Why Does My Fitbit Keep Turning Off? 6 Fixes
Your Fitbit keeps shutting off, and you are missing steps, sleep, and the time of day. Most cases trace back to one of two things.
A Fitbit usually keeps turning off because the battery is low or worn out, or because of a small software glitch. Charging it fully and then restarting it fixes the problem most of the time.
First, rule out something normal. The screen going dark after a few seconds is the screen timeout, not a fault.
If the whole device powers down on its own, work through the fixes below in order.
Why does my Fitbit keep turning off?
A handful of things cause a Fitbit to power down.
The most common is a low battery, or an older battery that no longer holds a charge. A software glitch is next, and a good restart clears most of those.
Overheating in a hot car or direct sun can also trigger a shutdown, and a worn out battery is the honest answer on older devices.
First, know what is normal
Your Fitbit screen turns off by itself after a few seconds. That is the screen timeout, and it saves battery.
That is different from the whole device powering off. If only the display sleeps and a tap wakes it, nothing is wrong.
If you are not even sure which model you own, here is how to tell which Fitbit you have, since the steps vary a little by model.
Fix 1: Charge it fully
Start with a full charge before anything else. A weak battery is the top reason a Fitbit shuts down.
- Clip the charging cable to the back of your Fitbit until it snaps into place.
- Plug the other end into a USB wall charger or computer port.
- Leave it for two hours to reach a full charge.
- Check that the battery icon shows full before you unplug it.
If it will not hold that charge for long, the battery may be the real problem. More on that below.
Fix 2: Restart your Fitbit
A restart is a soft reboot. It does not erase any of your data, and it clears most glitches.
On most current models, open the Settings app on the watch and tap Restart Device. If the screen is frozen, use the button method for your model instead.
| Model | How to restart |
|---|---|
| Charge 5 and Charge 6 | Settings, then Restart Device. If frozen, on the charger press the charger button 3 times, a second apart |
| Inspire 2 and Inspire 3 | Settings, then Restart Device (Inspire 2 says Reboot Device). If frozen, on the charger hold the device button 10 seconds |
| Luxe | Settings, then Restart Device. If frozen, on the charger press the charger button 3 times, a second apart |
| Versa and Sense | Hold the side button for about 10 seconds until the logo appears |
When the Fitbit logo shows and the device buzzes, the restart worked.
Fix 3: Update the firmware
Out of date software causes random shutdowns. Google pushes fixes through updates.
- Open the Google Health app on your phone. This is the app that used to be called Fitbit.
- Tap your profile picture, then tap your device.
- If an update is offered, tap it and keep the Fitbit close and on its charger.
- Wait for it to finish. Updates can take a while.
If the app looks unfamiliar, here is where the Fitbit app went and why it is now Google Health.
Fix 4: Turn off Always On Display and shorten the screen timeout
If the battery drains so fast that the Fitbit dies daily, your display settings are likely the cause.
Always On Display keeps the screen lit all the time and can cut battery life sharply.
- On the Fitbit, open the Settings app.
- Tap Display, or Display Settings.
- Turn Always On Display off.
- Tap Screen Timeout and choose a shorter time.
Lowering the brightness helps too. For more, see why your Fitbit loses battery so fast.
When the battery is just worn out
Sometimes the fixes only buy a little time, and that points to the battery itself.
In my own house, my family went through three Fitbits, and short battery life was the reason we moved on. One died young enough that it was replaced under warranty.
So if yours keeps dying and it is a few years old, a worn battery may simply be the answer. It is worth knowing how long a Fitbit lasts before replacement before you spend money on it.
Fix 5: Factory reset as a last resort
If it still powers off after charging, restarting, and updating, a factory reset is the next step. This one wipes the device, so save it for last.
- Open the Settings app on the Fitbit.
- Scroll down and tap Clear User Data, Factory Reset, or Erase Device.
- Confirm, then set the Fitbit up again in the Google Health app.
Fix 6: Contact support or use your warranty
If a reset does not stick, the hardware may be at fault. That is when it is time to get help.
Contact Google Fitbit support with your model and purchase date. If it is under warranty, you may qualify for a replacement.
People also ask
Why does my Fitbit turn off when it still shows battery?
That usually means a software glitch or an aging battery that misreads its own level. Restart the device first, then update the firmware. If it keeps happening, the battery is likely worn.
Does restarting my Fitbit delete my data?
No. A restart is a soft reboot and keeps all your steps, sleep, and settings. A factory reset is the one that erases data, so only use that as a last resort.
Why does my Fitbit screen keep going dark?
That is the screen timeout doing its job to save battery. A tap or a raise of the wrist wakes it. You can change how long it stays on in the Display settings.
How long should a Fitbit hold a charge?
Most trackers last several days on a charge when new, and watches last a day or two with Always On Display. If yours barely lasts a day, check your display settings, and know that batteries weaken with age.
I’m not sure this addresses my actual problem. My Charge 4 shuts down completely and I have not been able to get is started back up except by placing it on the charger. It doesn’t really require charging when this happens. It will then work for a while before shutting down again.
Additionally all of my data seems to be on the fitbit app. What data needs to be backed up if I reset the fitbit device?
have exactly the same problem. It shuts down with about 72% battery left, and I have to connect it to the charger. Too bad no one is replying. If you have discovered anything please share. (email removed for privacy)