The quickest way to reset your Fitbit Charge 2
To reset your Fitbit Charge 2, plug it into the charging cable, then hold down the button on the left side of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Release the button and wait for the device to restart—this usually takes another 10 to 15 seconds. Once the logo disappears and the screen goes blank, your Charge 2 has been reset to factory settings.
This is a soft reset, which clears temporary glitches without erasing your data or disconnecting the device from your Fitbit account. If your Charge 2 is frozen, unresponsive, or showing a blank screen, a soft reset almost always fixes it. You do not need to remove the device from your account or lose any of your activity history.
If a soft reset does not work, or if you want to completely erase the device and start fresh, you will need to perform a factory reset instead. That process is more involved and does erase all stored data on the device itself, though your account history remains safe in the Fitbit app.
Key Takeaways
- A soft reset (holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds while charging) fixes most freezing and unresponsiveness without erasing data.
- Make sure the device is plugged into the charging cable before you start, or the button press will not work.
- A factory reset erases everything stored on the device but keeps your account and activity history intact in the Fitbit app.
- If neither reset works, the device may have a hardware problem and may need replacement through Fitbit support.
When to do a soft reset versus a factory reset
Use a soft reset when your Charge 2 is acting up but you want to keep everything as it is. Soft resets fix lag, freezing, a screen that will not wake up, or a device that will not sync with your phone. The device stays paired to your Fitbit account, and all your steps, heart rate, and sleep data remain on the device and in the app. Think of it as turning the device off and back on again.
Use a factory reset when you are selling or giving away the device, when you want to completely clear it before troubleshooting a deeper problem, or when you are switching to a new Fitbit and want to remove your data from the old one. A factory reset erases everything stored on the Charge 2 itself—steps, heart rate readings, sleep logs—but your Fitbit account and all the data the app has already synced remain untouched. You can pair the device to a new account afterward, or to your own account again if you want to start fresh.
How to do a factory reset on your Charge 2
Plug your Charge 2 into the charging cable. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the menu, then swipe left and right until you find the Settings icon (it looks like a gear). Tap it, then swipe down to find About and tap that. Swipe down again until you see Factory Reset and tap it. The device will ask you to confirm—tap Yes.
The Charge 2 will display a progress bar and then restart. Once it finishes, the device will show the Fitbit logo and then a blank screen. At this point, all data stored on the device has been erased. You can now pair it to your Fitbit account again by opening the Fitbit app on your phone, tapping the profile icon, selecting Set Up Device, and following the on-screen steps.
A factory reset takes longer than a soft reset—usually 2 to 3 minutes total. Do not unplug the device or interrupt the process while it is running, or you may damage the firmware.
What to do if the button does not respond
If you hold down the button for 15 seconds and nothing happens, the device may not be charging properly. Remove it from the cable, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Make sure the metal contacts on the back of the Charge 2 are clean and dry—swipe them gently with a dry cloth. Then try the soft reset again.
If the screen is completely black and will not light up even when you press the button, the battery may be completely drained. Leave the device plugged in for at least 30 minutes, then try again. If the screen still does not respond after a full charge, the device may have a hardware fault that a reset cannot fix.
Troubleshooting after a reset
After a soft reset, your Charge 2 should work normally. If it still freezes or will not sync, try unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. Then open the Fitbit app on your phone, go to your profile, tap your Charge 2, and tap Sync Now. This forces the app to reconnect to the device.
If the device still will not sync after a soft reset and a manual sync attempt, unpair it from your account and pair it again. In the Fitbit app, go to your profile, tap your Charge 2, scroll down, and tap Remove This Device. Then tap Set Up Device and follow the pairing steps as if it were new. This usually clears out any connection problems between the app and the device.
When to contact Fitbit support
If a soft reset does not fix the problem, and a factory reset followed by re-pairing still does not work, the device likely has a hardware issue. Contact Fitbit support through the Fitbit app (tap the profile icon, then Help & Support) or visit support.fitbit.com. Have your device serial number ready—you can find it in the Fitbit app under your device settings.
Fitbit will ask you to describe the problem and may walk you through additional troubleshooting steps. If the device is still under warranty, they may send you a replacement. If it is out of warranty, they will let you know your options for repair or replacement pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a soft reset erase my activity data?
No. A soft reset only clears temporary glitches and does not touch your data. All your steps, heart rate, and sleep information stays on the device and in your Fitbit account.
Can I reset my Charge 2 without the charging cable?
No. The button only responds when the device is plugged in and charging. If you have lost your cable, you will need to order a replacement from Fitbit or use a compatible USB charging dock.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes 2 to 3 minutes from start to finish. Do not unplug the device while it is running, or you may corrupt the firmware and make the problem worse.
Will my Fitbit account data be lost if I factory reset the device?
No. A factory reset only erases data stored on the Charge 2 itself. Your Fitbit account, all your synced activity history, and your settings in the app remain safe and unchanged.
What if my Charge 2 is stuck on the Fitbit logo screen?
Try a soft reset again—hold the button for a full 15 seconds while the device is charging. If it stays on the logo screen after that, leave it plugged in for 30 minutes and try once more. If it still does not respond, the device may need a factory reset or professional support.