Most Fitbits cannot be opened by the user—the battery is sealed inside
You cannot replace the battery yourself in most Fitbit models. The device is designed as a sealed unit, and opening it will damage the waterproofing and void any warranty. Fitbit does not sell replacement batteries for consumer use, and the company does not provide instructions for DIY battery replacement.
If your Fitbit's battery no longer holds a charge, your options are to contact Fitbit support for a replacement device, purchase a new Fitbit, or use the device until the battery drains completely and stops working. Some older Fitbit models (like the original Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip) had user-replaceable batteries, but current models do not.
Key Takeaways
- Current Fitbit models have sealed, non-replaceable batteries that cannot be safely removed without damaging the device.
- Attempting to open your Fitbit will break the waterproof seal and void your warranty.
- If your battery fails, contact Fitbit support to discuss a replacement device or purchase a new Fitbit.
- The battery life of most Fitbits ranges from 5 to 7 days per charge, depending on the model and your usage.
- Proper charging habits—avoiding extreme heat and not letting the battery fully drain repeatedly—can extend the lifespan of your device.
How long a Fitbit battery typically lasts before it stops holding a charge
Most Fitbit batteries are designed to last 1 to 3 years of regular use before they begin to lose the ability to hold a full charge. This depends on how often you charge the device, the temperature conditions where you store it, and how heavily you use the features (GPS and constant heart-rate monitoring drain the battery faster than basic step tracking).
You will notice the battery degrading gradually. Your Fitbit may go from lasting 7 days per charge to 5 days, then 3 days, over the course of several months. This is normal wear on a rechargeable lithium battery. Once the battery can no longer hold enough charge to power the device for a full day, the Fitbit becomes impractical to wear.
What to do if your Fitbit battery stops charging
First, try cleaning the charging contacts on both the Fitbit and the charging cable. Dirt, sweat, or dried skin oils can prevent a good electrical connection. Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to gently clean the metal contacts on the back of the device and the inside of the charging dock.
Leave the Fitbit on the charger for at least 2 hours. Some devices take longer to respond if the battery has been completely drained. If the screen does not light up or show a charging indicator after 2 hours, try a different USB power source (a computer, a different wall outlet, or a different power adapter) to rule out a problem with your charger.
If the device still will not charge after cleaning and trying multiple power sources, the battery has likely failed. At this point, contact Fitbit support through their website or app to discuss your options. Fitbit may offer a discounted replacement device if your model is still relatively new, or you can purchase a new Fitbit outright.
How to extend the life of your Fitbit battery
Charge your Fitbit regularly rather than waiting for the battery to drain completely. Lithium batteries last longer when they are kept between 20 and 80 percent charged. If you let the battery drop to zero repeatedly, it will degrade faster. Aim to charge your device every 5 to 7 days, or whenever the battery indicator shows it is low.
Avoid exposing your Fitbit to extreme heat or cold. Do not leave it in a hot car, in direct sunlight for long periods, or in freezing temperatures. Heat accelerates battery degradation. Store your Fitbit at room temperature when you are not wearing it.
Turn off features you do not use regularly. If your Fitbit has GPS, heart-rate monitoring, or sleep tracking, these drain the battery faster. You can disable some of these features in the Fitbit app to extend the time between charges. Disabling notifications and reducing the screen brightness also helps.
Fitbit models that originally had replaceable batteries
The Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip, released in the early 2010s, used standard CR2032 coin-cell batteries that users could replace themselves. These devices came with a small battery door on the back that could be opened with a coin. If you own one of these older models and the battery has died, you can purchase a CR2032 battery from any pharmacy, electronics store, or online retailer for a few dollars and swap it in yourself.
All Fitbit models released after 2015—including the Fitbit Charge, Fitbit Inspire, Fitbit Versa, and Fitbit Sense lines—have sealed, non-replaceable batteries. Even if you can physically open these devices, doing so will break the waterproof seal and is not recommended.
The cost of replacing your Fitbit versus buying a new one
Fitbit does not offer official battery replacement services. If your device is still under warranty (typically 1 year from purchase), contact Fitbit support to see if they will replace it at no cost. If the warranty has expired, Fitbit may offer a discounted replacement device, usually at 30 to 50 percent off the original retail price, but this varies by model and region.
In most cases, it is more practical to purchase a new Fitbit than to attempt any kind of repair. Entry-level Fitbit models start around $100, and mid-range models cost $150 to $250. If your current device is more than 2 years old, a new model will likely have better features and a longer remaining lifespan than paying for a replacement of the same aging model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my Fitbit to a repair shop to have the battery replaced?
Most third-party repair shops will not replace Fitbit batteries because the devices are sealed and waterproof. Opening the device requires specialized tools and will void the warranty. Some independent repair shops may attempt it, but there is no may provide they can do it safely or that the device will remain waterproof afterward. Contact Fitbit support first before seeking outside repair.
What happens if I try to open my Fitbit myself?
Opening your Fitbit will likely break the waterproof seal, which means water can enter the device and damage the electronics. You may also damage the battery itself, which could cause it to leak or stop working entirely. Any attempt to open the device will void your warranty, so Fitbit will not replace it if something goes wrong.
Is there a way to check how much battery life my Fitbit has left?
Yes. Open the Fitbit app on your phone and go to your device settings. The app displays the current battery percentage and usually shows how many days of battery life remain based on your recent usage patterns. You can also see the battery icon on your Fitbit's screen, which shows the charge level visually.
How often should I charge my Fitbit?
Most Fitbits need to be charged every 5 to 7 days, depending on the model and how much you use GPS or continuous heart-rate monitoring. Check your device's manual or the Fitbit app for the specific battery life of your model. Charging once a week is a good routine for most users.
Will my Fitbit still work if the battery is completely dead?
No. Once the battery is completely drained, the Fitbit will not power on or respond to any input. The device will remain off until you charge it. If the battery has failed and will no longer hold a charge, the device cannot be used until it is replaced.