Fitbit is arguably the best fitness tracking device, and its sales figures show its soaring popularity in the world. However, every perfect product has some weakness, and so is the case with Fitbit. People have found some of the most common Fitbit problems and they are now looking for solutions. So we are offering the most common Fitbit problems and possible solutions.
Before lining up the common Fitbit problems and possible solutions, you should know how beneficial it is to have a fitness tracker like Fitbit. It can show us the number of steps walked, our heart rate, gauge our quality of sleep and also help to burn calories. All this gives us a clear idea on our physical fitness level. But sometimes, there might be problem with the Fitbit device which can hinder us from all these functionalities. So here are some of the most common problems with Fitbit and how to fix these issues.
How to Fix Most Common Fitbit Problems
- Fitbit Won’t Sync With My Phone
- Fitbit Notifications Not Working
- Fitbit Not Charging
- Issues Involving Tap Recognition and Quick View
- Problem with Updating Fitbit
- Problem with the Silent Alarm Functionality
- Issues Regarding the Fitbit Band and the Screen
Fitbit Won’t Sync With My Phone
Your Android phone and Fitbit Device connects with each other using Bluetooth. And through Bluetooth technology, both devices synchronises data between each other. Now this issue, if happens can be solved rather simply. Here are some troubleshooting methods to deal with the problem.
Step #1. Check if the Fitbit app is installed on your Android phone. You also need to make sure that Bluetooth is turned ON. You can turn Bluetooth ON by going from Settings → Bluetooth → On. Also, ensure that you are only trying to connect one device at a time.
Step #2. Many times, users keep the Always Connected option turned OFF in the Fitbit app. This can lead to issues. To fix it, you need go to Account in your Fitbit app, and then select your tracker. Once selected, scroll down and toggle the Always Connected option to ON.
Step #3. Also don’t forget to keep the All Day Sync option turned on. You can do this by opening the FitBit app → select Account → Select the tracker → toggle All Day Sync on.
Step #4. Smartphones which are running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher will also have to go ahead and grant Fitbit multiple app permission to allow scanning for Bluetooth Devices. Steps including:
Step #1. Heading on over to the phone’ setting menu and the going to Apps and Applications. Over their select Fitbit and then select Permissions. You will get the option to turn on Location permission. Just toggle that to the On position.
Step #2. Now that the application can access your device’s location, it is necessary to turn it on. Go into the Device Settings options and select Privacy and Safety. Over there you will get the toggle to turn on Location On and Off. Fitbit requires the device Location to work properly, so keep it turned on.
Step #5. Sometimes, force quitting the application and restarting also helps it to work properly. To do this, head on to settings, then apps, then Fitbit and select Force Stop.
Step #6. Try to turn on and turn off the Bluetooth of your device.
Step #7. Restarting the device might also prove to be helpful.
Step #8. If all these steps fail, then it would be best if you go ahead and reinstall the Fitbit app.
Fitbit Notifications Not Working
One of the key features of having Fitbit wrapped around your wrist is that it saves the trouble of bringing out your smartphone to catch up with all the notifications. However, sometimes this very feature of getting notifications on your Fitbit can become erroneous. Here are some ways you can address this issue:
Step #1. Make sure that you are close to your mobile device. The Fitbit tracker connects with your device through Bluetooth, hence if the two devices are far apart, then undoubtedly there is going to be issue. Generally a Bluetooth has a maximum strength of about 20 feet.
Step #2. See if you have another Bluetooth device connected to your phone. This may cause interference resulting in the problem.
Step #3. If you are receiving your notification, but everything is a bit delayed then there might be issues with your settings. Go into the Fitbit app → select Account → Select Tracker → Select Call and Text Notifications, and keep this enabled.
Step #4. If you own a FItbit Blaze then you can try holding down the top right button for a couple of seconds to turn on Notifications, if turned off.
Step #5. Don’t keep your smartphone in Do Not Disturb mode.
Step #6. Try force quitting the app and restarting it to see if things are working now.
Step #7. You can also try to restart your Fitbit device.
Step #8. And the ultimate solution is to do an uninstallation and reinstallation of the Fitbit app on your device.
