Fitbit Charging Problems: 5 Common Issues (Explained)

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:

1. Swipe left on the Sense’s home screen until y
2. ou see the ‘Settings’ icon, which looks like a small gear. Tap on it to open it.
3. Scroll down until you reach the ‘About’ option and tap on it.
4. 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:

1. Press and hold all three buttons on the watch for about 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo.
2. 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:

1. Hold down the watch’s single button until the device reboots.
2. 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:

1. Press the side button to open the apps list and scroll down to the ‘Settings’ section. Tap on it.
2. Alternatively, you can swipe down from the top of the screen to access the ‘Settings cog’ on the quick settings shade.
3. Scroll down and find ‘About [Sense 2 or Versa 4]’
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 function properly.

The first problem with the Fitbit charging cable is that it can easily become damaged.

Many users report that the cable breaks or frays after a few months of use. This is mainly due to the cable’s design, which is often too thin and delicate. 

As a result, users have to deal with a broken cable and a non-functional device.

Another problem with the Fitbit charging cable is that it can be challenging to find a replacement. 

Fitbit does sell replacement cables on its website, but they can be expensive, and not all users are willing to pay the price for a new one. 

Moreover, some users may not have access to a replacement cable, which can leave them without a functioning Fitbit device.

If you are facing any of these problems,  here are some of the most effective solutions:

• Be gentle with your cable 

Avoid pulling or twisting the cable, and don’t use excessive force to plug it into your device. Additionally, make sure to unplug your device carefully, and don’t yank the cable out of the device.

• Wrap your cable carefully

When you are not using your Fitbit charging cable, wrap it carefully and store it safely. This will prevent the cable from getting tangled or damaged. 

You can also use a cable organizer to keep your cable neatly stored.

• Get a generic cable

 If you don’t want to pay the high price of a replacement Fitbit cable, you can try getting a generic cable. 

Many generic cables are available at a lower price and can work just as well as the original Fitbit cable. Just make sure to read reviews and buy from a reputable seller.

• Consider wireless charging 

Some Fitbit devices, such as the Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Ionic, support wireless charging. 

This can be a great alternative to using a charging cable, as it eliminates the risk of cable damage.

 However, you will need to purchase a wireless charging pad to use this option.

Please also read our article about known issues with Fitbit screens – with explanations.

Fitbit Charging Cable is Not Compatible

Fitbit devices come with a variety of charging cables, and each model may require a unique cable to function correctly. 

The problem arises when you try to use a charging cable intended for a different Fitbit model. 

This can lead to connectivity issues, slow charging, or no charging at all.

Here are the most common causes of incompatibility:

1. Connector mismatch

Fitbit devices use various connectors, such as proprietary pins or USB ports, depending on the model. 

Using the wrong cable with a connector that doesn’t match your watch’s charging port can prevent the device from charging altogether.

Before connecting any charging cable, double-check the compatibility of the cable with your specific Fitbit model. 

Refer to the user manual or the Fitbit website for accurate information regarding the appropriate cable for your device.

2. Power and voltage requirements

Fitbit wearables require a specific power output and voltage to ensure proper charging. Using a charging cable with different power specifications can result in slow charging or no charging at all. 

It’s essential to match the power specifications of the cable to those recommended by Fitbit.

3. Low-quality or damaged cables

Low-quality or damaged charging cables can cause connectivity issues, leading to intermittent charging or no charging at all.

General Pros and Cons of Using Fitbit Wearables

Pros

Fitbit’s watches are designed to be user-friendly and to help track fitness goals as well as sleeping patterns.

Cons

Users can experience charging problems with extended usage of their Fitbit devices, such as:

• The Fitbit device won’t charge or turn on
• The Fitbit device won’t hold a charge
• The charging cable is not recognized by the Fitbit wearable
• The charging cable is damaged
• The Fitbit charging cable is not compatible with the model

Please also read our article, Is My Fitbit Listening To Me? 

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while charging problems can be frustrating, they can often be easily resolved with a few simple steps.

If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and your Fitbit is still not charging properly, I suggest that you contact Fitbit customer support for further assistance.

By taking good care of your Fitbit and addressing charging problems promptly, you can ensure that your device will continue to help you track your fitness and health for years to come.

Sources

Why won’t my Fitbit Charge? 5 ways to Fix your Fitbit

The most common Fitbit problems and how to fix them