How to Reset Your Fitbit: Quick Fix Guide for All Models

Did you know that Fitbit releases new software updates every few weeks? While these updates aim to improve your device, they can occasionally lead to frustrating issues that leave you wondering how to reset Fitbit devices properly.

From unresponsive screens and syncing problems to blank displays and tracking inaccuracies, these common hiccups can disrupt your fitness tracking journey. However, there's good news - most issues can be resolved with a simple reset, and specifically, you have two options: a soft reset that preserves your data or a factory reset for a complete device refresh.

Whether you're dealing with a temperamental Charge 5, a frozen Sense, or any other Fitbit model, we'll guide you through the exact steps to get your device back on track. Let's dive into everything you need to know about resetting your Fitbit!

If you're looking to keep your Fitbit safely attached to your wrist, we suggest checking out our collection of Fitbit straps and other accessories.

Understanding Fitbit Reset Types

When your Fitbit device misbehaves, understanding the different reset options is crucial before attempting to fix it. Fitbit offers two primary reset types, each with distinct purposes and consequences for your data.

Soft Reset vs. Hard Reset

A soft reset—also known as a restart—is essentially turning your Fitbit off and on again. This straightforward process refreshes the device's system without deleting any of your personal data. Think of it as giving your Fitbit a quick nap rather than a complete memory wipe.

In contrast, a hard reset (or factory reset) returns your device to its original factory settings. This more drastic approach erases all stored data on the device, requiring you to set up your Fitbit again as if it were brand new.

The primary differences between these reset types can be summarised as follows:

Soft reset:

• Restarts device
• Preserves all data
• No new setup needed

Hard reset:

• Returns to factory settings
• Erases device data
• Complete setup required

When to Use Each Reset Option

Knowing when to perform each type of reset will save you from unnecessary data loss and frustration.

A soft reset is ideal for addressing minor issues, including:

• When your device won't sync with the Fitbit app
• If the screen is unresponsive to taps, swipes, or button presses
• When facing a blank or frozen display
• If your device isn't registering steps or other activity data
• When notifications or reminders aren't appearing

Consequently, we recommend trying a soft reset first for most troubleshooting situations, as it's non-destructive and often resolves common problems.

A factory reset, furthermore, should be reserved for more serious situations:

• When preparing your Fitbit for a new user
• If persistent software glitches remain after multiple soft resets
• When unpairing your device to connect it to a different account
• As a last resort when all other troubleshooting methods have failed

It's worth noting that Fitbit Customer Support typically advises performing a factory reset only under their direction, given its data-erasing consequences.

What Data Gets Preserved

Perhaps the most important consideration when resetting your Fitbit is understanding what happens to your fitness data.

During a soft reset, absolutely all of your data remains intact. The process simply refreshes the device's system without touching any of your personal information, settings, or activity history.

With a factory reset, however, the situation is quite different. Any data stored on the device itself—including unsynchronised activity records, alarms, goals, and notifications—will be permanently erased.

Fortunately, your historical fitness data remains safe provided you've regularly synchronised your device. Each time you sync, your activity information is uploaded to Fitbit's secure servers and stored in your account. This means that even after a factory reset, your previously synced history remains accessible through the Fitbit app.

One particularly important point to remember: most Fitbit devices can only store approximately one week's worth of detailed activity data before requiring synchronisation. Therefore, any unsynchronised information beyond this timeframe might be permanently lost during a factory reset.

For certain older Fitbit models released before 2016 (such as the Flex, Surge, and Blaze), the factory reset option may not even be available directly on the device. In such cases, removing the device from your Fitbit account might be the only way to clear your personal data.

Common Issues That Require Resetting Your Fitbit

Fitbit devices occasionally develop issues that disrupt your fitness tracking experience, signalling that a reset might be necessary. Recognising these symptoms early can save you frustration and get your device working properly again.

Syncing Problems

One of the most common Fitbit issues involves syncing difficulties between your device and the app. When your Fitbit won't sync, you might notice that recent activity data isn't appearing in your app, or the sync process continuously fails to complete. According to user reports, syncing problems often develop suddenly, with many users experiencing this issue after app updates.

For example, one user reported their Charge HR stopped syncing with both their Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge and Windows 10 computer following an app update. Syncing issues might also manifest as:

• Continuous "syncing" status that never completes
• App failing to recognise your device
• Data appearing in the app several days later than recorded

In many cases, resetting your Fitbit resolves these syncing problems, especially when they're related to Bluetooth connectivity issues or when the app becomes "confused" about which device it should be communicating with.

Unresponsive Screen or Buttons

Unresponsive screens and buttons represent another frustrating issue that often necessitates a reset. Users frequently report screens becoming frozen on a particular display or failing to respond to touch inputs. Similarly, side buttons may suddenly stop functioning, making it impossible to navigate through your device's functions.

