Why Your Fitbit Won’t Turn On (And How to Fix It)

Why Your Fitbit Won’t Turn On (And How to Fix It)

Fitbit smartwatches and trackers are dependable, but sometimes run into issues powering up. If you’re wondering why your Fitbit won’t turn on, try these troubleshooting tips to get your wearable up and running again.

These solutions apply to all Fitbit models. You can follow these tips if your Fitbit Versa won’t turn on or you’re struggling to power on your Inspire, Charge, Sense, etc.

How to Fix It When My Fitbit Won’t Turn On

When repeated attempts to power on your Fitbit fail, try these fixes in order from easiest to most complex.

  1. Clean the Fitbit. Use a toothbrush and water to remove dust and debris from the device’s charging contacts. Also, use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol on the charging cable pins.

    While you’re at it, gently use soap and water to clean your Fitbit’s band.

  2. Fully charge the Fitbit. Use the provided charging cable to bring the battery to 100 percent. Fitbit says that a full charge could take one to two hours.

    Fitbit recommends avoiding leaving a device charging for longer than overnight.

  3. Use an AC wall adapter. To rule out a charging issue because of insufficient power, plug the Fitbit’s charger into an AC wall adapter.

  4. Restart the Fitbit. A restart can resolve issues your device is experiencing. This process usually involves plugging the Fitbit in and pressing a button for a few seconds.

    If one restart doesn’t do the trick, you might need to try this process a few times. You could also try alternating device charges with device restarts.

  5. Factory reset your Fitbit. If your device is unresponsive to a few restart and charge cycles, reset the device to give it a fresh start.

  6. Use the Fitbit Help Center to contact Google. If these charging and restart methods don’t move the needle, you might have a hardware problem. Visit the Fitbit Help site to explore troubleshooting articles or connect with a support person over the phone or via live chat.

Why Won’t My Fitbit Turn On?

The Fitbit fitness band and fitness smartwatch lineup continues to grow, but many devices experience occasional issues with charging and powering on.

Common reasons that prevent problems with Fitbits turning on include:

  • A fully drained battery.
  • Charging interference and issues.
  • Software errors.
  • Hardware conflicts.

While device charging and restarts are often enough to resolve powering issues, if you see no progress with these approaches, seek direct support from Fitbit and check your device’s warranty coverage.

FAQ

  • Why is my Fitbit vibrating but not turning on?

    An app might be triggering vibration, or your device could be notifying you that it needs updating or charging. Plug in and restart your Fitbit to see if that helps.

  • Why won’t my Fitbit turn on when I turn my wrist?

    Your screen wake settings have likely changed somehow. Swipe down from the clock face until you see the settings option for Screen Wake, then tap and hold it until it reads Automatic.

  • Why does my Fitbit only work when it’s charging?

    Your Fitbit’s battery is probably dead or dying. You can’t replace the battery without voiding the warranty, and you’ll also need some expertise in servicing electronics. However, you can get your Fitbit repaired or replaced for free if it’s still eligible for the manufacturer’s warranty.

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