If your Fitbit is having issues, a restart can usually solve most of your problems. If the problem persists, however, it might be time for a factory reset. This will wipe all of your stored data and return your Fitbit to its factory settings.
The trouble with Fitbit trackers and smartwatches is that most models have different factory reset methods. But we are here to help! Below you will find a step-by-step factory reset guide for every Fitbit wearable, from the good old original Fitbit Charge to the latest Fitbit Versa 2.
Fitbit factory reset
Fitbit Versa series
Factory resetting your Versa watch, whether you have the original model, the Versa 2 or Versa Lite is pretty simple. The method is the same for all three smartwatches. Here is what you need to do:
- Swipe left from your smartwatch home screen until you find the Settings icon (gear). Tap it.
- Scroll down to find About.
- Tap it and select Factory Reset.
If your watch is not responding, however, you will need to perform a hard reset. On the original Versa, you will need to hold all three buttons down for around 10 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo. Let go of the bottom right button but keep pressing the other two when that happens. A strong vibration should follow. This means a factory reset has been performed and all of your data has been wiped.
On the Versa 2 and Versa Lite, the process is slightly different since these smartwatches only have one button. Hold it down until the device reboots. When you see the Fitbit logo, release the button for a second or two and then hold it down again until you feel a long vibration indicating that a factory reset has taken place.
Fitbit Ionic
The Ionic is another Fitbit device that is pretty easy to reset. The steps are almost identical to those you need to follow on the Versa: Settings > About > Factory Reset or Clear User Data. If for some reason you can’t access the Settings app on your device, here is how to hard reset your Fitbit Ionic:
- Hold all three buttons simultaneously until your Fitbit Ionic reboots.
- When the Fitbit logo appears, let go of the bottom right button.
- Wait for a strong vibration and let go of all of the buttons when you feel it. All of your data will be wiped. It might take a little longer than usual for your watch to turn back on after you’ve performed a factory reset.
Fitbit Inspire and Inspire HR
The Fitbit Inspire and Inspire HR trackers have pretty small screens, but you can still perform a factory reset directly through your device. Here is how to do that:
- Open the Settings app.
- Find and select Clear User Data.
- When prompted, hold the screen for three seconds then release it.
- A vibration will indicate that the factory reset has been performed.
Fitbit Charge and Charge HR
The factory reset process for the Fitbit Charge and Charge HR is bit more involved than some other fitness trackers. Grab your charger and follow these steps to factory reset your Fitbit Charge or Charge HR:
- Plug the charging cable into your device and then into a USB port.
- Press and hold your Charge’s button without letting go for two seconds.
- Disconnect the charging cable from your tracker and waiting around ten seconds.
- Release the button and then press and hold it again.
- Watch your screen — an ALT text followed by a white screen should flash. When they do, let go of the button shortly and hold it down once again.
- Wait for a vibration. When you feel it, remove your finger from the button for a second then press and hold it again.
- You will see ERROR on your screen. Repeat the “let go and hold the button” step. Your Charge tracker should turn off.
- Turn it back on and plug in the charging cable. If the timer reads 0:00, your factory reset has been successful.
Fitbit Charge 2 and Charge 3
If you have a Fitbit Charge 2, you are in for an unpleasant surprise. This tracker cannot be factory reset. If you are having an issue, you can try a soft restart. This is performed by connecting your Charge 2 to its charging cable and simply pressing and holding the side button for about four seconds. It will vibrate and display the Fitbit logo once when it has restarted. If you still want to wipe your data, it’s as simple as disconnecting the device from your Fitbit account.
You won’t have such problems with the Fitbit Charge 3. It can be factory reset by going to Settings, followed by About and then Factory Reset or Clear User Data.
Fitbit Ace and Ace 2
The Fitbit Ace and Ace 2 are great kids fitness trackers but they are not without their problems. Unfortunately, the original Fitbit Ace does not offer a hard factory reset method. You can simply disconnect the device from your account to wipe it if you are experiencing issues. The newer Fitbit Ace 2, however, can be factory reset with ease. Here is how to do that:
- Connect the Fitbit Ace 2 to its charging cable and make sure it’s plugged in.
- Open the Settings app and scroll until you find the Clear User Data option. It will not appear unless your Fitbit Ace 2 is plugged in.
- Tap it and press the screen for three seconds when prompted. The tracker will vibrate, indicating your child’s data has been wiped.
Fitbit Alta and Alta HR
The Fitbit Alta and Alta HR are also among the trackers that cannot be factory reset. Your data can still be wiped, however, by disconnecting the Fitbit Alta from your account. You can do so through the Fitbit app on your smartphone:
- Open the Fitbit app, then tap on the profile icon in the upper left corner.
- Under Devices, find your Fitbit Alta or Alta HR and select it.
- Tap the small trash can icon in the upper right corner to disconnect the tracker from your account. Your data will be erased.
Fitbit Zip
The Fitbit Zip is one of the more unusual trackers in the Fitbit family. This clip-on device has been around for quite a while, but it’s still popular among those that prefer not to wear their trackers on their wrists. Unfortunately, as an older device the Fitbit Zip does not offer a hard factory reset. If you need to troubleshoot problems with the device, your best option is restarting it. Here is how restart it:
- Find the battery door tool provided with your device.
- Open it and remove the Fitbit Zip’s battery.
- Wait around ten second before reinserting the battery into the tracker. Make sure you place it with the plus side facing up.
Older Fitbit wearables
Most Fitbit fitness trackers and watches that came out before 2016, like the Fitbit Flex, Surge and Blaze cannot be factory reset. Your best troubleshooting option usually is a soft reset, i.e. a restart. On most older Fitbit wearables this can be achieved by following these steps:
- Connect your Fitbit to its charging cable and make sure it’s plugged in and placed properly.
- Hold down the button between five to ten seconds. You will usually see the Fitbit logo appear or the screen will flash. Release the button or buttons when it happens.
- Disconnect the tracker from its charger and turn it back on if necessary.
On some trackers like the Fitbit Flex 2, you will need to locate and press the button on the charging cable itself once the tracker is connected. Press it a couple of times in quick succession until all of the lights on the tracker light up to restart it.
What about wiping your data? In most cases, older Fitbit trackers and watches can be reset by being disconnected from your Fitbit account. You can follow the same steps we provided for the Alta and Alta HR trackers. None of your data will be transferred after the device is connected to a new account, so you can rest easy.
This our guide on how to factory reset your Fitbit wearable. Did we help you solve your problems? Let us know in the comments below.
Via Phandroid