Most Fitbit models have sealed batteries you cannot replace yourself
You cannot open a Fitbit and swap out the battery the way you might with other devices. Nearly all Fitbit trackers and smartwatches use non-replaceable lithium batteries that are glued or soldered inside the sealed case. If your Fitbit no longer holds a charge, your options are limited to sending it to Fitbit for a replacement device or buying a new one.
The reason Fitbit uses sealed batteries is durability. The waterproof design that lets you wear your tracker in the shower or while swimming requires the battery to be permanently sealed inside. Opening the case would break that seal and make the device vulnerable to water damage.
Key Takeaways
- Fitbit batteries are sealed inside the device and cannot be replaced by the user without destroying the waterproof case.
- If your Fitbit will not charge or hold a charge, Fitbit's warranty or out-of-warranty replacement service may send you a refurbished device instead of repairing the original.
- Battery degradation is normal after two to three years of daily use, and the device may still be under manufacturer warranty depending on purchase date.
- If your Fitbit is out of warranty, paying for a replacement device is often cheaper than buying a new model.
What happens when you contact Fitbit about a dead battery
When you report a battery problem to Fitbit, the company does not repair the original device. Instead, they send you a refurbished replacement if your tracker is still under the one-year limited warranty, or they offer you a discounted replacement if it is out of warranty. The refurbished device comes with a new battery and has been tested to work properly.
To start this process, you contact Fitbit support through their website or app and describe the problem. They may ask you to try troubleshooting steps like force-restarting the device or clearing the cache. If those steps do not work, they will ask for your proof of purchase to check the warranty date. If you are covered, they ship a replacement at no cost. If you are out of warranty, they quote you a price, which varies by model but is typically between $40 and $100.
How long Fitbit batteries last before they fail
A Fitbit battery typically lasts between two and five years of daily use before it no longer holds a charge. The exact lifespan depends on how often you charge it, the model you own, and how you use the device. Charging your Fitbit every single day, as most people do, causes the battery to degrade faster than if you charged it less frequently.
Lithium batteries naturally lose capacity over time. After 300 to 500 full charge cycles, a lithium battery retains roughly 80 percent of its original capacity. A Fitbit charged daily will hit 500 cycles in about 18 months. By year three, you may notice the battery drains faster than it did when the device was new, even if it still holds a charge for a full day.
Checking your warranty before you pay for a replacement
Fitbit devices come with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. If your tracker is still within that year and the battery failure is not caused by physical damage or water damage, Fitbit will replace it for free. To learn about you are covered, you need your original receipt or proof of purchase from the retailer.
If you bought your Fitbit from an official retailer like Best Buy, Amazon, or Fitbit's own website, you can look up your order history. If you bought it in a physical store and do not have the receipt, the store may be able to look up the purchase using your payment method or phone number. Once you have the date, count forward one year. If you are still within that window, contact Fitbit support and mention the warranty.
The cost of replacing your Fitbit out of warranty
If your Fitbit is older than one year, Fitbit charges a flat fee for a replacement device. The price depends on which model you own. A basic tracker like the Fitbit Inspire costs around $40 to $60 for a replacement, while a smartwatch like the Fitbit Sense costs $80 to $100. These prices are not fixed and may change, so Fitbit will quote you the exact amount before you commit.
Before you pay for a Fitbit replacement, compare that cost to the price of a new device. Fitbit often runs sales on older models, and a new Inspire or Charge may cost only slightly more than the out-of-warranty replacement fee. Check the Fitbit website and major retailers to see current prices. If a new device is cheaper or only a little more expensive, buying new may be the better choice because you get a full one-year warranty on the new device.
Troubleshooting before you assume the battery is dead
Before you contact Fitbit about a battery problem, try a few quick steps to rule out other causes. First, plug your Fitbit into the official charging cable and leave it plugged in for at least 30 minutes. Some Fitbits take longer to show a charge indicator on the screen, so wait a full half hour before unplugging.
If the device still does not respond, try a force restart. The method varies by model. For most trackers, you hold down the button for 10 to 15 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. For some smartwatches, you may need to hold the button for up to 30 seconds. Check your specific model's support page on Fitbit's website for the exact steps. A force restart can sometimes wake up a device that appears completely dead.
If the device still will not charge after a force restart, try a different USB port on your computer or a different power adapter. A faulty cable or port can look like a dead battery. If you have access to another Fitbit charger, borrow it and test. If the device charges with a different cable, your original cable is the problem, not the battery.
What to do if your Fitbit is no longer available for replacement
Some older Fitbit models are no longer in production, and Fitbit may not have refurbished units available to send you as a replacement. In that case, Fitbit offers a discount code toward the purchase of a current model instead. The discount is usually 20 to 30 percent off the retail price of a new device.
If you loved your old Fitbit model, this may feel frustrating. However, newer Fitbit models often have longer battery life, better accuracy, and more features than older ones. A Fitbit Inspire or Charge from the current generation typically lasts longer on a single charge than models from five years ago. If you decide to upgrade, the discount code makes the transition less expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a Fitbit battery myself?
No. Fitbit batteries are sealed inside the device with adhesive or solder, and opening the case will break the waterproof seal and damage the device beyond repair. Attempting to replace the battery yourself will void any remaining warranty.
How much does Fitbit charge to replace a device with a dead battery?
Out-of-warranty replacement costs vary by model, typically between $40 and $100. Fitbit will quote you the exact price for your specific model before you pay. If your device is still under the one-year limited warranty, replacement is free.
What if my Fitbit charges but the battery drains very quickly?
Fast battery drain can be caused by background apps, screen brightness, or GPS use rather than a failing battery. Try turning off GPS, lowering screen brightness, and closing unused apps. If the battery still drains in a few hours, contact Fitbit support to discuss a replacement.
Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new Fitbit?
Since you cannot replace just the battery, you are choosing between an out-of-warranty replacement device or a new Fitbit. Compare the replacement fee Fitbit quotes you to the current retail price of a new device. Often they are similar, but new devices come with a full one-year warranty, which may make them the better value.
How do I know if my Fitbit is still under warranty?
Fitbit covers devices for one year from the original purchase date. Find your receipt or order confirmation to check the date. If you bought from a retailer, you can also call the store with your payment method to look up the purchase date. Contact Fitbit support with your proof of purchase to confirm warranty coverage.