How to perform a Fitbit factory reset: A guide to resetting your Fitbit device to its default settings
Introduction
Fitbit devices like wristbands, watches, and trackers have become some of the most popular health and fitness trackers in the world. Just like any other tech product, sometimes Fitbit devices can start acting up, become sluggish, or simply need to be reset. Performing a factory reset returns your Fitbit to its original out-of-box settings, clearing all your data and personalized settings.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of performing a factory reset on all Fitbit device models. We'll explain what a factory reset does, why you may need to do one, and the step-by-step instructions for resetting Fitbits like the Charge, Versa, Inspire, and Ionic. By the end, you'll know exactly how to wipe your Fitbit clean and get it functioning like new again.
So whether your Fitbit just needs a reset or you're passing it on to someone else, this guide has you covered. Let's get started!
What is a Fitbit factory reset?
A Fitbit factory reset, also known as a hard reset, wipes all data and settings from your device and restores it to the original factory settings. This is similar to resetting a smartphone – it erases your personal information, health stats, WiFi connections, apps, and anything else stored on the device.
After a factory reset, your Fitbit will be as if you just took it out of the box for the first time. All default settings are restored, you'll need to go through the initial setup process again, and none of your past activities, sleep stats, weight logs, or other personal data will be retained.
The key things a Fitbit factory reset clears include:
- Personal settings and preferences
- Synced exercise, weight, sleep and other health data
- WiFi connections
- Fitbit Pay payment info (if supported on your device)
- Apps and media (like music on Fitbit Versa 2)
- Connections to linked devices like smartphones
- Customizations and modifications
Essentially, it wipes your Fitbit clean and restores every aspect of the tracker, smartwatch or wristband to the exact same state it was in when you first purchased it from the manufacturer.
Why perform a Fitbit factory reset?
There are a few common situations where resetting your Fitbit to factory default settings may be necessary or desirable:
Device performance issues
If your Fitbit is running slow, crashing apps, glitching or misbehaving in some way, a factory reset could fix software or memory issues. It clears out temporary cached files, cookies and logs that may be causing problems.
Before reselling or gifting
Performing a reset before passing your Fitbit onto another person ensures all your personal data is completely erased for privacy reasons. The new user will also get the device in “like new” condition.
Following firmware updates
Occasionally Fitbit may suggest resetting after a firmware upgrade to clear any leftovers from the previous software version. This helps the new firmware run optimally.
Battery life troubleshooting
If your Fitbit's battery seems to be draining much faster than normal, resetting can sometimes help optimize power consumption again.
Syncing or connectivity issues
Problems connecting to the Fitbit app or other linked devices are sometimes resolved with a reset. It clears pairing data and forces the device to resync from scratch.
Too much clutter on the device
Over time, various temporary files and cached data can cause the Fitbit interface to feel cluttered or sluggish. A reset refreshes the experience.
So in summary – a factory reset should be one of the first troubleshooting steps if your Fitbit runs into any performance, connectivity or privacy issues that simpler fixes don’t resolve.
How to factory reset Fitbit devices
The process of performing a factory reset is very similar across most Fitbit models. Here are the basic step-by-step instructions:
Charge your Fitbit fully
Make sure the battery is at 100% before starting the reset to avoid any power-related issues during the process.
Backup your data
Log into your Fitbit account on a computer and go to the “Devices” section. Here you can export your fitness and health stats as a CSV file for safekeeping.
Press and hold the side button on your Fitbit for 15-30 seconds, depending on the specific model. See the table below for the exact button and hold time for different Fitbits:
Fitbit ModelButton to HoldHold TimeCharge 3/4/5Side button15 secondsInspire/Inspire 2Side button15 secondsVersa/Versa 2/Versa 3Side button15 secondsSenseSide button15 secondsIonicSide button30 secondsFlex 2Wake button10 secondsAce 2/Ace 3Side button15 seconds
Complete the reset process
Once the time period finishes, your Fitbit will power off. Then power it back on to begin the setup process from the beginning. You'll need to reconnect to WiFi, sync with the app and log back into your Fitbit account.
Confirm reset status
Log back into the Fitbit app on your phone and check that your activity history and stats have been cleared. If not, repeat the reset steps as sometimes it takes two attempts for a full wipe.
