Fitbit is a company that produces a series of products, including bands, smartwatches, and accessories that help you keep track of your health and exercise. These devices are aimed at helping you reach your fitness goals and improve your health.
Before using the Fitbit device, you need to connect it with your phone, tablet, or computer to allow the data to be shared between the two gadgets. There may be times when your Fitbit is unable to sync with your phone or computer. There may be different reasons for this malfunction.
In this article, you will learn about the ways to fix the problem of your Fitbit not syncing with your phone or PC.
If you own a Fitbit, you already know the immense convenience it brings to tracking your fitness and wellness. But like any tech device, Fitbits sometimes encounter glitches, freezing, or syncing issues.
Don’t fret; this SEO-optimized article is your ultimate guide to understanding what Fitbit is, how to sync it, and troubleshooting common problems like updating issues or a frozen device.
Contents
What is Fitbit?
Fitbit is a leading technology company specializing in wearable devices that track various aspects of your health, from your daily step count to your sleep patterns. Known primarily for their fitness trackers and smartwatches, Fitbit provides a way to monitor your daily activities and encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Cause of Fitbit Sync Errors
There are several reasons due to which Fitbit fails to sync with your device. It leads to failure of connection formation and transfer of data between them.
The causes may be-
- Connecting too many devices at once
- Wireless connection issues
- Fitbit operating system faces minor glitches
- Bluetooth issues
How To Fix a Fitbit Tracker Sync Problem?
The root of the inability of a Fitbit device to sync with a phone, tablet, or computer is variable. The issue can be solved by applying the method specific to a certain problem.
Given below is the list of the best ways you can try to determine the issue and solve it so that your fitness journey carries on smoothly.
1. Force A Manual Sync
If your Fitbit is not connecting automatically, you can try to build a connection manually.
The steps to force this connection are-
Step 1: Tap on the memory card icon. Click on the name of the Fitbit tracker. Tap Sync Now.
For Mac or Windows 8.1 computers-
Step 1: Click the icon with the Fitbit logo near the date and time of your computer. Open the main menu. Click on Sync Now.
Check if the issue has been solved or not.
2. Check The Bluetooth Settings
The process of transferring the data to your device is carried out using Bluetooth.
Check if your Bluetooth is turned off or on.
Follow these steps-
Step 1: Go to Settings. Click on the Bluetooth button. Turn it on if it is disabled.
If your Bluetooth is already turned on, you can try turning it off and on again after a few seconds. This also helps sometimes.
Check if the issue has been resolved or not.
3. Install The Fitbit App On Your Device
For the data to be synced on your phone, an official application of the Fitbit needs to be installed. If you forget to install the app, Fitbit will not connect to your phone or laptop.
Follow these steps to download the application-
Step 1: Open PlayStore on your Android device (App store if you have iPhone). Type Fitbit in the search bar and select from the list
Step 2: Tap on the install button and wait for the download to complete
4. Update The Fitbit
If you do not update your applications and software from time to time, lagging becomes a problem.
To update your Fitbit application, follow these steps-
Step 1: Open PlayStore or App store. Search Fitbit on the search bar.
Step 2: Select it from the list. Tap on Update.
Check if the issue has been resolved.
5. Only Sync The Fitbit To One Device
If multiple devices are connected to one Fitbit gadget, you may face problems with syncing. In order to solve this issue, you should prefer connecting it to one device at a time.
You can turn off the Bluetooth on one device when trying to connect to the other.Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Disable. Check if the issue has been resolved or not.
6. Disable Wifi
If both Wifi and Bluetooth are turned on at the same time, it becomes difficult for the Fitbit device to build a connection and share files with your phone or laptop.
The only solution to this problem is turning off the WiFi to enhance Bluetooth connectivity. You can turn it off from the notification bar itself or go to the Settings > WiFi > Disable. Check if the issue has been resolved or not.
7. Check The Fitbit Battery
Although Fitbit products have a long-lasting battery, it is highly probable for you to forget to charge it on time. If it runs out of battery, it fails to sync to the phone or computer, so the transfer of the data cannot occur.
To avoid this, always remember to check your Fitbit battery and charge it before it shuts down.
