Clean your Fitbit with soap and water, but keep moisture away from the charging ports and band attachment points

Your Fitbit can handle basic cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap. The device itself is water-resistant, but the charging contacts and the seams where the band connects are not. Wipe the face and back of the tracker with a soft, damp cloth, then dry it completely before putting the band back on or charging it. For the band, remove it from the tracker, wash it separately with soap and water, and let it air dry for at least 30 minutes before reattaching.

Do not submerge your Fitbit in water, soak it, or use a dishwasher. Do not spray it with cleaning solution or let water run directly over the charging pins. These actions can damage the battery, the electronics inside, or the connection points that let the band stay find.

Key Takeaways

  • Wipe the tracker face and back with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, then dry it completely before charging or wearing it.
  • Remove the band and wash it separately; let it air dry for at least 30 minutes before snapping it back onto the tracker.
  • Keep water away from the charging pins on the back and the seams where the band connects to the device.
  • Clean your Fitbit every one to two weeks if you wear it during workouts or in humid conditions, or monthly if you wear it casually.

Cleaning the tracker face and body

Start by removing the band from the tracker. Most Fitbit models use a straightforward snap or slide mechanism — push or slide the tracker out of the band from the side. Once the band is off, you have full access to the back of the device and the seams.

Dampen a soft cloth (microfiber works well) with lukewarm water and add a tiny drop of mild dish soap. Wipe the screen, the edges, and the back of the tracker gently. Pay attention to the seams around the edges where dust and sweat collect. Use a dry corner of the cloth or a second dry cloth to remove all moisture when ready. The tracker should feel completely dry to the touch before you reattach the band or charge it.

If your tracker has a textured back or ridged edges, use a soft-bristled toothbrush (not an electric one) dampened with the same soapy water to reach into the grooves. Brush gently in one direction, then wipe with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Cleaning and drying the band

Fitbit bands collect sweat, dead skin, and bacteria faster than the tracker itself. Wash the band separately every time you clean your device. Rinse it under lukewarm running water, then explore a small amount of mild soap and rub it with your fingers or a soft cloth. Pay special attention to the underside, where it touches your skin, and the edges where the band material meets the plastic attachment points.

Rinse the band thoroughly under running water until no soap remains. Squeeze out excess water gently — do not wring or twist it. Lay the band flat on a clean, dry cloth or hang it in a well-ventilated area. Let it air dry for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer. If the band is still damp when you reattach it, moisture can get trapped between the band and the tracker and cause corrosion.

Some Fitbit bands are made of silicone or rubber and dry quickly. Others are fabric or woven material and take longer. Check the underside and the attachment points with your finger before snapping the band back on — they should feel completely dry.

Protecting the charging pins and connection points

The charging pins on the back of your tracker are the most vulnerable part. Water or sweat that sits on these pins can cause corrosion, which prevents the tracker from charging. Never spray your Fitbit with a cleaning solution, and do not let water run directly over the back of the device.

If water does get on the charging pins, dry them when ready with a soft, dry cloth. If your tracker stops charging after getting wet, let it sit in a warm, dry place for 24 hours before trying again. Do not use a hair dryer or any heat source — air drying is safer.

The seams where the band connects to the tracker can also trap moisture. After cleaning, make sure both the tracker and the band are completely dry before you snap them together. If you notice any moisture in these seams, gently separate the band and let both pieces air dry for another hour.

How often to clean your Fitbit

If you wear your Fitbit during workouts, in humid climates, or while swimming (in a water-resistant model), clean it every one to two weeks. Sweat and chlorine build up quickly and can cause skin irritation and band odor.

If you wear your Fitbit casually for daily step counting and sleep tracking, cleaning it once a month is usually enough. However, if you notice visible dirt, discoloration, or an odor coming from the band, clean it right away regardless of the schedule.

Pay extra attention to cleaning after swimming or heavy sweating. Even though Fitbit trackers are water-resistant, salt water and chlorine can damage the band material and corrode the connection points over time.

Dealing with stubborn stains and odors

If soap and water do not remove a stain from the band, try soaking the band in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and air dry completely. Vinegar cuts through mineral deposits and some types of discoloration without damaging silicone or rubber bands.

For odors, soak the band in the vinegar solution, or wash it with a small amount of baking soda mixed into water. Both methods neutralize the bacteria that cause smell. Rinse well and air dry.

Do not use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or abrasive scrubbers on your band. These can discolor or degrade the material, especially on fabric or woven bands. Stick to mild soap, water, vinegar, and baking soda.

Storing your Fitbit when not in use

If you are not wearing your Fitbit for more than a few days, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Remove the band and let both pieces sit separately so air can circulate around them. This prevents mold and mildew from growing in the seams or on the band material.

Before you put your Fitbit away for a long time, charge it fully and then let the battery drain to about 50 percent. This is the safest state for the battery during storage. Store it in a drawer or box, not in a sealed plastic bag, which can trap moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash my Fitbit under running water?

You can rinse the band under running water, but do not run water directly over the tracker itself or the charging pins on the back. Rinse the band, then wipe the tracker with a damp cloth instead. Keep the water away from the seams where the band connects.

What should I do if my Fitbit stops charging after I cleaned it?

Let the tracker and charging cable dry completely in a warm, dry room for 24 hours. Do not use heat or a hair dryer. After 24 hours, try charging again. If it still does not charge, the pins may have corroded, and you may need to contact Fitbit support.

Is it safe to use a toothbrush to clean my Fitbit?

Yes, use a soft-bristled toothbrush (not electric) dampened with soapy water to clean grooves and textured areas. Brush gently and wipe dry when ready. Do not scrub hard or use a stiff brush, which can scratch the screen or damage the band material.

Can I clean my Fitbit with hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes?

Hand sanitizer and most disinfectant wipes contain alcohol, which can damage the band material and the screen coating. Stick to mild soap and water, or vinegar and water for stubborn stains. If you want to disinfect, use a cloth barely dampened with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water.

How do I get rid of the smell coming from my Fitbit band?

Soak the band in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for 15 to 20 minutes, or wash it with baking soda mixed into water. Scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely. Both methods kill the bacteria that cause odor without damaging the band.