That covers the basic reset process. Now we'll go into more detail on resetting specific Fitbit models in case you need any clarification.
Resetting the Fitbit Charge series
Charges like the 3, 4, and 5 have a simple factory reset method:
- Make sure the Charge is charged to 100%
- Press and hold the side button for 15 continuous seconds.
- A pop-up will appear saying “Reset completed”. Release the button.
- The Charge will power off, then back on automatically.
- Go through initial setup and sync process again from the beginning.
That's it! Check the Fitbit app that all your previous stats have been erased. The Charge series uses a consistent 15 second side button hold method that hasn't changed across models.
Resetting the Fitbit Inspire series
Fitbit's most basic trackers like the Inspire and Inspire 2 also use a 15 second side button hold:
- Fully charge the Inspire first.
- Press and hold the side button until the screen turns off, around 15 seconds.
- Release once the screen goes black and turns back on automatically.
- Complete setup in the app as a new Inspire.
One thing to note – on the Inspire, there's no confirmation message. You just need to hold until the reset takes effect and it powers off. Other than that, the reset is seamless like the Charge series.
Resetting the Fitbit Versa series
Fitbit's popular smartwatch lineup including Versa, Versa 2, and Versa 3 also use a 15 second side button reset:
- Charge to 100% battery level.
- Firmly press and hold the side button until the options wheel appears, around 15 seconds.
- A reset confirmation screen will pop up. Tap the checkmark to continue.
- The Versa will power off and on automatically during reset.
- Log back into the Fitbit app and setup the smartwatch fresh.
Check that all health metrics and apps have been wiped clean post-reset. The Versa series provides a clear on-device confirmation, making the process very straightforward.
Resetting the Fitbit Ionic
The Ionic smartwatch uses a slightly longer button hold duration of 30 seconds:
- Charge to full battery before starting.
- Press and hold the left side button for a full 30 seconds.
- A reset confirmation screen will appear, tap “Yes”.
- Ionic powers off, then back on in reset mode.
- Complete setup in the app to sync a blank Ionic.
Check the Fitbit app that all data was successfully erased. For Ionic users, ensure you hold the side button for the full 30 seconds as specified for a complete factory reset.
Resetting the Fitbit Sense
As Fitbit's newest top-of-the-line smartwatch, the Sense features:
- A full battery charge before reset.
- Press and hold the left side button for 15 continuous seconds.
- A reset confirmation prompt appears, select “Reset Device”.
- Sense will power off and on during reset mode.
- Log back in and set up the Sense fresh in the app.
Like the Versa series, the Sense provides clear on-device reset confirmation. Ensure you confirm the reset prompt to fully remove all previous activity, exercise and health stats.
Frequently asked questions on How to perform a Fitbit factory reset
Here are some other common questions related to Fitbit resets:
Does a factory reset delete my fitness/health data from the Fitbit servers?
No, a factory reset on your Fitbit device only clears the locally stored data. Your historical activity, sleep, weight and other health metrics synced to your Fitbit account online will remain intact. This data is not affected by a reset.
Can I back up or export my data before resetting?
Absolutely. Log into your Fitbit account on a computer and go to the Devices page. Here you'll see options to export your health metrics as a CSV file for backup. This allows you to save your stats before wiping the device.
How do I factory reset a Fitbit Flex/Flex 2?
For these older bracelet style trackers:
- Press and hold the side button for 10 seconds.
- The tracker LEDs will flash to indicate reset mode.
- Release button and the Flex will power off/on during reset.
- Set up again as new device in the app after reset.
Will my activity history re-sync after a reset?
No, once you perform a factory reset any exercise, sleep or weight data stored locally on the Fitbit is erased permanently. However, your overall monthly/yearly stats linked to your profile may reappear in the app over time as the device begins tracking and syncing fresh data again.
Are there any risks or downsides to resetting?
The only potential downside is losing access to your local data storage, although your online profile stats remain intact if synced prior. There are generally no risks to simply resetting the device. Just be sure to backup any exportable health records first if needed.
Hope this comprehensive guide has explained everything you need to know about performing and completing a Fitbit factory reset! Let me know if any other questions come up.