If you own a Fitbit smartwatch, you can turn off a Fitbit by using the Shut Down option in the Settings menu. However, for popular trackers like the Charge and Inspire series, the only way to turn off a Fitbit is to perform a restart or let the battery run out, as these models lack a true power-off function.
Can you turn off a Fitbit?
Not all Fitbit devices can be fully turned off. Most Fitbit Charge and Inspire models do not have a Shut Down option; they can only be restarted or allowed to run out of battery. Fitbit smartwatches, including all Versa and Sense models, Ionic, and Blaze, typically offer a Shut Down option within their settings. Turning off a Fitbit device does not result in the loss of any stored data.
Reasons to turn off your Fitbit
There are several valid reasons to power down your device. Conserving battery life during extended storage is a primary one, as is preventing unintended tracking during activities like meditation or swimming. Reducing disturbances from notifications and reminders, especially during sleep or focused work, is another common reason. Resetting connection issues by cycling power can also help, and turning the device off while traveling conserves battery and prevents failed syncing attempts.
How to shut down a Fitbit smartwatch
These steps apply to Fitbit Sense, Sense 2, Versa series, and Blaze models. To properly shut down the device:
- From the clock face, swipe down to open the Quick Settings menu.
- Tap the Settings icon (gear symbol).
- Scroll down and tap Shut Down.
- Confirm the shutdown when prompted. The screen will go blank.
For the Fitbit Blaze specifically, from the home screen, swipe left to Settings, tap Settings, then Shutdown, and confirm.
To perform a factory reset, open the Settings app, tap About or Device Info, and select Factory Reset or Clear User Data. This erases all personal data and restores original settings.
To put the Fitbit in sleep mode, swipe down from the clock face to Quick Settings and tap the sleep mode icon (crescent moon). This silences notifications and keeps the screen off while you rest.
How to restart a Fitbit tracker (the alternative)
For Charge and Inspire models, a restart, also known as a soft reset, is the only way to cycle power. This temporarily turns the device off and on again without deleting any data and can be used for troubleshooting. To perform a restart:
- Press and hold the side button (or the single button on some models) for about 10 seconds.
- Release the button when the screen goes dark and you see the Fitbit logo or a smile icon appear.
- The device will power back on automatically.
How to restart an unresponsive Fitbit
If your Fitbit device is frozen or unresponsive, use this verified method to force a restart:
- Connect the device to its charging cable.
- Press and hold the buttons on the tracker for 10 seconds.
- Release when the device vibrates and shows a smile icon or the Fitbit logo.
This works for all models and does not erase any data. For more control over power management, you can explore your Fitbit battery and power settings in the device menu or the Fitbit app.
How to turn your Fitbit back on
To turn a Fitbit watch back on after it has been shut down, press and hold the side or back button until it vibrates or the Fitbit logo appears. For trackers that were restarted, they will power on automatically as part of the restart process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will turning off my Fitbit save battery life?
Yes, shutting down a compatible smartwatch conserves battery by preventing the screen and sensors from using power. For trackers without a shut-down option, a restart does not save battery; only letting the battery drain will fully power them off.
Can I still receive notifications when my Fitbit is turned off?
No. When the device is shut down or powered off, it cannot receive or display any notifications, alarms, or reminders. Notifications resume only after the device is turned back on and reconnected to your phone.
How do I turn my Fitbit device back on after shutting it down?
Press and hold the side or back button on your smartwatch until you feel a vibration or see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. This typically takes a few seconds.
Does turning off my Fitbit delete my data?
No. Turning off your Fitbit does not delete any data or erase your progress. Turning off or restarting a Fitbit device does not erase any stored data, including steps, sleep logs, or heart rate history. All data remains saved on the device and will sync to the app when powered back on.
Why doesn't my Fitbit Charge have a shut-down option?
Fitbit designed the Charge and Inspire series to be always-on fitness trackers with simplified interfaces. These models lack the operating system needed for a full shut-down feature. The only way to power them down is to let the battery completely drain.
