5 Things You Need to Try Before Replacing Your Old Fitbit

Like any other wearable or electronic device, Fitbits – just another Google-owned company – will eventually reach the end of their life. That means it’s time for a replacement, which you’ll probably want to get anyway, to take advantage of the latest and greatest features and improvements. But how do you know when your old Fitbit needs to be replaced or when there might be a potential solution?

If the screen is blank or flickering, it won’t load. If it keeps restarting, that’s a good sign that the laptop is running out of steam. But there are a few tricks you can try before tossing it in the recycling and buying something new. It could be a software issue, for example, or maybe the problem is with the charger, not the tracker or smartwatch itself. Even if you’re considering an upgrade, these tips can help you keep going for at least a little longer while you shop around for the best deals on a new one.

If the smartwatch or fitness tracker doesn’t charge or appears to charge but dies immediately, the charger could be the problem, not the device itself. This poses a bit of a challenge with Fitbit since each device has its own proprietary charger. If you really want to get more life out of it, buy a new charger online and try it (hopefully you can return it if it doesn’t work).

If you have a friend or family member who has the same device, ask to borrow theirs and try it out. If the device charges properly, you have identified the problem and it is with the charger, not the device. It’s also worth moving the charger to a different outlet, as the problem could be with the outlet itself. Plug something else into the same outlet and see if it lights up to confirm the outlet is working. Either way, move the Fitbit charger to a different outlet or power strip to see if that fixes the issue.

If you notice the device loops with the splash screen, displays the logo, starts, then starts again, it may be a problem with the software. To resolve this issue, restart the device. The method for doing this is different for each Fitbit, so you’ll need to look up how to do it online or in the device’s manual if you still have it.

For example, with the Fitbit Charge 6, you place the tracker on its charger while it’s plugged in, press the button three times in a row, then wait for the Fitbit logo to appear. Try several times, waiting a few minutes between each, if it doesn’t work the first time. With the Fitbit Versa 4 and Sense 2 smartwatches, two cheaper Android alternatives to the Apple Watch, connect it to the charger, then press and hold the side button on the device for 10 to 30 seconds. When you see the Fitbit logo, release the button and wait to see if that fixes the problem.

The problem could be related to a necessary firmware update, which you can find for download in the latest version of the Fitbit app, now connected via your Google account. Open the app and check for available updates. If there is one, you will see it under the Today tab, Devices and device image. Follow the on-screen instructions and make sure it is plugged in or fully charged. Application can take up to an hour, so do it when you’ll be sedentary and near your charger to do it without interruption.

Once the update is complete, manually sync the smartwatch or fitness tracker with the app on your phone by selecting the Today tab in the app and pulling down on the screen. You can also select the Sync now option in the app. If you get a blank screen or the watch or tracker hasn’t synced, this might fix the problem.

Your Fitbit might simply not be working because the device has debris or water, or because dirt is preventing the bottom contacts from properly touching the charger contacts. Wipe it well using a non-abrasive brush, such as a soft toothbrush and fresh water. Dry it completely when finished. Do not scrape dirt and debris with a metal object, as this may damage the contacts. You can also use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the charger pins.

If there is residual water in the device, it may cause it to malfunction even if the device is rated as water resistant, especially if it is older and the water resistance has weakened. I once had a Fitbit constantly looping and restarting after swimming with it. I dried it and let it sit for 24 hours, and it worked like new after that. It’s a good idea to wipe your Fitbit whenever it gets wet, and be sure to avoid using it in salt water sources or extreme temperatures, like hot tubs, to avoid water-related issues. If it has the water lock setting, like with the Charge 5, Charge 6, Luxe, Inspire 2, Inspire 3, and Ace 3, use it if necessary.

While this is a last resort option, if you’re ready to toss the Fitbit anyway, try a factory reset. This will erase all your data, so you will have to start again. To do this, connect the Fitbit to the charger and follow the instructions for the specific Fitbit you need to perform a factory reset. For the Fitbit Charge 6, for example, you’ll go to Settings, Device Info, and Clear User Data, while for the Fitbit Sense 2, you’ll go to Settings, About Sense 2, Factory Reset, and select “Yes” to confirm. If the smartwatch or tracker restarts, follow the registration process as if it were a new product and see if that fixes any issues.

You might be tempted to throw away an old Fitbit once it simply doesn’t work anymore, especially when some people think a Fitbit is no longer necessary. But if you still find value in it, try these steps first. You may find that it still has life left to enjoy. Even if you upgrade anyway, it’s still important to get it working again since you can pass it on to a friend or family member. They may get more out of it than you thought.