Fitbit Bluetooth Problems: 5 Common Issues (Explained)

Bluetooth connectivity is essential these days – wireless pairing between devices is a must-have for any person with an active or busy lifestyle. 

A Bluetooth connection between your Fitbit and your smartphone lets you take advantage of activity tracking, notifications, and data syncing features.

However, when your Fitbit fails to connect to Bluetooth it can hinder your ability to use your device easily. 

In this article, we explore the different reasons that cause Fitbit Bluetooth problems and how to resolve them.

The Bluetooth Connection is Off

It’s easy to overlook, but the first reason your Fitbit may not be connecting to Bluetooth is that Bluetooth is turned off. 

It is essential to double-check that your phone’s Bluetooth feature is enabled.

Here’s how to turn on Bluetooth on Android Devices:

1. Unlock your Android device and navigate to the home screen.
2. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade or quick settings menu.
3. Look for the Bluetooth icon among the quick settings icons. It usually resembles a stylized “B” or has a similar Bluetooth symbol.
4. If the Bluetooth icon is not visible, swipe down again or swipe left or right to access additional quick settings panels until you find the Bluetooth icon.
5. Once you locate the Bluetooth icon, tap on it to enable Bluetooth. The icon should change color or display an “ON” indicator.

Here’s how to turn on Bluetooth on iOS Devices:

1. Unlock your Apple device and go to the home screen.
2. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open the Control Center. On older iPhones with a home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen instead.
3. In the Control Center, look for the Bluetooth icon. It is usually a white icon with a stylized “B” inside (it may look like an antenna to some).
4. Once you find the Bluetooth icon, tap on it to enable Bluetooth. The icon should turn blue to signal that Bluetooth is ON.
5. You can also access your Bluetooth settings from the “Settings” app on your homescreen.

Bluetooth Pairing Failure 

Some Fitbit users have expressed frustration that their Fitbit is not pairing smoothly with their smartphone.

This problem can be frustrating, but there are several factors that can contribute to this pairing failure, including:

• Interference from other Bluetooth devices
• Low battery on the Fitbit device,
• Compatibility issues between devices.

First and foremost, it is essential to ensure that your Fitbit device and the device you are trying to pair it with are in close proximity. 

Bluetooth signals have a limited range, so keeping the devices within close range increases the chances of a successful pairing. Ideally, have your watch and device in the same room for initial pairing.

Another factor to consider is the battery level of your Fitbit device. If the battery is low, it may struggle to establish a stable Bluetooth connection.

Before attempting to pair your Fitbit, make sure it is fully charged to maximize the chances of successful pairing.

I also recommend restarting both your Fitbit device and the device you are trying to pair it with, as this can sometimes resolve temporary connectivity issues.

There are Syncing Issues on your Fibit 

One common challenge that Fitbit users may experience is syncing problems, which can hinder the transfer of data between your Fitbit device and your mobile device. 

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve these syncing issues.

Enable Bluetooth and Update the Fitbit App:

First and foremost, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your Fitbit device and your mobile device. Without a stable Bluetooth connection, syncing will not be possible. 

Double-check the Bluetooth settings on both devices and make sure they are turned on.

Next, ensure that you have the latest version of the Fitbit app installed on your mobile device.

Here’s how to update your Fitbit app on your mobile device:

For iOS devices:

1. Open the App Store on your iOS device.
2. Tap on the “Updates” tab located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Look for the Fitbit app in the list of available updates. If an update is available, you will see the option to “Update” next to the Fitbit app.
4. Tap on the “Update” button next to the Fitbit app. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID/Face ID for authentication.
5. Once the update is complete, the Fitbit app will be successfully updated on your iOS device.

For Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) located at the top-left corner of the screen to open the sidebar.
3. From the sidebar, select “My apps & games”
4. On the “Updates” tab, you will see a list of apps with available updates. Look for the Fitbit app in the list. If an update is available for the Fitbit app, you will see the option to “Update” next to it.
5. Tap on the “Update” button next to the Fitbit app. The Play Store may require you to grant permissions or provide authentication, such as your Google account password or fingerprint.
6. Wait for the update to download and install on your device. The download time may vary depending on your internet connection.
7. Once the update is complete, the Fitbit app will be successfully updated on your Android device.

Developers frequently release updates that include bug fixes and improvements to syncing functionality. Visit your device’s app store and check for any available updates for the Fitbit app.

