To restart Fitbit Ace 3, swipe through the clock face to open the Settings app, tap Reboot Device, then press and hold the screen for 3 seconds until you see a smiley face. If the screen is frozen and unresponsive, connect the tracker to its charging cable, then press and hold both indented touch-sensitive buttons on the sides of the housing for about 5 seconds until the smiley face appears or the device vibrates.
How to restart Fitbit Ace 3 from the settings menu
This is the standard restart method for a responsive device. It is the quickest way to fix minor glitches like syncing problems or tracking errors, and it preserves all your child's data.
- On the Ace 3 clock face, swipe left or right until you find Settings.
- Tap Settings.
- Swipe up and select Reboot Device.
- Press and hold the screen for 3 seconds, then release it.
- When you see a smiley face, the tracker has restarted.
How to restart Fitbit Ace 3 when the screen is frozen
When the screen is unresponsive and you cannot swipe or tap, use the hardware button method. This is the only way to restart Fitbit Ace 3 when the touchscreen does not work, and it still protects your data. The manual specifically documents Ace 3 restart from the device itself and by hardware buttons while connected to the charger.
- Connect the Ace 3 to its charging cable.
- Press and hold the two indented, touch-sensitive buttons on both sides of the tracker’s housing at the same time.
- Hold for about 5 seconds.
- Release the buttons when you see a smiley face or feel the tracker vibrate.
What a restart does and does not do
Restarting the Ace 3 reboots the device just like turning a phone off and on again. It does not erase any activity history, steps, sleep data, or personalized settings. A factory reset is a separate process called Clear User Data, which you can find in the Settings app. If you need to know how to reset Fitbit Versa 2 when screen is black, that model uses a different button combination, but for the Ace 3 the frozen-screen method above is the correct approach.
Troubleshooting when your Ace 3 still won't restart
If the device does not respond to either method, start by checking the charging connection. Make sure the charging cable is securely attached to both the tracker and a power source. Ensure the battery has enough charge; a completely drained battery will not restart. If the tracker still shows no smiley face or vibration after holding the side buttons for 5 seconds, try a different charging cable or USB port. You may also notice Fitbit time drift issues after a restart, but this is usually corrected automatically once the tracker syncs with the app. If none of these steps work, contact Fitbit support for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does restarting Ace 3 erase my child's data?
No. Restarting simply reboots the device. All activity, sleep, and settings remain intact. Only a factory reset, labeled Clear User Data in the Settings menu, erases everything.
Can I restart the Ace 3 from the Fitbit app?
No. You must use the on-device Settings menu or the hardware button method while connected to the charger.
How long should I hold the side buttons for a frozen screen?
Hold both indented side buttons for about 5 seconds. Release as soon as you see the smiley face or feel a vibration. Holding longer than 5 seconds will not cause damage, but it is not necessary.
What if the smiley face never appears?
First, confirm the charging cable is properly connected and the tracker has power. If the screen remains black after 10 seconds of holding the buttons, try a different charging cable or wall adapter.
Will restarting fix syncing problems?
Yes. The manual recommends restarting if you cannot sync the Ace 3 or if you have trouble with tracking stats or notifications. A restart refreshes the device’s connection to the app without deleting any data.
