To turn a Fitbit on, the universal first step for any new or completely drained device is to connect it to its charging cable. Most Fitbit models will power on automatically once connected, though some require a simple tap or button press to wake the screen after you plug it in.
How to turn a Fitbit on: the universal first step
The primary method for all new or drained Fitbits is connecting them to the charging cable. When a Fitbit is fresh out of the box or has a dead battery, it often lacks enough power to respond to button presses. Plugging it in provides the initial charge needed to boot up. Expect a full charge to take about 1 to 2 hours. The Fitbit app is compatible with most popular phones, including those running Android 9.0 or newer or iOS 15 or newer for devices like the Charge 6. While charging, you can often check the battery level or turn on the screen by double-tapping the screen or pressing a button, depending on the model. After turning on, new Fitbit devices will typically prompt you to download the Fitbit app and complete the setup process. To manage your device's power, you can explore the Fitbit battery and power settings in the app to adjust notifications and screen wake behavior, which helps extend battery life. If you ever need to turn a Fitbit off, you can usually do so from the device's Settings menu or by holding the button, depending on the model.
Model-specific power-on instructions
After connecting the charger, the exact action required to wake the screen varies by model. Use the instructions below for your specific device.
Fitbit Charge 6
Connect the Charge 6 to its charging cable. Once connected, double-tap the screen or press the button on the side to turn it on.
Fitbit Luxe
Connect the Luxe to its magnetic charging cable. It should power on automatically without needing any button press.
Fitbit Inspire 3
Connect the Inspire 3 to the charging cable. After it is connected, double-tap the screen to wake it and turn it on.
Fitbit Ace 3
Connect the Ace 3 to its charging cable. Some sources indicate that holding both side buttons until the device turns on can also be used to power it up.
What to do if your Fitbit still won't turn on
If your Fitbit does not turn on after following the model-specific steps, try these troubleshooting actions.
- Ensure proper charging contact: Check that the charging cable's pins or contacts are clean and making full contact with the back of your Fitbit. Try a different USB port or wall adapter to rule out a power source issue.
- Wait for a charge: If the battery was completely drained, it may take a few minutes of charging before the device responds. Leave it connected for at least 30 minutes.
- Restart a Fitbit Ace 3: For a Fitbit Ace 3 that needs restarting, connect it to the charging cable, then press and hold the buttons for5 seconds until it vibrates and shows a smile icon.
- Contact Support: If none of these steps work, contact Fitbit Support for further assistance, as the device may have a hardware issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Fitbit is fully charged?
While the device is charging, you can check the battery level by double-tapping the screen or pressing the button, depending on your model. A full battery icon or a100% reading in the Fitbit app indicates a full charge.
What should I do if my Fitbit doesn't turn on?
First, connect it to the charging cable and wait at least30 minutes. If it still does not turn on, ensure the charging contacts are clean and try a different power source. For models like the Ace3, attempt the button-hold restart procedure. If the device remains unresponsive, contact Fitbit Support.
Can I turn on my Fitbit without the charging cable?
No. If the battery is completely drained or the device is new, it must be connected to the charging cable to receive enough power to turn on. Some models may turn on automatically once plugged in, while others require a button press or screen tap after connection.
Will my Fitbit lose data if the battery dies completely?
Fitbit devices typically store your activity data for a short period even when the battery is dead. Once you charge and turn the device back on, it will sync that stored data to the Fitbit app when it reconnects. Prolonged periods without charge may result in data loss.
For the wider topic, see Fitbit battery and power settings.
