Fitbit not charging: how to fix it

Fitbits are designed to help you in your fitness journey by tracking your goals. Available in different models, which one you choose depends entirely on your personal preferences and your budget.

Like most electronic devices, Fitbits can sometimes experience charging issues. This can be a big inconvenience, especially if you rely on your Fitbit as part of your daily routine.

Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting techniques that Fitbit owners can try before giving up and purchasing a new device. This article will look at several reasons why your Fitbit may not be charging and how to fix it.

Fitbit not charging

Overall, Fitbits have decent battery life between charges, with the latest models lasting up to seven days. Despite this, it is not uncommon to occasionally experience charging problems.

There are many reasons why your Fitbit may not charge as usual. If you’re having charging problems, here are some reasons and how to fix them.

Replace the charger

Fitbits usually come with a single charging cable. It’s not entirely unusual for a charging cable or USB port to experience problems. To check if this is the problem, try using a different cable. If you don’t want to go ahead and buy a new one, consider borrowing a friend’s charger.

Restart your Fitbit

When used too much, electronic devices can sometimes experience malfunctions, and Fitbits are no exception. Basically, it works like a miniature computer. And just like a computer, some problems can be fixed by simply restarting the device.

Depending on your model, restarting your Fitbit may vary. Typically, it involves pressing one or more side buttons for a couple of seconds. Once you’ve done this, try plugging it back into the charging port to see if it works.

Fitbit does not charge at 100

Some Fitbit users have reported that their devices refuse to charge to 100% and instead stop at 99%. Users should not worry too much about this, as the final charging percentage may take a little longer to complete (typically about 2 hours).

That being said, some troubleshooting techniques can be implemented to try and fix this issue.

Restart your device

The first thing users need to do is restart their Fitbit device. More often than not, Fitbits that are used regularly and rarely turned off can start to experience failures. By turning the device off and on again, it is possible to eliminate this problem. After restarting, reconnect your Fitbit to the charging dock and leave it for approximately 2 hours before checking the battery recharge level.

Try unplugging the charger

If restarting your Fitbit failed to charge 100%, your next option is to try unplugging the charging cable for about half an hour before plugging it back in.

Fitbit not charging: it gets hot

Have you experienced your charger getting hot when trying to charge your Fitbit? You are not alone in this, as many users report similar problems. Some people are worried that this will damage their devices in the long term.

When a functional charger converts alternating current to direct current, it transmits about 70% of the electrical current, while the other 30% is diffused and converted into thermal energy.

However, while it is normal for a device to become slightly warm during charging, overheating that hinders charging capabilities may be a cause for concern and should be investigated.

Check the charger

Sometimes overheating may occur because the charger may not be compatible with the device. If you are using a different charger than the one you received when you purchased your Fitbit, you may want to invest in a new one that matches the original. Although a charger may fit your device, this doesn’t necessarily mean it will be compatible. A telltale sign of incompatibility is overheating and poor charging.

Additionally, it may be that the charger you are using is not of high quality. Cheap chargers rarely come with strict safety precautions, so overheating is usually a looming problem.

Fitbit not charging: High

Launched in February 2016, Fitbit Alta is a great way to track daily fitness. The wearable technology uses the same functions as previous models. It includes a full OLED (organic light-emitting diode) that activates reminders, notifications, and a clock, all with a few taps.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for Fitbit Alta users to experience charging issues. Fortunately, there are some solutions available.

Restart your device

Many Fitbit users have reported that their charging issues were resolved by simply upgrading the Fitbit memory. To reset your Fitbit Alta:

1. Connect the charging cable to your device.
2. Press the small round button located at the bottom of the cable three times.
3. The Fitbit logo will then appear, indicating that the device is restarting.

Replace your charger

One of the reasons why a Fitbit Alta may not be charging is due to a faulty charging cable. Modern electronic devices can sometimes have sensitive charging ports, so the cable should be plugged in as tightly as possible. However, constantly having to hold the charger in a certain position can be tiring, so it’s worth investing in a new charging cable.

Clean your Fitbit Alta charger

For best results, be sure to check both sides of the charging cable for damage or dirt. Some additional dust or debris may have accumulated over time that is preventing your Fitbit from fully charging.

Clean your Fitbit

Like a charger, your Fitbit can also collect dust over time, making it difficult to charge. For more accuracy, try using a cotton swab and a drop of isopropyl alcohol. Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your Fitbit, try plugging it into a charging port again and remember to apply little pressure.

Connect your Fitbit Alta to different sources

If your preferred charging port is a PC’s USB, consider connecting your device to a different source if you’re having trouble. Firmware changes can sometimes cause devices to behave unusually. When this happens, try connecting the device to an alternative port or USB adapter. If the Fitbit still won’t charge, it may be an issue with the device itself and not the charger.

Fitbit not charging: charging 4

The Fitbit Charge 4 is among the latest fitness tracker models available, released in 2020, but some users have reported charging-related issues. Fortunately, users can fix the problem relatively quickly by checking certain aspects.

Restart the device

As seen with other versions of Fitbit, it may be helpful to try restarting the device. To do this:

1. Press and hold the tracker button for about 8 seconds.
   
2. The Fitbit will vibrate and a smile icon will appear, indicating that it has reset.

Check the charger

Often, charging problems can be caused by a faulty charging cable. Perform a thorough inspection of your cable, making sure it is not dirty. If so, use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to clean the metal contacts.

Fitbit not charging: verse 2

Fitbit’s Verse 2 differs from other models in that users can also use Amazon’s Alexa for navigation. If you find that your Fitbit Verse 2 is not charging, you can take some steps to resolve the problem.

Restart the device

Restarting your Fitbit Verse 2 could eliminate any charging issues associated with the device. To do this:

1. Press and hold the tracker button on the side of your Fitbit Verse 2.
   
2. When the Fitbit logo appears, release the buttons. This process usually takes about 10 seconds.
   
3. The Fitbit reset process is complete.

Replace the charger

If you are using a different charger than the one that originally came with your Fitbit Verse 2, it may not be compatible with your device. This incompatibility can cause problems when charging.

If this is the case, consider investing in a new charging cable compatible with your Fitbit. To ensure compatibility, seek expert help.

Clean your device

Sometimes a device may not charge properly due to a buildup of dirt on the charger or on the Fitbit itself. To ensure it is cleaned thoroughly, use a cotton swab and a drop of isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the charger and device are completely dry before reconnecting to a power source.

Some final information (adequate)

Having a Fitbit can have a positive impact on a person’s overall health. Incorporating the use of one into your daily exercise routine can significantly help you on your health journey.

One of the most annoying things that can happen when using your Fitbit is that the battery refuses to charge. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to resolve the problem.

Do you use a Fitbit? Have you experienced any charging problems? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.