How to Update Your Fitbit

Keep your fitness tracker up to date

By
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
  • Swansea University, Staffordshire University
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Updated on January 1, 2023
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
Smart Watches & Wearables

What to Know

  • Easiest: Open Fitbit app > tap Today > Profile > select your device > tap Update and follow instructions.
  • Or go to Fitbit.com dashboard on PC or Mac > Fitbit Connect > Open Main Menu > Check for device update.
  • Firmware updates become available only if you turn on all-day sync and let the Fitbit app run in the background.

This article explains how to update a Fitbit to the latest firmware via the Fitbit app and the Fitbit.com dashboard. These updates provide bug fixes, new features, and functionality enhancements.

How to Update Your Fitbit via the Fitbit App 

The easiest way to update your Fitbit is by using the app. Before you begin, charge your device and confirm you have the latest version of the Fitbit app installed on your phone or tablet.

Here's how to check to see if new software is available.

  1. Tap the Today tab.

  2. Tap your profile picture.

  3. Tap your device.

    The Today tab, profile image, and device image

  4. Tap the pink Update banner displayed on the screen.

    You'll see this banner only if an update is available.

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions and keep the device close to your synced phone or tablet.

    Avoid updating at midnight. Otherwise, you might see incorrect steps for the following 24 hours.

How to Update Fitbit via the Fitbit.com Dashboard

Updating your Fitbit via the Fitbit.com dashboard is a little trickier than using the app. You'll need a Bluetooth connection with your Windows or Mac computer (built-in Bluetooth or a Bluetooth dongle). Make sure you have the latest version of Fitbit Connect installed.

  1. Select the Fitbit Connect icon, located near the date and time on your Windows computer.

    On a Mac, find this in the upper-right corner alongside other dashboard icons and the time and date.

  2. Select Open Main Menu.

  3. Select Check for device update.

  4. Log in to your Fitbit account if prompted.

  5. If an update is available, the Fitbit will update automatically. Otherwise, you'll see a screen telling you that your Fitbit tracker is already up to date.

What to Do If Your Fitbit Update Failed

Fitbit won't update? Here's what to do:

  • Make sure the battery life on your device is at 50 percent or more.
  • Ensure your internet connection is reliable. The update will fail if the connection drops out suddenly.
  • Turn your tracker off and on again.
  • Try the firmware update again. Sometimes, a second attempt will work successfully.
  • If you've already tried via the app, try updating via Fitbit Connect or vice versa.

If you can't see an update banner in the app, don't worry. That means your Fitbit tracker is up to date, and you don't need to do anything.

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