How to fix a Fitbit that won’t sync with your phone

A Fitbit® is a great tool for building better health habits. You can track sleep with your Fitbit as well as your calories and other key health indicators. However, as with other Bluetooth-enabled tools, Fitbit may fail to sync with your phone. Read this guide to learn how to fix this issue.

If you’re experiencing other Fitbit tech problems, check out our guides on how to change the time on a Fitbit and extend your Fitbit battery life. You can also contact our tech support if you have further questions.

Follow these easy fixes

If your Fitbit isn't syncing, these simple fixes can help.

1. Make sure the phone meets Fitbit’s technical requirements.

1. Make sure your phone meets Fitbit’s technical requirements. To function properly, Fitbit requires a minimum version of Android or iOS. Check the official Fitbit compatibility page to see if your phone is supported.
2. Determine whether your Fitbit model supports syncing to your phone. Older Fitbit models may not sync with newer devices or operating systems.
3. Double check you’re using the official Fitbit app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Third-party apps for Fitbit, like Strava and MySwimPro, may not support all syncing features, including steps, heart rate tracking, and notifications.

2. Reset Bluetooth

Bluetooth® glitches often cause syncing problems. Restarting your phone and Fitbit device often solves minor syncing issues.

1. Turn off Bluetooth in your phone’s settings, then turn it back on.
2. “Forget” the Fitbit device in your Bluetooth settings. Then, restart your phone.
3. Reopen the Fitbit app and follow the steps to reconnect your device.

3. Reinstall the Fitbit app

If Bluetooth resets don’t work, you may need to reinstall the Fitbit app to remove bugs. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Delete the Fitbit app from your phone. 
2. Restart the phone to clear cached data.
3. Download the latest version of the Fitbit app. 
4. Log back in and try to sync again.

Troubleshoot software sync issues

If easy fixes aren’t working for you, you may be experiencing software sync issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot these issues:

• Force the Fitbit app to close and reopen it. Sometimes, the app gets stuck in the background, causing syncing problems.
• Make sure Bluetooth and location permissions are enabled. Go to your phone’s app settings and make sure Fitbit has the necessary access.
• Keep the app running in the background. Background activity is necessary for automatic syncing.
• Clear app cache (only on Android phones). Go to Settings > Apps > Fitbit > Storage > Clear Cache.
• Update your phone’s operating system and the Fitbit app. Outdated software can cause compatibility problems.
• Restart both your phone and your Fitbit device.

If you're still having trouble syncing your Fitbit, these additional tips may help:

• Ensure your Fitbit is fully charged and within range of your phone. If it is low on battery or is over ten meters away, it may fail to sync with your phone.
• Sync over Wi-Fi instead of mobile data. Mobile data tends to be less reliable in terms of syncing speed and stability.
• Reset your phone’s network settings. If you've tried everything and your Fitbit still won’t sync, try resetting your network settings.
  • On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • On Android: Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth.

FAQs

Does the Fitbit app need to be open to sync data?

No, the Fitbit app doesn’t need to be actively open to sync data. Even if it’s running in the background, the app will automatically sync data throughout the day if your phone is nearby.

However, you will need to open the app to view real-time data.

Why is my Fitbit syncing but not showing steps or stats?

Your Fitbit may sync but not show steps or stats due to a software glitch or data processing delay. Here’s what you can do to fix the issue:

• Make sure your Fitbit is connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and that your phone has a stable internet connection.
• Ensure both your Fitbit app and device are updated to the latest versions.
• Force close the Fitbit app.
• Restart your phone and device, then sync again.
• Reinstall the app if the problem persists.

When should I uninstall and reinstall the Fitbit app?

You should uninstall and reinstall the app if:

• Your device still fails to sync, even after basic fixes.
• The app freezes or behaves strangely.
• You’ve recently updated your phone’s operating system and spotted issues afterward.