Fitbit Problems With Buzzing & Vibrating: 4 Common Issues (Solved)

Buzzing and vibrating is a pretty normal feature because that is how your Fitbit will alert you when you have reached your exercise goals and when you have notifications as well.

But what happens when you find the buzzing and vibrating to be more excessive than usual?

In this article, we will look at the common issues that cause problems with buzzing and vibrating and provide you with easy solutions.

Your Notification Settings Need to be Reconfigured

Low Battery Notification

For any battery-powered device, including Fitbits, low-battery notifications are a necessary feature. When a device’s battery is critically low, these notifications will let you know. 

Fitbit users have noted that occasionally, these notifications have led to constant annoying buzzing and vibrating issues.

The buzzing and vibrating issues linked to low battery notifications on Fitbit devices could be caused by a number of factors, such as:

• Vibration Motor Intensity
• Software glitches

If your Fitbit is buzzing and vibrating as a result of low-battery notifications and you don’t want it to, the first thing you can do is check if the notification is set to appear on your Fitbit watch, smartphone or email.

It is advisable to use only the mobile and email options to prevent your Fitbit from excessively vibrating when it attempts to alert you of the low-battery situation.

Follow these steps to check which setting is enabled:

1. Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
2. Click on your profile then select the device you want to configure.
3. Scroll to ‘Notifications’
4. Look for the Low-Battery alert, then tick the mobile and email options only.

Calls and Other Notifications

Being able to check your calls and emails on your wrist has been a game-changer for many Fitbit users.

Although this convenience is unmatched, it can be very annoying when your Fitbit constantly vibrates especially when you’re concentrating on other activities or just simply trying to take a nap.

Don’t throw out your Fitbit just yet, there is a simple solution to this!

Fitbit has a Do Not Disturb(DND) mode that allows you to temporarily disable notifications from constantly bugging you.

So you will continue to receive the notifications, it will just be in blissful silence.

You can activate DND Mode, using these simple instructions:

1. Tap the device icon in the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
2. Scroll down and tap on the ‘Do Not Disturb’ option.
3. Toggle the toggle switch next to the “Do Not Disturb” option ON.
4. When DND mode is enabled, you will no longer get notifications or calls, and the device will no longer vibrate or light up.

Alarms and Reminders

Fitbit devices offer alarms and reminders to help you stay on track with your daily routines. 

If your Fitbit is vibrating at unexpected times, check your alarm and reminder settings in the Fitbit app to ensure they are set correctly.

Not only that, you could find that you mistakenly set an alarm and now you’re stuck in vibrate.

This isn’t a train smash, the steps below will assist you in turning this off:

1. To activate your Fitbit screen, press the side button.
2. To access the menu, press the button once more.
3. Locate and select the ‘Alarms’ option.
4. Tap on the alarm that you don’t want to hear.
5. Continue to scroll down.
6. Select ‘Remove’.

Outdated Fitbit Operating System

Technology is constantly improving around us, this is why major tech brands, including Fitbit, release new software and operating system updates to keep up with the ever-evolving world of tech.

The reason why these updates are so important is that outdated software can get corrupted resulting in your Fitbit vibrating abnormally even when there isn’t a notification or low battery alert.

You must ensure that you are regularly checking for new updates and implementing them as soon as they are available to ensure the smooth running of your Fitbit device.

Updating the Fitbit operating system to the most recent version can help to resolve the vibration issue. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Check that your Fitbit is charged.
2. Bring the device closer to your Android or iOS smartphone so that they are in range of each other.
3. Start the Fitbit app.
4. Select the ‘Today’ tab.
5. Choose your profile and then your device from the drop-down menu.
6. Tap the update button to download and install the most recent version of the Fitbit OS (if one is available).

If your Fitbit screen is dark, you have no fresh notifications, the battery is fully charged, and updating the operating system yet the watch continues to vibrate, you may be dealing with a system malfunction.

System faults can be quite inconvenient. However, they are usually simple to repair.

In my experience, if your Fitbit becomes stuck, a simple restart should be enough to fix the problem and get the gadget back on track.

So, to address this: 

• Hold down the side button until you see the Fitbit logo on the screen.
• Let the Fitbit restart.

The restart clears cached memory, closes incompatible apps, and stops the annoying yet needless vibrations.

If you’ve rebooted your Fitbit wearable, but it still vibrates, it is probably time to perform a reset.

Before you perform a reset, I advise that you first sync your Fitbit and your smartphone to save the data onto your Fitbit app.

