The two ways to reset your Fitbit depend on which model you own
Most Fitbits reset through the settings menu on the device itself, which takes about a minute. Some older models and a few current ones require you to hold down a button for 10 to 15 seconds instead. A reset clears your personal data, synced information, and settings, returning the device to factory condition — you will need to pair it with the Fitbit app again afterward.
Before you reset, know that this action cannot be undone. Your device will lose all stored workouts, heart rate data, and custom settings. If you want to keep a record of your activity history, open the Fitbit app on your phone and take screenshots of any data you want to save, since the app itself keeps a cloud backup of your account information separate from the device.
Key Takeaways
- Most current Fitbits reset through the device settings menu by scrolling to Settings, then About, then Factory Reset.
- Older Fitbit models like the Charge 2 and Blaze require holding the side button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes blank.
- A factory reset erases all data stored on the device itself, though your Fitbit app account keeps a separate cloud backup of your activity history.
- After resetting, you must pair the device with the Fitbit app again using Bluetooth before it will track activity.
Resetting through the settings menu on current Fitbit models
If you own a Fitbit Charge 5, Charge 6, Inspire 3, Sense 2, or similar recent model, the reset option lives in the device settings. Swipe or scroll down from the clock face until you see a Settings icon (usually a gear symbol), then tap it.
Once in Settings, scroll down to find About or Device Info. Tap that option, then continue scrolling until you see Factory Reset or Clear Data. Tap it, and the device will ask you to confirm — tap Yes or the checkmark to proceed. The screen will go blank for a few seconds, then show the Fitbit logo and a pairing code. This means the reset is complete.
Resetting older Fitbit models using the button hold method
Fitbit Charge 2, Charge 3, Blaze, and Ionic models do not have a settings menu reset option. Instead, locate the side button on your device — this is usually on the left or right edge. Press and hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds without releasing.
You will see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen, followed by a series of animations. Keep holding until the screen goes completely blank and stays blank for a few seconds. When the pairing code appears, the reset is finished. If nothing happens after 15 seconds, release and try again, holding for the full duration without stopping.
What to do after the reset is complete
Once your Fitbit shows the pairing code, open the Fitbit app on your phone. Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner, then select your device. Choose "Set Up Device" or "Pair New Device" depending on your app version. The app will search for your Fitbit using Bluetooth — make sure Bluetooth is turned on and the device is nearby.
When the app finds your device, tap it to pair. The app will walk you through reconnecting to your Wi-Fi network (if your model supports it) and restoring your personal settings like height, weight, and goal preferences. Your activity history from before the reset will still be in your Fitbit account and will reappear in the app once pairing is complete.
When to reset versus when to restart
A restart is different from a reset and should be your first step if your Fitbit is frozen, not syncing, or behaving oddly. To restart, straightforward charge the device for 15 minutes, then hold the button (or go to Settings and select Restart if available) until the Fitbit logo appears. This clears temporary glitches without erasing your data.
Only perform a factory reset if restarting did not solve the problem, if you are selling or giving away the device, or if you want to start fresh with your fitness tracking. If your Fitbit is still under warranty and restarting does not help, contact Fitbit support before resetting — they may be able to troubleshoot the issue without data loss.
Troubleshooting if the reset does not work
If you held the button for 15 seconds and nothing happened, try charging the device for at least 30 minutes first. A completely drained battery can prevent the reset from starting. After charging, try the button hold method again.
If the settings menu reset is not working, make sure you are scrolling all the way down to the bottom of the About section — some models hide the Factory Reset option below other options like Firmware Version. If you still cannot find it, check the Fitbit support website for your specific model number, as a few variants use different menu layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my Fitbit delete my activity history?
The reset erases data stored on the device itself, but your Fitbit app account keeps a separate backup in the cloud. Once you pair the device again, your activity history will reappear in the app. You will not lose any records.
Do I need to unpair my Fitbit from the app before resetting?
No, you can reset the device without unpairing first. However, after the reset is complete, you should open the Fitbit app and remove the old device from your account before pairing it again. This prevents confusion if the app still shows the old connection.
How long does a factory reset take?
The actual reset takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes depending on your model. After that, pairing with the app takes another 2 to 5 minutes. The entire process from start to finish usually takes less than 10 minutes.
Can I reset my Fitbit if it is not charged?
A Fitbit with very low battery may not reset properly. Charge it for at least 30 minutes before attempting a reset. If the screen is completely dark and will not turn on, plug it in and wait an hour before trying again.
What if I forgot my Fitbit password after resetting?
Your Fitbit account password is separate from the device. If you cannot remember it, go to the Fitbit login page and select "Forgot your password?" to reset it via email. You will need access to the email address linked to your account.