Update your Fitbit through the mobile app or web dashboard

Your Fitbit updates in two separate places: the wearable device itself and the companion app on your phone or computer. The device gets firmware updates automatically when you sync it to the app, usually while it charges at night. The app itself updates through your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) or through the Fitbit web dashboard if you use a computer.

Most of the time you do not need to do anything—your Fitbit will read and install updates on its own. But if you want to check the status, force an update, or troubleshoot a stuck update, the steps differ depending on which part of your system needs attention.

Key Takeaways

  • Device firmware updates happen automatically when you sync your Fitbit to the app, usually overnight while charging.
  • The Fitbit app itself updates through your phone's app store or the Fitbit web dashboard, separate from the device update.
  • You can manually check for updates in the app by opening your profile, selecting your device, and tapping the update option if one is available.
  • If an update stalls, restart your Fitbit by holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes dark, then sync again.
  • Keep Bluetooth turned on and stay within range of your phone during an update to prevent interruptions.

Update your Fitbit device through the mobile app

Open the Fitbit app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select the Fitbit device you want to update from the list. Scroll down until you see a section labeled "Device" or "About" (the exact name varies by device model). If an update is available, you will see a button that says "Update" or "Install Update"—tap it to begin.

The update will read and install the next time your Fitbit syncs with your phone. This usually happens automatically when the app is open and Bluetooth is on. To speed it up, open the app and manually sync by pulling down on the screen or tapping the sync icon. Keep your phone and Fitbit within 30 feet of each other and do not close the app until the update finishes. The process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes.

If you do not see an update button, your device is already on the latest version. Fitbit releases updates on different schedules for different models, so some devices may wait weeks between updates while others receive them monthly.

Update the Fitbit app itself on your phone

The Fitbit app updates separately from your device. On an iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, scroll down to "Available Updates," find Fitbit, and tap "Update." On Android, open Google Play Store, search for Fitbit, and if an update is available, tap "Update."

You can also turn on automatic app updates so the Fitbit app installs new versions without your action. On iPhone, go to Settings > App Store > App Updates and toggle "Automatic Updates" on. On Android, open Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select "Settings," go to "Network preferences," and choose "Auto-update apps" (the exact path varies by phone model).

App updates are separate from device firmware updates. You can have the latest app but an older device firmware, or vice versa. Both should be current for the best experience, but neither blocks the other from working.

Update your Fitbit through the web dashboard

If you use the Fitbit web dashboard instead of the mobile app, log in at fitbit.com and click your profile icon in the top right. Select your device from the list. Look for a section labeled "Device Information" or "About This Device." If an update is available, a button will appear—click it to start the read.

Web-based updates work the same way as app-based updates: your Fitbit will install the firmware the next time it syncs. Make sure your device is nearby and Bluetooth is on. The sync usually happens automatically, but you can manually sync by opening the app on your phone or by restarting your Fitbit.

Restart your Fitbit if an update gets stuck

If an update begins but does not finish, or if your Fitbit becomes unresponsive during an update, restart the device. The restart method depends on your model. For most Fitbits, hold the button on the side or back of the device for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes dark and you see the Fitbit logo. Release the button and wait for the device to restart—this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute.

After the restart, open the Fitbit app, make sure Bluetooth is on, and sync your device again. The update will resume from where it left off. If the update still does not complete, try restarting your phone as well, then attempt the sync a second time. If the problem persists after two restart attempts, contact Fitbit support through the app by tapping your profile, selecting your device, scrolling to the bottom, and tapping "Contact Us."

Keep your Fitbit and phone in range during updates

Bluetooth connection is required for updates to work. Stay within 30 feet of your phone while the update is running, and do not turn off Bluetooth or close the Fitbit app. If the connection drops, the update will pause and resume the next time your Fitbit syncs.

Updates are most reliable when your Fitbit battery is above 50 percent. If your battery is very low, charge your device for at least 30 minutes before starting an update. Many people update overnight while their Fitbit charges, which eliminates the risk of a dead battery interrupting the process.

Check what version your Fitbit is currently running

To see your device's current firmware version, open the Fitbit app and tap your profile icon. Select your device and scroll to "Device Information" or "About." The firmware version number will be listed there. You can compare this to the latest version listed on the Fitbit website to see if your device is current.

The app also shows the version of the Fitbit app itself. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and search for Fitbit in the list. On Android, open Settings > Apps, find Fitbit, and tap it to see the version number. Knowing both version numbers helps when troubleshooting or contacting support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my Fitbit?

Updates are not required, but they often include bug fixes, new features, and security improvements. Older devices may eventually stop syncing if they fall too far behind the app version, so updating when available is recommended. You can delay an update, but it will prompt you each time you open the app.

Will updating my Fitbit erase my data?

No. Updates do not delete your activity history, heart rate data, or personal settings. Your data syncs to the Fitbit servers before the update begins, so even if something goes wrong, your information is safe. After the update finishes, your data will be there.

How long does a Fitbit update take?

Most updates finish in 5 to 15 minutes. Larger updates may take up to 30 minutes. The time depends on your internet speed, how close your phone is to your Fitbit, and the size of the update file. Keep your phone and device nearby and do not interrupt the process.

What if my Fitbit is not showing an update option?

Your device may already be on the latest version. Try closing and reopening the app, or restart your phone and check again. If you still do not see an update, wait a few days—Fitbit rolls out updates gradually, so your device may receive it later. You can also check the Fitbit website to see if a new version has been released for your model.

Can I update my Fitbit without the app?

No. Updates require either the Fitbit mobile app or the Fitbit web dashboard—both sync to your Fitbit through Bluetooth or your account. You cannot update a Fitbit device using only the wearable itself.