Fitbit Not Charging
Your Fitbit has a rechargeable battery which you need to juice up to keep the device functioning. However, if there is problem with charging then you might be in for a bit of a problem. The Fitbit is a device you want to keep running on your arms, not just wear it like a wrist accessory. So if you are facing issues in this regard, please follow the following steps to see if you find any help.
Step #1. Dust and Debris can cause problems with charging. So make sure that both your Fitbit tracker and the charging cable are clean.
Step #2. The reason for not charging might be because you are using a USB hub. However, if that is not the case, the next plausible reason might be because your charger might not be working. Try using a different USB port or another UL certified Wall Charger. You can also charge the device with a USB on your Computer.
Step #3. Make sure that your Fitbit pins are properly lined up with that of the charger.
Step #4. Try restarting your Fitbit device.
Issues Involving Tap Recognition and Quick View
The latest Fitbit device comes with a handy feature which allows you to simply raise your wrist to turn on the display. This is termed as Quick View. Another features found in some of these devices allows you to tap the display in order to swipe through the display. If your Fitbit tracker has these features then you already know. And if you are facing issues with these features then you are at the right place. Follow the steps discussed below to fix this irritating issue.
Step #1. For Quick View to work properly, your Fitbit device needs to know details like in which wrist you are wearing it and whether you are right handed or left handed. If this is the problem causing the nuisance then go into the Fitbit app and head to Accounts → select your Tracker → Toggle on Quick View.
Step #2. On the same screen as was being discussed above you will also find wrist placement and handedness. Make sure that you are wearing your Fitbit on the correct wrist and that you have chosen correctly if you are left handed or right handed.
Step #3. Now the Tap recognition function can be a little tricky to use. You have to tap exactly at the right spot with an amount of pressure which is not too much or too little. The ideal place to tap would be near the bottom of the screen where the tracker meets the band.
Step #4. Also, it is quite normal for your Fitbit to respond after two to three seconds of tap. Also make sure not to tap too rapidly. Give it a little time to respond.
Problem with Updating Fitbit
It is important to keep your Fitbit up to date. Hence if you face problem with this, then take reference for the points discussed below:
Step #1. Try restarting your Fitbit device and see if it is updating now.
Step #2. If that doesn’t help then restart your Mobile device and try to update the firmware again.
Step #3. If you are syncing your Fitbit with your Mobile Device then try and remove the Bluetooth connection from your Android.
Step #4. If you can’t update your Fitbit device via your computer, then try doing so with the help of your computer.
Step #5. If you still happen to be facing problems with updating the firmware, then simply remove the device from your Fitbit account.
Step #1. To do this, use your mobile to go into Account→ and then select Remove Device.
Step #2. If you prefer using the website then go on to their official website and click on the gear icon which is at the top right corner of the screen. From there click on Settings→ Devices → Remove this from Account.
Step #6. Now that you have gotten this sorted out, it is time to update add the device back into your account and trying to update again. Hopefully this time it would work perfectly.
Problem with the Silent Alarm Functionality
If you have turned off your Fitbit tracker at night, it can wake up in the morning automatically with the handy feature called silent alarm. You can readily presume its usefulness in regular day to day life. However, the feature is also prone to problems. Here is a quick fix to such issues if you come across them.
Firstly just make sure that you have Silent Alarm activated. To do this, head on over to the Fitbit app and choose Account. Then Select your Fitbit device and turn on Silent Alarm.
Now the Silent Alarm Functionality is different for different system, for this purpose, it would be handy if you go ahead and check the user manual which came with your device.
Issues Regarding the Fitbit Band and the Screen
Although the Fitbit is a robust device, it still can break. The band might fall off and the screen might crack. These problems sadly don’t come with do it yourself solutions. However, you do have a Warranty policy which does take care of such mishaps. So relax and let the Fitbit support team take care of some problems for once.
Having a fitness tracker wrapped around the wrist can be very useful in understanding our activity on daily basis. With the advancement of technology, mankind doesn’t need to do much physical work. But without physical activities, the body grows weaker and hence it needs to be supplemented with some fitness habits like jogging, going to the gym, cycling and so on.
Have you faced any Fitbit issues till now? Share your feedback with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.