How to Fix Your Fitbit Not Syncing

Get your Fitbit working with your phone, tablet, or computer again

By
Brad Stephenson
Brad Stephenson - Lifewire Writer
Brad Stephenson
Freelance Contributor
  • Western Sydney University
Brad Stephenson is a freelance tech and geek culture writer with 12+ years' experience. He writes about Windows 10, Xbox One, and cryptocurrency.
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Updated on December 19, 2022
Reviewed by
Lisa Mildon
Lisa Mildon
Reviewed by Lisa Mildon
  • Southern New Hampshire University
Lisa Mildon is a Lifewire writer and an IT professional with 30 years of experience. Her writing has appeared in Geekisphere and other publications.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

If you own a Fitbit, you may occasionally run into an issue where the app tells you the sync process is unable to complete or that the fitness tracker can't be found. Here's what to do when your FitBit won't sync with your iPhone, Android device, or computer.

These tips can be used to fix sync problems with all Fitbit tracker models including the Fitbit Charge 3 and Fitbit Versa.

Cause of Fitbit Sync Errors

Fitbit sync errors are usually related to the fitness tracker becoming disassociated with the smartphone, tablet, computer, or iPod touch it was initially connected to. This can be caused by connecting to too many devices at once, the Bluetooth not working properly, or a minor glitch in the Fitbit's operating system.

How to Fix a Fitbit Tracker Sync Problem

There are a variety of proven solutions that work with all Fitbit fitness tracker models.

  1. Manually sync your Fitbit with your phone. Sometimes the Fitbit app needs a little prodding to initiate sync even after it's opened. To force a sync, tap the member card icon, tap the name of the Fitbit tracker, and then tap Sync Now.

  2. Check the Bluetooth settings. A Fitbit tracker syncs data to smartphones, tablets, and computers using Bluetooth, so it won't be able to connect if Bluetooth is disabled on the device.

    Bluetooth can be turned on and off from quick menus on most smart devices. On iPadOS, swipe down in the upper-right corner to open this menu. On Android and Windows Phone, swipe down to open it.

  3. Install the Fitbit app on your device. If you purchased a new Fitbit tracker, you likely installed the official app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer to set it up. However, if you received a Fitbit second-hand, you may not have. Unlike other devices, a Fitbit requires installing a special app to connect to another device and sync data.

  4. Update your Fitbit. The device may have trouble connecting to the tracker if it's outdated.

  5. Only sync the Fitbit to one device. It may seem like a good idea to pair your Fitbit tracker with your phone while out of the house and your computer when you're at home, but this can cause a conflict for the tracker when it tries to connect to both at the same time. The best way to fix this is to turn off Bluetooth on one device when trying to sync to the other. You can also turn the second device off completely.

  6. Turn off Wi-Fi. Sometimes having a smartphone or tablet's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth turned on at the same time can prevent each of these technologies from working properly. If you're trying to sync a Fitbit tracker, this can hinder Bluetooth connectivity and prevent it from syncing.

  7. Charge your Fitbit battery. While Fitbit trackers have a long battery life, these devices need recharging every day or so. If a tracker isn't syncing, it may have run out of power and turned off. This is likely if you own a Fitbit One or Fitbit Zip. These are usually placed in a pocket or bag and are easy to forget about when it comes to device charging time at the end of the day.

  8. Turn your Fitbit off and on again. Restarting a Fitbit is essentially the same as restarting a computer, so restarting can fix many common problems. It refreshes the device's operating system and typically fixes any issues you may experience, such as syncing problems.

    A restart is usually required after encountering one of the problems mentioned above, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth conflicts or being connected to multiple devices.

  9. Reset your Fitbit tracker. Resetting is a last resort, as it deletes all data and returns the Fitbit to its factory settings. You can restore any data synced to your online Fitbit account after the reset. Some trackers, such as the Fitbit Surge and Fitbit Blaze, have no factory reset option.

    Don't confuse restarting and resetting your device. Restarting a Fitbit turns it off and on again while resetting deletes everything on it.

FAQ
  • How do I fix the time on a Fitbit?

    The time on your Fitbit is managed by syncing it with your smartphone, tablet, or computer. To change the time on your Fitbit, change the time on its paired device. To change the time zone on a Fitbit, go to Options > Advanced Settings > Time Zone and select the correct time zone.

  • How do I fix a Fitbit that won't turn on?

    To fix it when your Fitbit won't turn on, try cleaning the device, and ensure it's fully charged. Check that the device is charging correctly. You may need to restart the Fitbit or, as a last resort, restore it to factory settings.

  • How do I reset a Fitbit?

    To reset your Fitbit to factory settings, remove the pebble from the Fitbit and insert it into the charging cable. Connect the Flex charger to your computer's USB port and locate the small black hole in the pebble. Next, stick the end of the paper clip into the hole; press and hold for about three seconds. Remove the paper clip and wait for the reset process to finish.

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