How Long Do Fitbits Last?

As a fitness enthusiast, I know how important it is to track activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns. That’s why I turned to Fitbit, the famous brand known for its innovative fitness trackers.

Fitbit is a device that allows you to track your activity and exercise. Many people use it to maintain their health. It’s not as expensive as the Apple Watch but offers more features than its cheaper competitors. As a result, Fitbit is an appropriate choice for the average buyer. But some people wonder how long it will take before their Fitbit stops working.

 In this article, I will give you insights into the lifespan of Fitbits, including battery life, durability, and essential considerations to help beginners make informed decisions about their Fitbit device. So, Keep reading to learn the tips to make your Fitbit last longer.

How Long Will My Fitbit Last?

Your Fitbit will last 24-36 months with regular use. Frequently, Fitbit wearables are known to be more durable in the elements. However, you can’t get everything, so you need to take care of it consciously. Hardware quality, water resistance, and battery life all degrade over time. Even the frequency of resets and cleanings can affect your Fitbit’s lifespan. 

Many Fitbit devices perform optimally for up to 5 years in various conditions, but here are some tips to keep your Fitbit performing better and longer.

How long does Fitbit’s battery last?

• The original Fitbit Zip has a portable battery that lasts up to 6 months.
• Fitbit One has a portable battery that lasts up to 8 months.
• Fitbit Alta HR, Fitbit Charge 3, Fitbit Charge 4, and Fitbit Charge 5 have built-in batteries that last up to 7 days.
• Fitbit Flyer has a built-in battery with 6 hours of playtime.
• Older Fitbit models may not charge until the new device charges. 

We have also covered a guide on charging Fitbit without a charger. Check it out!

How Can You Extend the Fitbit Battery Life?

It takes work to get a new battery every time. Here are some ways that you can follow to make your Fitbit battery last longer.

1. Maximize Fitbit battery life

Fitbit devices have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts a set time before recharging. In general, we don’t recommend charging your Fitbit every night. Refill only when the battery is low. Fitbit battery life varies by model, some lasting a few days, others just a day or two; Fitbit Charge 4 lasts seven days, whereas Fitbit Versa 3 lasts six days on a one-time charge.

Adopt the tips to increase Fitbit battery life:

• Go to settings and set the screen timeout to the shortest possible time.
• Disable all-day sync as it drains your battery, so turn it off and sync your Fitbit manually.
• Disable quick view since raising your wrist will wake up the screen, but it will consume more battery.
• Using battery saver mode to extend battery life. 

2. Update the firmware

Updating your Fitbit software is essential because it provides new features, fixes issues, enhances functionality and biometric sensor readings, and extends battery life.

To ensure your Fitbit is running the latest firmware version, open the Fitbit app and go to Today > Profile picture > Device picture. If an update is available, tap the “Update” button to install it. Keep the Fitbit app open on your linked phone during the update process.

Remember that software and firmware updates might take up to an hour or more to complete, depending on when your last update was.      

3. Clean your Fitbit

If you use your Fitbit outdoors frequently, keep it clean to extend its lifespan. Outdoors, the corners of your screen, and other openings in your device can allow microscopic dust particles and dirt to get inside.

4. Avoid extreme temperatures

Avoid exposing your Fitbit to extremely hot or cold conditions, including direct sunlight. These conditions have not been stress tested for Fitbit models. According to Fitbit’s product safety regulations, you might harm its components.

Advise against using fitness trackers or smartwatches in particular environments, such as steam rooms, saunas, hot showers, and ice baths. Keep your Fitbit in a dry, cool location.

5. Avoid high-impact sports

Many Fitbit models, like the Charge 5 and Luxe, have colored OLED panels prone to scratches and cracks. Scratches may not affect the functionality of Fitbit, but they do affect the appearance and visibility of the screen, which may affect the resale value and fitness for purpose.

Remove your Fitbit for high-impact sports like basketball or soccer, as it can damage your Fitbit. So, it’s best to remove it.  

6. Replace your Fitbit band

Fitbit comes with a main body and an attached band. If you are not taking care of your band, it may result in failure and damage to its display. To avoid such situations, always choose official Fitbit straps which are durable and safety tested.

But it’s essential to remember that even Fitbit-produced bands have leather, steel, or woven materials for daily use. So, avoid using it for high-impact sports and during extremely hot, cold, or damp conditions.

7. Avoid exposure to liquids

Water resistance ratings change over time due to natural wear and tear. Fitbit devices are tested in all real-world situations, so we recommend staying safe. Do not expose Fitbit to liquids such as water or sweat. Removing your Fitbit when showering, as water and soap can damage it. Finally, we recommend enabling the Water Lock feature on your Fitbit if your model supports it.

