How Long Do Fitbits Last Before Replacement? [ANSWERED]

Researching “How long do Fitbits last” is a valid concern when investing in this popular smartwatch. While Fitbit balances affordability and feature-richness compared to its competitors, understanding its longevity could be crucial for potential buyers.

But how long is Fitbit guaranteed for? The answer might surprise you. 

Learn what you need to know about how much time to expect from Fitbit products before replacement and how you can extend the life of your fitness tracker with techniques to help you take care of your Fitbit.

You’d expect a Fitbit to last you for four, maybe even five years. If you invest your hard-earned money in a device that can help you keep track of your health and wellness goals, you want something that will last for years.

Unfortunately, as research – and many user reviews – suggests, the Fitbit might not last as long as any of us would like it to. 

After scouring the depths of the Internet to figure out the average lifespan of the Fitbit so that I could decide whether or not to buy one for myself, I learned that Fitbits generally last two years, tops. Two. Years.

That probably does not seem like a long time, and honestly, even in the fast-paced world of technology, it isn’t. 

My iPhone 7 is still alive and kicking, and the PC I purchased in 2015 is going strong as ever. 

So you’d think that a Fitbit could last more than a couple of years. 

Well, if you are lucky, yours just might. But you should expect a Fitbit to last a shorter time than that. Let me explain.

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What is the average lifespan of a Fitbit?

If you scan through customer reports of the Fitbit, you will notice that each model is rated a little differently in terms of its useful life. 

Some have a 1-2 years lifespan while others are seemingly shorter, lasting only about 16-18 month periods. Battery life and functionality vary by model.

If you’re thinking of a used fitness tracker, don’t get a Fitbit. By the time you get it, it’ll likely be nearly dead. It’s best to get a new Fitbit device.

Taking care of your Fitbit battery helps to. Learn when you should charge your Fitbit to keep the batteries in good shape for longer.

This is why reading through the user opinions of any Fitbit model you consider buying is important.

Smartwatches occasionally do better than this, but generally expect them to degrade and need a new Fitbit battery or replacement.  

Those honest assessments can be very telling. You can learn not only what to expect from your Fitbit app, but also how long you can expect to use features like the heart-rate monitor, built-in GPS, and other features you may depend on.

Good care can extend the lifespan, but in reality even the most durable model will eventually fail.

The community of Fitbit users offer tips like taking care of the lithium-ion batteries, cleaning after activity, especially when the device has taken some abuse, and making sure to update to avoid bugs.

Also, consider how you plan on using the Fitbit. If you are rough with it, it will be rough on you. Avoid excessive heat, swimming without rinsing it off after, and knocking it during workouts.

If you are gentle with it, your Fitbit will likely last longer than typical.

Which factors influence a Fitbit’s lifespan?

That being said, it is important to consider the factors contributing to the length of Fitbit’s useful life. 

Six different factors need your attention, and I will go over each in detail.

Hardware Quality

Hardware issues are the most common cause of failure for every Fitbit model. If a Fitbit overheats, battery issues are even more likely.

Internal hardware was a struggle for the Fitbit Versa 2, but the Fitbit Sense got quite a nice improvement from it.

Still, damage to any piece of the hardware can cause a lot of problems.

Hardware crashes can lead to things like the Fitbit suddenly shutting down, low light emitting from the screen, an inability to respond to your touch inputs, or an inability to detect vital info or your body motions. 

Belt tearing on the Fitbit is also quite common, and you will likely need to keep replacing them.

Water Resistance

Some Fitbit devices resist water better than others due to their unique capabilities. 

Some can only repel splashes, while others can be submerged in it 15 meters.

If you are an avid swimmer, make sure that you get a Fitbit with a higher water resistance rating

If you get something rated WR50, you have something that can be submerged in up to 50 meters of water. 

Still, you should avoid hard impact water sports of any kind while wearing the Fitbit since the impacts can cause damage to the watertight components.

Battery Health

The typical Fitbit can last for about five days on a single charge if used in moderation.

The more you use it and the more apps you put on it, the quicker the Fitbit battery life will drain. 

Overcharging the battery can also cause quite a bit of damage, and if you don’t remove it from the charger after charging the Fitbit, the Fitbit battery life and watch can both be harmed.

Try to refrain from using too many features at once, and don’t leave your Fitbit on the charger for longer than necessary. 

Consider shutting off features like GPS while you’re sleeping since you won’t need it then.

Frequency of Resets

How often are you resetting your Fitbit? When sorting through a bunch of data or working near its capacity, the Fitbit might experience glitches that will cause you to need to reset it. 

The more you have to reset it, the less functional and more damaged the device can become.

To lessen the frequency of resets, refrain from running too many apps and features at once. 

You will also want to back up your data to your connected smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Since you have to press the power button to reset the Fitbit, you run the risk of damaging that button with overuse.

Take precautions to preventglitches that will cause numerous resets to be necessary.

Frequency of Cleaning

Clean your Fitbit. These devices get dirty super easily, especially if you wear it for hours each day.

You should scrub it down at the end of the day, especially if you have worn it in the water or while getting sweaty during a workout.

You’ll want to use fresh water and a soap-free cleanser to clean the Fitbit. 

Avoid using anything with chemicals that could damage the device. 

Body soap, dish soap, and shampoo all contain chemicals that can wreak havoc on the Fitbit’s internal components, so avoid exposure to those.

The Fitbit Model Itself

Not all Fitbits are created equal. 

The Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit Inspire, Fitbit Inspire 2, Fitbit Charge 3 all seem to have longer lifespans than other Fitbits. 

They can last a couple of years, perhaps even longer if treated with care.

The Versa 2, Flex, Charge 4, and Alta all seem to last somewhere between 16-18 months, so they might not be the best to purchase.

Do I need to replace my Fitbit?

If your Fitbit isn’t holding a charge as well as it used to or is getting quite glitchy, it is time to consider getting another Fitbit. Once the Fitbit’s battery deteriorates, it’s time for a new device.

If you see a black screen and can’t get it to take a single chare, the best option is usually a new device.

The newer Fitbits have more updates that you can use, so, quite naturally, you might be ready to upgrade based on that alone. 

But if your device’s screen light level stays low, the system is glitchy, or the watch shuts itself down all the time, it is absolutely time to get a new one.

Closing Thoughts

Fitbits aren’t meant to have extended lifespans, it seems. Eventually, Fitbit battery life and functionality will deteriorate.

With proper care, you can avoid issues like water damage, find a safe place to keep your Fitbit, and other ways to push it to make it several years.

Be sure to update your Fitbit device regularly. Although it’s a fitness tracker with water resistance, take care of your Fitbit and don’t put hardware water resistance to the test.

If you can get two good years from a Fitbit, consider yourself fortunate. If you only get one year of using Fitbit, the best option is to look into the warranty.

Treat your Fitbit as well as possible to make your investment last longer. 

Otherwise, it will be time to upgrade sooner than you might prefer.

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