The quickest way to restart your Fitbit

A reboot clears your Fitbit's memory and stops any program that is stuck or draining the battery. Most Fitbits restart by holding the button on the side or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and wait 30 seconds for the device to finish starting up.

The exact button location and hold time depend on your model. Charge your Fitbit to at least 50 percent battery before you reboot — a device that powers off mid-restart can lose data or become unresponsive.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the side or bottom button for 10 to 15 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears, then release and wait 30 seconds for the restart to finish.
  • Charge your device to at least 50 percent battery before rebooting to avoid data loss or corruption.
  • A reboot fixes freezing, syncing problems, and unresponsive screens without erasing your personal data or settings.
  • If your Fitbit still does not respond after a reboot, try removing and reinserting the battery, or contact Fitbit Support with your device serial number.

Reboot steps for common Fitbit models

Fitbit Charge 5, Charge 6, and Inspire 3: Hold the button on the left side of the device for 10 to 15 seconds. You will see the Fitbit logo and a progress bar. Release the button and wait for the device to finish restarting.

Fitbit Versa 3, Versa 4, and Sense: Hold the button on the left side for 10 to 15 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears. Release and wait 30 seconds. These models may show a loading screen during the restart.

Fitbit Ace 3: Hold the button on the back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo. Release and wait for the startup to finish.

Fitbit Flex 2 and Alta HR: Hold the button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. The screen will go black, then the Fitbit logo will appear. Release the button and wait 30 seconds.

What a reboot does and does not do

A reboot restarts the operating system without erasing your personal data, settings, or synced history. Your step count, heart rate data, and custom watch faces remain on the device. The reboot clears temporary files and stops frozen programs, which often fixes syncing problems, unresponsive screens, and battery drain.

A reboot is different from a factory reset, which erases everything and returns the device to its original state. You should try a reboot first. A factory reset is only necessary if the device continues to malfunction after a reboot, or if you are preparing to sell or give away the Fitbit.

When your Fitbit does not respond to a button press

If holding the button does not produce the Fitbit logo, the battery may be completely drained. Plug the device into its charger for at least 15 minutes, then try the reboot again. Some Fitbits take longer to show a response when the battery is very low.

If the device still does not respond after charging, try removing and reinserting the battery if your model has a removable battery (Flex 2 and some older models do). Power off the charger, gently pry the battery out using a plastic tool or the edge of a credit card, wait 10 seconds, and press it back in firmly. Plug the charger back in and try the reboot.

If neither step works, the device may have a hardware fault. Contact Fitbit Support through the Fitbit app or the Fitbit website and provide your device serial number, which appears in the app under Settings > About Your Device.

Syncing problems after a reboot

After you reboot, open the Fitbit app on your phone and wait for the sync to complete. This usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. If the app does not sync, try turning Bluetooth off and on again on your phone, then open the Fitbit app and wait.

If syncing still fails, restart your phone as well. Power it off completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then open the Fitbit app and try to sync again. A phone restart clears temporary connection issues that prevent the Fitbit from communicating with the app.

Preventing freezes and unresponsiveness

Keep your Fitbit's software up to date. The Fitbit app checks for updates automatically, but you can also check manually by opening the app, tapping your profile picture, selecting your device, and scrolling to the bottom. If an update is available, tap the update button and keep your phone and Fitbit close together while the update installs.

Charge your device regularly — letting the battery drop below 10 percent can cause the operating system to become unstable. If you notice your Fitbit freezing or becoming slow, a reboot is the first step before you consider a factory reset or contact support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a reboot erase my data?

No. A reboot restarts the operating system but keeps all your personal data, settings, and synced history. Your step count, heart rate data, and custom watch faces remain on the device. Only a factory reset erases everything.

How long does a reboot take?

A reboot usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes from the moment you release the button. The device will show the Fitbit logo and may display a loading screen. Wait until the home screen or watch face appears before you use the device.

What if my Fitbit is stuck on the Fitbit logo?

If the logo stays on the screen for more than 2 minutes, the reboot may not have completed. Try holding the button again for 10 to 15 seconds to restart. If it stays stuck, charge the device for 30 minutes and try again. Contact Fitbit Support if the problem continues.

Can I reboot my Fitbit while it is charging?

Yes, you can reboot while the device is on the charger. In fact, charging before a reboot is recommended to may support the battery has enough power to complete the restart without shutting off mid-process.

Do I need to reboot my Fitbit regularly?

No, a reboot is only necessary when your Fitbit is frozen, not syncing, or responding slowly. Most users never need to reboot. If you find yourself rebooting frequently, a factory reset or contact with Fitbit Support may be needed to identify a deeper problem.