Toggle Bluetooth On and Off:

• If you are experiencing persistent syncing problems, try toggling Bluetooth off and then on again on both your Fitbit device and your mobile device. 
• This simple “on-off” step can sometimes help re-establish a stable connection between the two devices.

Restart your Fitbit Device and Mobile Device

• Another effective troubleshooting step is to restart both your Fitbit device and your mobile device.
• Restarting can refresh the device’s system and clear any temporary glitches or conflicts that may be causing syncing issues. 
• After restarting, try to sync your Fitbit again and see if the problem is resolved.

Please also check out our article with solutions to why your problematic Fitbit device keeps restarting or resetting. 

Check Internet Connectivity

• Syncing data between your Fitbit device and the Fitbit app also requires a stable internet connection. 
• Ensure that your mobile device is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network or that you have a stable cellular data connection. 
• Poor internet connectivity can cause syncing problems or slow down the process.

Reinstall the Fitbit App

• If all else fails, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Fitbit app on your mobile device.
• This step can help resolve any issues related to the app’s installation or configuration.
• Before uninstalling, make sure you log out of your Fitbit account within the app.
• After reinstalling, log back in and attempt to sync your Fitbit device once again.

Delayed Notifications

One of the reasons many people choose to use smartwatches is due to the fact that they offer real-time data. So it is less than ideal when your Fitbit notifications are delayed.

If you find yourself experiencing delays in receiving notifications on your Fitbit device, there are a few potential causes and solutions to consider.

A weak Bluetooth connection

• Fitbit watches use Bluetooth technology to communicate with your smartphone or other connected devices. 
• If the Bluetooth signal is weak, it can result in delays or missed notifications. 
• To address this, it is important to keep your Fitbit and connected device in close proximity to maintain a strong and stable Bluetooth connection. 
• Keeping them within a reasonable range can significantly improve the reliability of notifications.

Outdated firmware

• It is essential to ensure that your Fitbit firmware is up to date. 
• By checking for updates through the Fitbit app, you can ensure that you have the latest firmware installed on your device. 
• These updates often include bug fixes and enhancements, which can resolve issues related to delayed notifications.
• See the instructions earlier in the article to update your app.

Excessive Fitbit Battery Drain

One aspect that users of Fitbit watches need to be mindful of is the potential battery drain caused by Bluetooth connectivity. 

Both the Fitbit device and the paired smartphone or other device can experience significant power consumption when constantly connected via Bluetooth. 

If you find that your Fitbit’s battery is depleting rapidly, it may be because of continuous usage of Bluetooth.

To address this issue and maximize battery life:

• Consider disabling Bluetooth on your Fitbit watch when it is not required for syncing or other essential functions. 
• By turning off Bluetooth when you don’t need it, you can prevent unnecessary energy consumption and extend the overall battery life of your device.
• While Bluetooth connectivity does have an impact on battery life, it also provides valuable functionality by enabling features such as call notifications, text message alerts, and real-time data synchronization. 
• Therefore, finding the right balance between utilizing Bluetooth features and managing battery consumption is essential to optimize the overall experience with your Fitbit watch.

If you find that your battery drainage issue is exceptionally problematic and disabling Bluetooth from time to time does not solve the problem, you may need to take you Fitbit device back to the store you purchased it from.

There could be a hardware issue that requires an assessment by a technician. Take a look at the link at the end of this article to check Fitbit’s warranty and returns policy.

Pros And Cons of Connecting Fitbit devices on Bluetooth

Pros

• Bluetooth connectivity allows Fitbit devices to sync with your smartphone wirelessly.
• By connecting your Fitbit device to your smartphone via Bluetooth, you can receive real-time updates on your fitness goals, activity levels, and other metrics.
• Bluetooth connectivity enables seamless integration between the device and the app.
• When connected via Bluetooth, Fitbit devices automatically transfer data to your smartphone or computer, eliminating the need for manual data entry. 

Cons

Fitbit users may encounter these problems with their Bluetooth connection:

• The Bluetooth Connection is Off
• Bluetooth Pairing Failure 
• There are Syncing Issues on your Fibit
• Users experiencing Delayed Notifications
• Your Fitbit has Battery Drain

Sources

Why is my Fitbit not Connecting to my Bluetooth? Tips To Fix It

Fitbit Return and Warranty Policy