Fitbit Keeps Restarting & Resetting? 6 Known Problems (Solved)

Fitbit devices are renowned for their ability to track your fitness goals and provide valuable health insights.

However, encountering issues like frequent restarts and resets leaves you frustrated.

In this article, we’ll explore seven known problems that may cause your Fitbit device to glitch like this. By understanding these issues, you’ll be better equipped to troubleshoot and resolve the problem, ensuring a seamless Fitbit experience.

Glitchy Software: Unraveling the Mystery of Unexpected Restarts

Outdated or buggy software can introduce instability into your Fitbit device, resulting in restarts and resets.

To mitigate this, regularly check for software updates provided by Fitbit.

Keeping your device up-to-date ensures that you have access to the latest bug fixes and improvements, minimizing the likelihood of software-related issues.

We suggest that your device is charged and that you install the latest version of the Fitbit app on your phone or tablet before proceeding with the firmware update.

Before updating, make sure you note the following:

• If you update your device at midnight when your step count resets, you may experience an inaccurate step count for 24 hours.
• The update process may take up to an hour or longer to complete.
• Keep the Fitbit app running in the background on your phone, as this allows a small portion of the firmware update to be downloaded to your Fitbit device each time it syncs.

To update your device, please follow these steps:

1. Make sure your Fitbit device is nearby and charged.
2. Open the Fitbit app on your phone.
3. Tap the ‘Today’ tab, and then tap your profile picture followed by your device image.
4. Look for the pink ‘Update’ button. This button will only appear if an update is available.
5. Tap the ‘Update’ button and carefully follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Keep your device close to your phone, tablet, or computer throughout the update process.
7. Once you start the update, a progress bar will appear on both your device and in the Fitbit app. The progress bar will indicate the update’s completion.

Power Struggles: When Low Battery Plays Tricks

Like any electronic device, Fitbits are not immune to power-related issues that can lead to unexpected restarts or resets.

One of the primary culprits behind unexpected restarts and resets is an insufficient battery charge. 

To avoid this problem, it is essential to keep an eye on your Fitbit’s battery level and take appropriate measures when necessary.

Here are some practical steps to help you overcome insufficient battery charge issues:

Charge Regularly: Make it a habit to charge your Fitbit device regularly, preferably overnight or during times when you are not actively using it.  By ensuring a full charge, you minimize the risk of sudden shutdowns due to low battery levels.

Optimize Battery Life: Take advantage of power-saving features offered by Fitbit devices, such as turning off unnecessary notifications or reducing screen brightness. These small adjustments can significantly extend the battery life and reduce the frequency of unexpected restarts.

Replace the Battery: If you notice that your Fitbit’s battery is deteriorating and not holding a charge as it used to, it may be time to consider replacing the battery. Contact Fitbit support or consult a professional technician to assist you in replacing the battery with a genuine and compatible one.

Power fluctuations during charging, such as sudden surges or drops in electricity supply, can also impact the performance of your Fitbit device.

While you may not have direct control over external power sources, there are steps you can take to avoid the effects of power fluctuations:

• Invest in a quality surge protector to safeguard your Fitbit from sudden power surges.
• Whenever possible, try to charge your Fitbit using a stable power source.
• If you experience frequent restarts or resets due to power fluctuations, restarting or resetting your Fitbit device can sometimes resolve the issue.

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

Syncing Snags: A Rocky Relationship with Your Phone

Syncing data between your Fitbit device and the Fitbit app is crucial for tracking your fitness progress and staying on top of your health goals.

Connectivity problems, such as intermittent Bluetooth connections or a weak Wi-Fi signal, can disrupt the syncing process and potentially cause restarts or resets, which can lead to potential data loss. 

I’ve come up with a few troubleshooting tips to help you when you’re faced with syncing issues:

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your Fitbit device and your smartphone. Go to the settings menu on your device and verify that Bluetooth is turned on.

Check your Wi-Fi signal strength. If you’re using a Wi-Fi-enabled Fitbit device, make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Weak or intermittent Wi-Fi can disrupt the syncing process.

Restarting your Fitbit device can often resolve syncing issues. You can do this by going to the settings menu and selecting ‘Reboot’ or ‘Restart’.

If your device doesn’t have a dedicated restart option, consult the Fitbit support website or user manual for specific instructions.

Restarting your smartphone can help clear any temporary glitches that may be affecting the Bluetooth connection.  Turn off your smartphone, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.

If you’re still experiencing syncing issues, try forgetting your Fitbit device from your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings and then re-pairing it.