8. Restart The Fitbit Tracker
Restarting any device, be it your mobile phone, laptop, computer, or tablet, is a way of refreshing it and fixing the bugs you might be facing.
Same way, for Fitbit devices as well, you can solve the issue of the failure of syncing by restarting it. For all the devices there are different methods to restart it, but it generally involves these steps-
Step 1: Insert the tracker into the USB cable. Connect to the adaptor or power source. Press and hold the main button for a few seconds.
Step 2: Wait till the Fitbit logo appears on the screen. Restarting does not affect or eliminate your files from the device.
You can also try and restart your phone or computer to solve the problem.
9. Reset The Fitbit Tracker
Resetting Fitbit Tracker is another way of getting rid of the syncing problem. But you have to keep in mind that it clears all the memory from your device. You can definitely restore the data if it has been synced with your online Fitbit account. For each Fitbit device, the method of resetting varies.
For some, it can be done using only the settings, while for others, extra steps need to be taken. Some do not even include the feature of resetting in their models.
How Do You Force Sync on a Fitbit Watch?
Syncing your Fitbit ensures that all your latest data is transferred to the Fitbit app or dashboard. If your device is not syncing automatically, you can manually force a sync:
- Open the Fitbit App: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
- Log In: If you’re not already logged in, do so.
- Tap the Device Icon: Located at the top-left corner in most versions of the app.
- Swipe Down: Drag the screen down to initiate a manual sync.
How Do I Reset My Fitbit and Sync?
If your Fitbit isn’t syncing correctly, a reset might be in order. Here’s how to do it:
- Detach from Charger: Make sure it is not connected to a charger.
- Hold the Button(s): For most models, you hold down the physical button(s) on the device for about 10 seconds.
- Wait for Logo: Release the button(s) when you see the Fitbit logo.
- Restart: The device will restart itself.
- Re-Sync: Open the Fitbit app and manually sync the device.
Why is My Fitbit Not Updating?
If your Fitbit device isn’t updating, it could be due to various issues, from a low battery to a poor internet connection. Here are some quick tips:
- Check Battery Level: Ensure your device has sufficient battery.
- Check Internet and Bluetooth: Make sure both are functional.
- Reinstall Fitbit App: Sometimes, a fresh install fixes the issue.
How Do I Unfreeze My Fitbit?
If your Fitbit screen is frozen, try a “soft reset”:
- Hold Down the Button(s): Usually, this is the same process as a regular reset.
- Release After Vibration: Your Fitbit should vibrate as it restarts.
- Verify Functionality: Check if the device is operating correctly.
Can You Reboot a Fitbit Watch?
Yes, you can reboot or “hard reset” most Fitbit devices. The method varies between models, but generally involves holding down the physical button(s) for a longer time until you see a specific prompt or the device turns off and on.
How Do I Start My Fitbit to Restart?
To restart (also known as a soft reset) your Fitbit, usually, you’ll:
- Press and Hold the Physical Button(s): Hold for about 10 seconds.
- Release After Seeing the Logo: The Fitbit logo indicates a reset.
- Check Functionality: Make sure everything is working as it should.
How Long Can Fitbit Go Without Syncing?
Most Fitbit devices can store detailed minute-by-minute data for up to seven days without syncing. If they aren’t synced during this period, they will retain only a summary of your most recent activities.
Conclusion
Fitbit is a company that launches products that aid you in your fitness journey. They enable you to track down your health, record the data of your exercise, calories and wirelessly transfer it to your phone or computer.
Sometimes, Fitbit fails to connect with your device. This can hinder progress if not solved as soon as possible. The abovementioned are some of the most commonly used ways to resolve this issue.
Forcing manual sync, updating the application, restarting the device, disconnecting from other connected devices and others, are the basic things you should try before contacting customer care to fix the problem.
Owning a Fitbit can revolutionize the way you approach your personal health and fitness. Understanding how to sync your Fitbit, as well as how to troubleshoot common issues, will help you get the most out of your device.
Always remember to check your device’s battery and internet connectivity when experiencing syncing or updating issues. Feel free to share this comprehensive guide with anyone struggling with their Fitbit device. Knowledge is the first step to a hassle-free Fitbit experience, contributing to a healthier you.