These issues typically manifest in several ways:

• Frozen clock face that won't respond to taps or swipes
• Black or blank screen despite the device being charged
• Side buttons that don't register presses
• Screens displaying vertical lines or flickering

On the Versa 3, for instance, multiple users have reported the screen freezing on the clock face while the side button becomes completely unresponsive. Given that these symptoms often indicate a system crash, performing a reset is frequently the most effective solution.

Battery Drain Issues

Abnormal battery drain is a telltale sign that your Fitbit might need resetting. Users of various models have reported unexpected decreases in battery performance, with some devices requiring daily charging despite previously lasting several days on a single charge.

Notably, one Charge 5 user reported their battery dropping from 100% to 67% overnight despite enabling sleep mode. Another Versa 3 owner observed their device's battery life suddenly decreasing from five days to less than 24 hours without any changes to settings or usage patterns.

This rapid battery depletion often points to software processes running incorrectly in the background. When battery drain occurs suddenly without explanation, resetting your device can help recalibrate the battery gauge and terminate any malfunctioning processes.

Tracking Inaccuracies

Inaccurate activity tracking presents a compelling reason to reset your Fitbit. Users across multiple Fitbit models have reported significant discrepancies in distance measurements. For instance, one Charge 2 user recorded only 0.5 miles on a known 2-mile route, while others experienced consistent underreporting of approximately 25% for each run.

Fitbit Charge 4 and 5 users have additionally reported the opposite problem—devices overestimating distances by up to 30%. One user documented a 10km run being recorded as 13km on their Charge 5.

Step counting inaccuracies might likewise indicate your device needs resetting. When your Fitbit suddenly stops tracking steps properly or shows highly implausible counts, a reset can recalibrate the sensors and algorithms. Experts suggest that missing profile information, such as height and weight stats, can significantly impact step count accuracy due to incorrect stride length calculations.

For all these common issues, attempting a soft reset should be your first troubleshooting step, as it refreshes your device's system without data loss while resolving many temporary glitches and performance problems.

How to Restart a Fitbit (Soft Reset)

Performing a soft reset on your Fitbit is often the quickest solution when your device misbehaves. Unlike factory resets, this method preserves all your data whilst giving your device the refresh it needs. The exact process varies depending on which Fitbit model you own.

Restarting Fitbit Smartwatches (Versa, Sense)

Fitbit smartwatches generally follow a straightforward restart process that you can accomplish in under a minute. For the Fitbit Sense and Sense 2, press and hold the side button for approximately 10 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears on the screen, then release the button. The device will restart automatically.

The Versa series has slightly different methods depending on the model:

1. For Versa 2, Versa 3, and Versa 4: Press and hold the side button for 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo, then release.
2. For the original Versa: Press and hold both the left and bottom-right buttons simultaneously for roughly 10 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears.
3. For Versa Lite: Use the same method as Versa 2, holding the side button for 10 seconds.

Alternatively, you can restart some models through their settings menu. Simply swipe to find "Settings," scroll to "About," and tap "Shutdown" or "Restart Device."

Restarting Fitbit Trackers (Charge, Inspire)

Fitbit trackers typically require connection to their charging cable for a proper restart. For the Inspire series:

1. Connect your device to its charging cable.
2. For Inspire 3: Press and hold the buttons on your tracker for 10 seconds, then release when you see the Fitbit logo.
3. For Inspire 2: Access the Settings app, tap "Reboot Device," or if unresponsive, connect to the charger and hold the buttons for 10 seconds.
4. For Inspire/Inspire HR: While connected to the charger, press and hold the side button for 5 seconds until you see a smile icon and feel a vibration.

The Charge series follows a similar pattern:

1. For Charge 5: Connect to the charger, then press the button on the flat end of the charger 3 times within eight seconds.
2. For Charge 3/4: Open the Settings app and tap "About" > "Reboot Device," or if unresponsive, connect to the charger and hold the side button for 8 seconds until you see a smile icon.

Restarting Older Fitbit Models

Older Fitbit models often have unique restart methods. For the Alta and Alta HR, you must:

1. Connect to the charging cable.
2. Press the button on the charging cable three times within eight seconds.
3. Look for a smile icon and vibration indicating successful restart.

Certainly, some older models like the Ionic require pressing specific button combinations—the left and bottom buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears.

Undoubtedly, the Fitbit Ace and Ace 2 follow the pattern of their adult counterparts, requiring you to press the button on the charging cable three times within eight seconds, whilst the Ace 3 uses the "Disconnect & reset" option in its Settings menu.

Remember that timing is crucial when performing these restarts—button presses that are too quick or too slow might not trigger the reset process correctly.

Performing a Factory Reset on Your Fitbit

A factory reset is the ultimate solution when your Fitbit device requires a complete refresh. Before proceeding, I must emphasise that this process erases all data stored on your device. Let me walk you through the proper steps to safely reset your Fitbit without losing important information.

