Whether your Fitbit tracker lasts for a day or a week, you will eventually need to recharge the battery. This is a simple task and only requires a few steps.
- Charge with cable: Plug USB into computer, charging station, or portable battery pack and connect to Fitbit.Charge within cradle: Remove Fitbit from band/case > plug USB connected to cradle into USB port > place Fitbit into cradle.Align gold connecting parts if using charging cradle. For Versa charging cradles, pinch ends to open.
How to Use a Fitbit Charging Cable and Cradle
All Fitbit models require either a charging cable or charging cradle. All new Fitbits come with their required charging equipment, but if you purchased a Fitbit second-hand you may need to buy an aftermarket charger.
Here’s a list of the Fitbit devices that require a charging cable vs. a charging cradle:
- Charging cable: Fitbit Ace, Fitbit Ace 2, Fitbit Ace 3, Fitbit Alta, Fitbit Alta HR, Fitbit Charge, Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit Charge 3, Fitbit Charge HR, Fitbit Flyer, Fitbit Ionic, and Fitbit Surge.
- Charging cradle: Fitbit Blaze, Fitbit Flex, Fitbit Flex 2, Fitbit One, Fitbit Zip, and Fitbit Versa.
How to Charge a Fitbit With a Charging Cable
If your Fitbit model only requires a charging cable to charge, the process is simple.
All Fitbit models charge via a USB connection. This can be plugged into a computer’s USB slot to charge or, if you have one, a USB power socket.
- Locate the correct charging cable for your Fitbit tracker.
- Plug the USB end into a USB slot on your computer, charging station, or portable battery pack.
- Connect the other end of the charging cable to your Fitbit, usually on the rear of the device. The slot on the Fitbit Flyer is hidden by a flap on its cover, while the charging cable for the Fitbit Ionic connects to the back of the tracker magnetically.
- Charging will begin automatically and a charging symbol will appear on the Fitbit’s display. Now just wait for the charge to complete.
How to Charge a Fitbit With a Charging Cradle
Several Fitbit models need to be placed within a special charging cradle. These models are typically placed within a wristband or clip-on case when worn or used.
Locate the correct charging cable for your Fitbit tracker.
Plug the USB end into a USB slot on your computer, charging station, or portable battery pack.
Connect the other end of the charging cable to your Fitbit, usually on the rear of the device. The slot on the Fitbit Flyer is hidden by a flap on its cover, while the charging cable for the Fitbit Ionic connects to the back of the tracker magnetically.
Charging will begin automatically and a charging symbol will appear on the Fitbit’s display. Now just wait for the charge to complete.
- Remove the Fitbit from its band or case.
- Plug the USB end of the cable connecting to the charging cradle into a USB port.
- Place the Fitbit into its charging cradle while making sure to align any gold connecting parts on the device to those in the cradle. The end of the Versa charging cradle will need to be pinched together for it to open before the Fitbit Versa can be placed inside it.
- The screen on all models should be facing upwards, towards you, when being placed into a charging cradle.
- Charging should begin automatically. The display on the Fitbit should light up and a charging icon will appear if charging has started successfully. Now just wait for the charge to complete.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Fitbit?
A typical Fitbit device will fully charge in two hours or less. In most cases, however, a charge can be completed in less time. Some trackers, such as the Fitbit One, can fully charge in under 30 minutes.
Remove the Fitbit from its band or case.
Plug the USB end of the cable connecting to the charging cradle into a USB port.
Place the Fitbit into its charging cradle while making sure to align any gold connecting parts on the device to those in the cradle. The end of the Versa charging cradle will need to be pinched together for it to open before the Fitbit Versa can be placed inside it.
The screen on all models should be facing upwards, towards you, when being placed into a charging cradle.
Charging should begin automatically. The display on the Fitbit should light up and a charging icon will appear if charging has started successfully. Now just wait for the charge to complete.
Regardless of your Fitbit model, it’s best to check the battery status icon to get an idea of how long the charging process will take.
What to Do When Your Fitbit Isn’t Charging Properly
If you’ve followed these instructions and your Fitbit still fails to charge, here are some troubleshooting tips to try out.
Because many Fitbit models have a battery life that can last for several days, you typically don’t need to fully charge a tracker before you can use it. If you’re in a rush, half a charge should be more than enough to last for the next 24 hours.
- Make sure you’re using the correct charging cable or cradle. If you’ve owned several Fitbit models, you may have picked up the incorrect charging equipment.Check that your computer is turned on. If you’ve plugged the USB end of the cable into a laptop or computer, make sure it is powered on, as it may not charge the Fitbit if in sleep mode.Clean the connecting ends of the Fitbit and cable or cradle. Dirt and oils can affect connectivity.Is the Fitbit wet? If you’ve used the Fitbit while swimming, wait for it to dry before trying to charge it. Make sure the cable or cradle is also dry.Is there power? If you’re using a USB port at an airport or café, the power may have been turned off by staff due to a technical issue. You can check that it is active by charging your smartphone or other electronic devices.
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