If you’re using an Android device, clearing the Fitbit app cache can help resolve syncing problems. Follow these steps to do this:

1. Go to your smartphone’s settings menu and select ‘Apps’ or ‘Applications’
2. Find the Fitbit app in the list and tap on it.
3. Select ‘Storage’ and then tap on ‘Clear Cache’

Memory Meltdown: Too Much Data, Too Little Stability

Just like a cluttered room can hamper productivity, a Fitbit with limited memory and storage can lead to performance issues such as frequent restarts and resets.

By taking the time to declutter your Fitbit and remove unnecessary data, you can give your device the breathing space it needs to function smoothly and efficiently.

The first step in decluttering your Fitbit is to identify and remove unnecessary data that is consuming valuable memory and storage space.

Begin by examining the following areas:

• Unused Workouts
• Excessive App Data
• Overflowing Cache

Before decluttering, it’s crucial to ensure that you have backed up any essential data stored on your Fitbit. This may include important workout logs, achievements, or customized settings.

Take advantage of Fitbit’s synchronization feature to back up your data to the cloud or an external device, ensuring that you don’t lose any valuable information during the decluttering process.

Please also read our article about Fitbit strap problems. 

Hardware Woes: The Impact of Accidental Falls

One of the most common causes of physical damage to Fitbits is accidental drops.

Whether it slips off your wrist or falls from a height, the impact can result in internal components getting dislodged or damaged. 

Here are some tips to prevent this:

Ensure that your Fitbit is properly fastened on your wrist, using the appropriate band or clasp that fits snugly.

During vigorous activities or sports, take extra care to avoid any sudden impacts that could cause your Fitbit to fall.

Depending on your Fitbit model, there may be protective cases or screen covers available. Invest in one that suits your needs to provide an extra layer of protection against accidental drops.

Water damage is another common issue faced by Fitbit users. While some Fitbit models are water-resistant, they have limitations and may not be suitable for extended exposure to water.

Follow these guidelines to safeguard your Fitbit:

Familiarize yourself with the water resistance rating of your Fitbit model. Some are only splash-resistant, while others can be submerged to certain depths.

Unless your Fitbit is specifically designed for swimming, it’s advisable to remove it before entering the water.

Please also check out our article about the durability of Garmin watches.

Incompatible Apps: When Compatibility Is a Deal-Breaker

Fitbit has revolutionized the way we monitor and manage our physical activities by partnering with third-party apps to bring added convenience and simplified usage.

However, as convenient as third-party apps may be, there are instances where they can clash with our Fitbit, leading to erratic behavior, frequent restarts, or even device resets.

Fitbit relies on accurate data exchange and synchronization with these apps to provide users with comprehensive fitness tracking capabilities.

Incompatible apps can undermine the reliability and effectiveness of your Fitbit, resulting in frustrating experiences and hampered progress toward your health goals.

To avoid compatibility issues, it is essential to verify the compatibility of the installed apps on your Fitbit device.

Here’s how you can identify potentially problematic apps:

Before installing any app, conduct thorough research to ensure compatibility with your Fitbit model. Check the app’s official website and reviews to gauge its compatibility track record.

Fitbit offers an official app gallery where users can explore and download apps that are specifically designed to work seamlessly with Fitbit devices.

Review recently installed apps or those that received updates just before you began experiencing issues. Uninstall these apps one by one and observe if the problem persists after each removal.

If you confirm that a particular app is incompatible with your Fitbit, it is advisable to uninstall it to restore normal functionality.

Follow these steps to do this:

1. Open the Fitbit app on your phone.
2. Tap the ‘Today’ tab, and then tap your profile picture.
3. Scroll to ‘Connected Apps’ and then tap on it, select ‘Manage 3rd Apps’ A list will appear with the applications that interact with your account.
4. Select ‘Revoke Access’
5. Then select ‘uninstall app’

After uninstalling the app, monitor your Fitbit’s behavior for a period to ensure stability and normal functioning.

Pros and Cons of Using Fitbit Watches

Pros

Fitbit devices are wearable technology that can measure your distance traveled, heart rate, and sleep quality.

They can help you stay accountable to your fitness goals by allowing you to share your progress with friends and family.

Fitbit devices are relatively affordable and offer a good value for the price.

Cons

Fitbit wearables may have great features, but you may encounter issues with your device restarting and resetting itself.

This can be caused by:

• Software or firmware issues
• Low battery or power issues
• Syncing or connectivity issues
• Memory or storage limitations
• Physical Damage
• Incompatible Apps

Final Thoughts

Experiencing frequent restarts and resets on your Fitbit can be frustrating, but armed with this knowledge, you’re now equipped to tackle the issue head-on.

Remember, if you cannot resolve the issue yourself, Fitbit’s customer support is always there to lend a helping hand.

Get your Fitbit back in top shape and resume easily tracking your fitness goals!

Sources

How to Update Your Fitbit

How to reset Fitbit Versa