Backing Up Your Data First

Prior to factory resetting, sync your Fitbit with the app to ensure all your activity data transfers to Fitbit's servers. Indeed, your fitness history isn't actually stored on your device or phone but securely on Fitbit's servers. This means even after a factory reset, your previously synced data remains accessible when you log back into your account.

If you're a premium member, consider exporting your data first. Although one user reported being told only one month's worth of data could be exported, typically all synced data remains accessible in your account regardless of device status.

Factory Reset Instructions by Model

Different Fitbit models require unique reset processes:

Versa Series

• Original Versa: Hold all three buttons for 12 seconds. When the Fitbit logo appears and disappears, release the bottom right button whilst holding the others until you feel a strong vibration.
• Versa 2/3: Press and hold the side button for approximately 8 seconds until the logo appears, release briefly, then hold again until you feel a longer vibration.

Charge Series

• Connect to charging cable
• Press button as directed in Settings → About → Factory Reset

Sense & Newer Models

• Open Settings app → About → Factory Reset

Initially, you might encounter resistance during reset attempts. For stubborn devices, connecting to the charging cable often helps facilitate the process.

Removing Device from Your Account

As a final step, remove the device from your Fitbit account, which is essential when giving your Fitbit to someone else:

1. Open the Fitbit app
2. Tap your profile picture
3. Select your device
4. Scroll down and tap "Remove this device"

In fact, some older Fitbits (pre-2016) cannot be factory reset directly - removing them from your account is the only way to clear your personal data.

Remember, whilst adding a new Fitbit, keep the old device at least 25 feet away during setup to avoid interference.

Troubleshooting Failed Reset Attempts

Sometimes your Fitbit might stubbornly refuse to reset despite following all the correct procedures. Instead of giving up on your device, try these troubleshooting approaches for those particularly challenging situations.

When Your Fitbit Won't Reset

Reset failures typically manifest as error messages or frozen screens. One common issue involves Fitbit devices becoming stuck displaying the logo after a reset attempt. For the Sense 2, holding the button for a full 20 seconds (longer than officially recommended) often resolves logo-loop problems. Afterwards, wait approximately 35 seconds until the logo disappears completely.

Another frustrating scenario is receiving the "Reset failed" message with a red X stating "Your data was not cleared". This occurs most commonly with Versa models. Oftentimes, the solution involves removing the device from your Bluetooth settings completely before attempting another reset. As one user discovered, "removing the Fitbit from your account on the phone and re-pairing it (basically ignore the screen telling you data was not cleared) works just fine".

Battery-Related Reset Problems

Many failed reset attempts connect directly to battery issues. If your device won't turn on at all, the battery might simply need charging. I recommend connecting your Fitbit to its charger for at least 10-15 minutes before trying again.

For persistently unresponsive devices, try these approaches:

• Ensure you're using the original charging cable that came with your device
• Check for moisture and thoroughly dry your Fitbit if wet
• For devices completely depleted to 0%, leave on the charger for several hours

Alongside battery depletion, timing issues during reset attempts frequently cause problems. Button presses that are too quick or held for insufficient durations can prevent proper resets. For Charge models, wait 10 seconds between attempts if the logo doesn't appear.

When to Contact Fitbit Support

Contact Fitbit Support straightaway if:

• Multiple reset attempts fail even after charging
• Your device remains stuck in a reset loop
• You receive persistent error messages like "Reset failed"
• The device won't charge beyond a certain percentage

Before contacting support, gather information about your purchase date and retailer, as this affects warranty coverage. While support typically requires troubleshooting before replacement, they sometimes offer discounts on new devices for out-of-warranty situations.

Remember to sync your data before attempting any reset solutions to avoid losing valuable fitness information.

Make sure that your smartwatch or fitness tracker not only functions as new, but feels brand new as well with our straps for Fitbit, which includes something for all models.

Conclusion

Resetting your Fitbit effectively solves many common issues, though choosing the right reset method makes all the difference. While a soft reset refreshes your device without data loss, a factory reset provides a clean slate when dealing with persistent problems.

Most importantly, remember to sync your Fitbit regularly with the app. This practise ensures your fitness data remains safe on Fitbit's servers, regardless of any reset procedures you might need to perform. Additionally, keeping your device's software updated helps prevent many issues that typically require resets.

Should you encounter problems with your Fitbit, start with a soft reset before considering more drastic measures. When basic troubleshooting fails, follow our model-specific factory reset guidelines carefully. Though rare, particularly stubborn issues might require support from Fitbit's team.

Armed with this comprehensive reset guide, you can now confidently handle any Fitbit issues that come your way. Regular maintenance and proper reset procedures will keep your device running smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted fitness tracking for years to come.