The Two Ways to Restart Your Fitbit Versa 4
A restart clears temporary glitches without erasing your data or settings. The Fitbit Versa 4 has two restart methods: a soft restart (which takes 10 seconds) and a factory reset (which wipes everything). Most problems — freezing, unresponsive screen, syncing failures — are fixed by a soft restart. You should try the soft restart first.
A soft restart is safe to do anytime. It closes all running processes and reloads the operating system, but leaves your personal data, workout history, and account settings untouched. A factory reset erases everything on the device and returns it to the state it left the factory. Use a factory reset only if the soft restart does not work or if you are selling or giving away the device.
Key Takeaways
- A soft restart takes 10 seconds and fixes most problems without erasing any of your data or settings.
- Press and hold the back button (left side) and the bottom right button at the same time until you see the Fitbit logo, then release both buttons.
- A factory reset erases all personal data and returns the device to factory settings, so use it only as a last resort.
- After a restart, your Fitbit Versa 4 will sync automatically with the Fitbit app on your phone the next time they are in range.
How to Do a Soft Restart
Hold down the back button and the bottom right button at the same time. The back button is on the left side of the watch face. The bottom right button is below the screen on the right edge. Press both buttons firmly and keep them held down.
Watch the screen. After about 5 to 10 seconds, the Fitbit logo will appear in the center of the screen. This means the restart has started. Release both buttons when ready when you see the logo. Do not hold them longer than that.
The watch will show a loading screen for a few seconds, then return to the normal clock face. This is complete. Your Versa 4 is now restarted. The entire process takes less than a minute from start to finish.
When to Use a Factory Reset
A factory reset erases all data stored on the device: your personal settings, saved workouts, alarms, and watch faces. Your workout history is safe because it is stored in the Fitbit app on your phone, not on the watch itself. However, any custom watch faces or apps you downloaded will be deleted and must be reinstalled.
Use a factory reset only if a soft restart did not fix the problem, or if you plan to sell or give away the device. If you are troubleshooting a technical issue, always try a soft restart first. If the device is still not working after a soft restart, then move to a factory reset.
How to Do a Factory Reset
Open the Settings app on your Versa 4. Swipe down from the top of the screen to see the quick settings menu, then tap the gear icon to open full settings. Scroll down and look for "About" or "System" — the exact name varies depending on your software version.
Tap "About" or "System," then look for an option called "Clear User Data," "Factory Reset," or "Reset Device." Tap that option. The watch will ask you to confirm. Tap "Yes" or "Confirm" to proceed. The reset will take a few minutes. Do not turn off the watch during this time.
When the reset is complete, the watch will restart and show the setup screen, just as it did when new. You will need to pair it with the Fitbit app again and sign in to your Fitbit account. Your workout history and account settings will be restored from the cloud once you sign in.
What to Do After a Restart
After a soft restart, your Versa 4 should work normally. Check that the screen responds to taps, that the buttons work, and that the watch displays the time correctly. If you had a specific problem — like the watch not syncing or an app crashing — test that function to confirm it is fixed.
The watch will sync with the Fitbit app automatically the next time your phone and watch are in range and connected to the same Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth connection. You do not need to do anything to trigger the sync. If you want to sync when ready, open the Fitbit app on your phone and pull down to refresh.
Troubleshooting If the Restart Does Not Work
If the soft restart does not fix the problem, try charging the watch to full battery before attempting a factory reset. A low battery can sometimes prevent the restart from completing properly. Plug the Versa 4 into its charging cable and leave it for at least 30 minutes.
If the watch is still not responding after charging, try the factory reset. If the factory reset does not work — for example, if the watch will not turn on at all or the screen is completely unresponsive — the device may have a hardware problem. Contact Fitbit support through the Fitbit app or visit the Fitbit website for repair or replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a soft restart erase my workout data?
No. A soft restart only reloads the operating system. All your workout history, personal settings, and account data remain on the device and in the Fitbit cloud. Your data is safe.
How often can I restart my Fitbit Versa 4?
You can restart it as often as you need. There is no limit. If you restart it multiple times a day and problems keep happening, the device may have a hardware issue and should be checked by Fitbit support.
Do I need to unpair my Versa 4 before restarting it?
No. A soft restart does not affect the pairing between your watch and phone. A factory reset will unpair the device, and you will need to pair it again with the Fitbit app after the reset is complete.
What is the difference between a soft restart and a factory reset?
A soft restart reloads the operating system but keeps all your data and settings. A factory reset erases everything on the device and returns it to factory condition. Use a soft restart first for most problems.
Can I restart my Versa 4 if the screen is frozen?
Yes. Even if the screen does not respond to taps, you can still press the physical buttons on the side of the watch to perform a soft restart. The buttons work independently of the touchscreen.