To turn on your Fitbit Versa 3, press and hold the side button until the watch vibrates and the Fitbit logo appears on the screen. This is the only step needed to power on the device, and it works whether you are turning it on for the first time or after it has been powered off.
How to turn on your Fitbit Versa 3
- Locate the side button on your Fitbit Versa 3.
- Press and hold the button.
- Continue holding until you feel a vibration and see the Fitbit logo on the screen.
- Release the button. The watch will complete its startup process and display the clock face.
This is the only documented method to turn a Fitbit on. No menu path, app setting, or phone configuration is required for this step. If you are setting up the watch for the first time, the official setup process instructs you to first connect the Versa 3 to its charging cable before continuing setup in the Fitbit app. The setup page is for Versa 3 specifically.
What to do if your Versa 3 won't turn on
If you press and hold the side button and the screen stays black, the most common cause is a depleted battery. The only verified troubleshooting step is to charge the device and try again while it is still connected to power.
- Connect your Fitbit Versa 3 to its charging cable.
- Plug the cable into a stable power source, such as a USB port or wall adapter.
- Ensure the charging pins on the back of the watch align with the pins on the charging cradle and that the watch snaps into place securely.
- Allow the watch to charge.
- While the watch remains connected to the charger, press and hold the side button until you feel a vibration and see the Fitbit logo.
If the watch is unresponsive, the restart process is the same as the power-on process: press and hold the side button until the Fitbit logo appears. The Versa 3 is supported in the official restart instructions, and no separate power-on menu or alternative button combination is documented. If the watch is unresponsive, the restart help page includes Versa 3 in the supported models for restarting the device.
Understanding your Fitbit battery and power settings can help you avoid unexpected shutdowns. Keeping the watch charged regularly ensures it has enough power for daily activities and prevents the battery from draining completely, which can make the watch appear unresponsive until it receives power.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my Versa 3 is turning on?
Your Versa 3 will vibrate and display the Fitbit logo on the screen. This is the only visual and tactile confirmation that the device is powering on.
Do I need an iPhone or Android setting to power it on?
No. No power-on setting is documented in the official Fitbit pages for the Versa 3. The watch powers on entirely through the side button, independent of any phone settings or app configuration.
What if it still won't turn on after charging?
The only documented step is to charge the device first and try the power-on process again while it is still connected to the charger.
Does the Versa 3 turn on automatically when placed on the charger?
No. The Versa 3 does not automatically power on when connected to the charger. You must press and hold the side button while it is on the charger to turn it on if the battery was completely drained.
Can I turn on my Versa 3 using the Fitbit app?
No. The Fitbit app does not include a feature to remotely power on the Versa 3. The watch must be turned on physically using the side button.
