Fitbit is a popular brand of wearable fitness devices that help people keep track of their daily activity levels, sleep patterns, and overall fitness.
While Fitbit devices are known for their reliability and durability, some users may experience problems when it comes to charging their devices.
This article will explore the most common charging problems with Fitbit devices and their solutions.
Fitbit Device Won’t Charge or Turn on
If your Fitbit device doesn’t charge at all, it could be due to a dead battery.
Try restarting the device by pressing and holding the button on the side of the device for 15 seconds.
If this doesn’t work, make sure the charging cable is securely connected to the device and the power source.
When your Fitbit wearable won’t turn on, charge the device for at least an hour uninterrupted and then turn it on again as usual, a drained battery needs time to charge without being interrupted.
Please also read our article, Fitbit keeps restarting & resetting? 6 known problems (Solved)
Fitbit displays ‘Not enough power from source’ or ‘not charging’ message
If your device regularly displays the more common “no power at source” message or “not charging, not enough power detected from source,” first look at the sides and back of the watch and check for signs of a swollen battery.
If there is any visible bowing or bulging, it looks abnormal, or you see other signs that your battery is swollen, immediately remove the device from the power source and contact Fitbit support.
Fitbit Device Won’t Stay Charged
If your Fitbit device doesn’t hold a charge, it could be because of the following reasons:
1. Overcharging:
Overcharging your Fitbit device can also cause the battery to wear out quickly and not hold a charge.
It’s a good idea to unplug it as soon as it’s done charging to prevent overcharging.
2. Software issues:
Sometimes, your Fitbit device may have software issues that can cause it to drain its battery quickly.
Check for any software updates available for your device and make sure your device is up to date.
If you’re still experiencing issues, you can try resetting your device to factory settings.
Here is how to reset your Fitbit device:
The procedure for performing a factory reset on the Fitbit Sense is the same as that for the original Versa, Versa Lite, Versa 2, and Versa 3.
It’s a straightforward process, and here’s how you can do it:
- Swipe left on the Sense’s home screen until y
- ou see the ‘Settings’ icon, which looks like a small gear. Tap on it to open it.
- Scroll down until you reach the ‘About’ option and tap on it.
- Select the ‘Factory Rese’ option.
If your watch is unresponsive, a hard reset might be necessary. Here’s how to do it on different models:
For the original Fitbit Versa:
- Press and hold all three buttons on the watch for about 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo.
- Release the bottom right button but continue holding down the other two buttons until you feel a strong vibration, indicating that a factory reset has been performed and all data has been erased.
For the Versa 2, Versa 3, and Versa Lite:
- Hold down the watch’s single button until the device reboots.
- When the Fitbit logo appears, let go of the button for a second or two, and then press it down again until you feel a long vibration indicating a factory reset has been performed.
Fitbit has made some changes to the user interface of the Sense 2 and Versa 4, resulting in a few differences in menu items and visual cues compared to the previous Sense and Versa models.
Nonetheless, the fundamental process remains the same.
To perform a factory reset on the Sense 2 or Versa 4, follow these steps:
- Press the side button to open the apps list and scroll down to the ‘Settings’ section. Tap on it.
- Alternatively, you can swipe down from the top of the screen to access the ‘Settings cog’ on the quick settings shade.
- Scroll down and find ‘About [Sense 2 or Versa 4]’
- Tap on it and select ‘Factory Reset’
3. Heat damage:
Heat can damage your Fitbit device’s battery and prevent it from holding a charge.
Make sure you don’t expose your device to high temperatures, such as leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot car.
If you’ve been using your device in extreme temperatures, let it cool down before charging it.
4. Physical damage:
If your Fitbit device has been physically damaged, such as being dropped or exposure to water, it could affect the battery’s ability to hold a charge.
If you’ve accidentally damaged your device, it’s best to contact Fitbit customer support or take it to a service center for repair.
Some wears have found that magnetic bands cause a variety of issues, one of which is a device that will no longer turn on. Read here for more on Fitbit strap problems.
The Charging Cable is Not Recognized by the Fitbit Wearable
If your Fitbit device does not recognize the charging cable, it may be quite frustrating, but you are not alone, this is a common issue among Fitbit users.
I have a list of reasons why this may occur and how to resolve them below.
1. Damaged charging cable
One of the most common reasons why a Fitbit device may not be recognized by the charging cable is due to a damaged cable.
If the cable has been bent or twisted too much, it can cause the wires inside to break or fray. This can result in a poor connection between the charging cable and your device, leading to charging issues.
To check if your charging cable is damaged, try to use it to charge a different device.
If the other device charges without any issues, then the problem is likely with your Fitbit device and not the cable.
If the cable is indeed damaged, you will need to replace it.
2. Dirty charging contacts
Another reason why the charging cable may not recognize your Fitbit device is due to dirty charging contacts.
Over time, sweat, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the charging contacts of your device.
This can prevent a proper connection between the device and the charging cable.
To fix this issue, try cleaning the charging contacts on your device using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any liquids or abrasive materials as they can damage your device.
3. Hardware issues
In some cases, the issue may be due to a hardware problem with your Fitbit device. This could be due to a damaged charging port or other internal issues.
The Charging Cable is Damaged
The charging cable is an essential accessory that allows the Fitbit device to charge and fu