitbit on by updating your personal preferences.

How do I reset my Fitbit?

If you’ve tried all of these steps and your Fitbit is still not working properly, try restarting your Fitbit. This will turn your device on and off without deleting any data.

Like with other Fitbit troubleshooting tips, exact tips can vary depending on the steps you use.
Here are the basic steps.

1. Begin charging your device.
2. If you have a Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Charge or Charge HR, Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit One, or Fitbit Surge: Hold down the buttons on your device until the lights on your tracker flash or you see a Fitbit logo.
3. If you have a Fitbit Alta or Fitbit Flex 2: Press the button three times within eight seconds (Alta), or three times within five seconds (Flex 2).
4. Unplug your tracker from the charger, and turn it back on if it hasn’t automatically restarted.

Fitbit Notification Service Android

If you’ve tried restarting your device and it still isn’t working, you may want to consider a factory reset. Before you do this, know it will remove all the data stored on your device and wipe it completely clean.

Here’s how to do a factory reset on the Charge HR:

1. Plug your device into the charger
2. Press the side button for two seconds. While you’re holding down the button, remove the charging cable.
3. Continue pressing the button for seven to nine seconds. Release it, and then press it again.
4. When a series of screens come up, press the side button when you see one that says VIBE.
5. Press the button again to see the Error screen.
6. Next, press and hold the button until you see the Erase screen.
7. Once you release the button, the tracker will turn off. You’ll know it has successfully reset if your time says 0:00.

If you’ve tried all of these tips, and your problem still hasn’t been solved, contact Fitbit support.

Fitbit Charge 3 Notifications

What other problems have you experienced with your Fitbit? Share your Fitbit troubleshooting issues in the comments.