Follow the steps below:

1. Launch the Fitbit app, navigate to your profile, choose your device, and then select the option to uninstall Fitbit.
2. Navigate to the Fitbit device’s settings.
3. Scroll down to the ‘About’ section and select it.
4. Select ‘Factory Reset’ from the menu.
5. Tap ‘Reset’ once again and let the watch begin the reset procedure. 

Remember, performing a reset will remove the data stored on your Fitbit, but not the data already synced onto your smartphone, so this should only be a last resort.

Read here for common Garmin Sport Watch problems that users have experienced.

Loose Components

Fitbit buzzing and vibrating problems are frequently related to loose internal components. This might happen as a result of normal wear and tear, hard treatment, or even manufacturing flaws. 

Loose Battery

If your Fitbit’s battery is not properly fastened, it may vibrate or buzz.

This is a typical problem, especially if your gadget has been dropped or has undergone a lot of wear and tear.

Loose Screws

Your Fitbit’s internal components are held together by small screws.  If these screws become loose, vibrations and buzzing may occur.

Loose Buttons

If the actual buttons on the sides of your Fitbit become loose or misaligned, they can also cause issues.

Fitbit devices include a variety of sensors, including heart rate monitors and accelerometers.

These sensors may cause buzzing if they are not firmly fastened.

Before attempting to resolve the issue, ensure that the buzzing or vibrating is actually being caused by loose components.

Here’s how to figure out what’s wrong:

• Pay close attention-take note of when the buzzing or vibrating occurs.
• Determine whether this is a frequent occurrence or if it occurs when you tap or jiggle your Fitbit.
• Shake your Fitbit gently and listen for any rattling sounds.
• If you hear movement, it’s most likely a loose component.
• Intensity of Vibration – Determine whether the buzzing or vibrating is especially intense.
• If it’s more severe than usual, it could mean that loose components are vibrating more intensely than they should.

If any of these are the case, it is not advisable to open your Fitbit watch yourself but rather contact your nearest support center.

Fitbit Charger is Faulty

Another common issue is a faulty charger causing buzzing and vibrating problems.

Fitbit chargers usually have a USB connector on one end and a customized charging port on the other end that connects to your Fitbit device. 

To secure your Fitbit for charging, the charger normally uses a magnetic connection.

These common issues relating to a faulty charger causing excessive buzzing and vibrations:

Poor Magnetic Connection

A bad magnetic connection between the charger and the Fitbit gadget is one of the most common causes of buzzing and vibrating. 

When the connection is weak, it can cause inconsistent charging, causing your Fitbit to vibrate and buzz as it connects and disconnects.

How can you fix this?

Make sure the charger is firmly connected to the device. Clean both the Fitbit charging port and the charger to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could interfere with the magnetic connection.

Damaged charger

Fitbit chargers might become damaged over time due to normal wear and tear.

Damage to the charger’s cable, connector, or magnetic components can result in unstable connections as well as buzzing or vibrating.

How can you fix this?

Look for noticeable damage on your charger, such as frayed wires or bent connectors.

 If you notice any problems, it is possible that your charger has to be replaced. 

Fitbit chargers can be purchased via the official Fitbit website as well as a variety of stores.

Read also, Fitbit Charging Problems: 5 Common Issues (Explained)

Pros and Cons of Buzzing and vibrating on Fitbit wearables

Pros

Fitbits may connect to your smartphone and give vibrating notifications for phone calls, texts, and app alerts. This is especially beneficial during exercises or when your phone is out of reach.

Set your Fitbit to vibrate to wake you up or remind you of critical tasks without bothering others.

Vibration notifications might help you keep track of your physical activities. A short buzz, for example, when you reach a certain amount of steps can act as motivation to meet your daily goals.

Cons

• Notification settings not configured correctly
• Outdated Fitbit Operating System
• Loose Components 
• Fitbit charger is faulty

Final Thoughts

Fitbit buzzing and vibrating problems are common, but they are generally remedied by following a few basic troubleshooting procedures.

You can keep your Fitbit running smoothly by checking the battery, firmware, notification settings, and other potential issues.

Remember that Fitbit has fantastic customer service, so don’t be afraid to contact them if these remedies don’t work or if you run into more difficult problems.

With regular care and maintenance, your Fitbit will continue to assist you in meeting your fitness goals without interruptions.

Sources

Why does my Fitbit keep vibrating

What is DND Mode on Fitbit (Everything you need to know)