Why Do Your Fitbits Stop Working?

There can be several possible reasons why your Fitbits stop working.

• Your Fitbit’s battery can weaken, causing it to stop working or keep a charge for only a short time.
• Fitbit may stop working as a wearable device due to physical damage from drops, impacts, or exposure to excessive moisture.
• Sometimes the Fitbit software becomes corrupted, and you need help syncing, tracking, or viewing your data.
• Fitbit relies on Bluetooth connectivity to sync with smartphones and other devices. If you have connectivity issues, your Fitbit may not sync properly and stop working.
• Firmware software is not updated and causes device performance issues.

If your Fitbit has stopped working, try restarting your device first. Press and hold the button to reset your Fitbit for 10-15 seconds. Try a factory reset or contact Fitbit Support if that doesn’t work.

All Fitbit Trackers

How do I reset my Fitbit if I can’t sign in? 

Some methods exist to reset your device if you face difficulty signing into your Fitbit account. Firstly, try to reset its password, as this may be the root cause of the issue. If it doesn’t work, try resetting your Fitbit using a mobile app.

Open the app and go to the Account tab. Select Reset Device, enter your Fitbit password, and tap Reset. Otherwise, you can also reset the account password using the Fitbit website. Go to the login page on the website, select forget password type in your email address, then press “Submit” to proceed.

You will get an email with instructions on how to change your password. If these methods do not work, contacting customer service is the best option. You can contact customer support by phone or email for further assistance.

Average Battery Life of Each Fitbit Device

Average battery life depends on using a pattern of one and also depends upon the particular model.

Fitbit Device	Average Battery Life
Fitbit Zipper	6 months on CR2032 coin cell battery (sold separately)
Fitbit One	6-8 months on CR2032 coin cell battery (sold separately)
Fitbit Inspire 2	6 days on a single charge
Fitbit Ace 3	8 days on a single charge
Fitbit Ace and Fitbit Ace 2	5 days on a single charge

Type Of Batteries Powering Various Fitbit Devices

Fitbit smartwatches come with small but durable batteries essential to their functionality. There are many different types of batteries used in portable technology, but the three most common are Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Silver Oxide (Ag).

Lithium-ion batteries, including Fitbit, are the most popular and widely used in wearable devices. It is known for its small size, high performance, and long life. Nickel-metal hydride batteries are compact and robust but have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries.

Silver oxide batteries, on the other hand, are the oldest type of batteries used in portable devices. They are less potent than lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride batteries but last much longer. Such batteries are typically used in devices that do not require much power, such as B. Pedometer.

How Long Does a Fitbit Versa Watch Last?

The battery life of a Fitbit Versa smartwatch depends on various factors like its usage, settings, and features you are using. For instance, if you use Fitbit Versa extensively, such as tracking multiple workouts, receiving frequent notifications, or using GPS features. It may drain the battery faster.

However, on average, a Fitbit Versa smartwatch can last approximately 4 to 6 days on a single charge. If we talk about the average lifespan of Fitbit is almost two years. And if you occasionally use Fitbit, it can last more than two years.

You can purchase a replacement battery for your Fitbit Versa online or from a store that sells Fitbit products. To replace the battery, remove the back cover of the Fitbit, take out the old battery, insert the new battery, and then reattach the back cover.

What to Do with the Broken Fitbit?

If you have a broken Fitbit that is no longer functional, here are a few options for what you can do it with:

• Reuse: If you have broken Fitbit, it’s time to get creative and reuse it into something else. For example, you can use the bands or other parts for DIY projects or crafts and turn them into decorative pieces. You can also use the device as a paperweight.
• Sale: Some individuals or repair shops could be interested in buying broken devices for their parts. Explore options to sell the broken Fitbit device online or locally to those specializing in fixing electronic appliances.
• Recycle: Fitbit has a recycling program that allows users to recycle their old or broken Fitbit devices in an environmentally responsible way, so if you have a broken Fitbit recycle the device through Fitbit’s recycling program.
• Donate: Another option you can use with your Fitbit is to donate it to a local school or community center. They can use it for educational purposes or as a spare part.
• Contact Fitbit Support: You can also contact Fitbit support if your device is under warranty or a protection plan. You may get some repair or replacement options.

What are the Factors that Determine the Lifespan of the Device?

The lifespan of your Fitbit depends on several factors. Here are some of the critical factors that influence your device’s lifespan.

1. Fitbit Model

The first factor that determines the battery life of Fitbit is its model. Newer Fitbit models often come with more advanced features and higher processing power, consuming more energy and resulting in shorter battery life than older models. For instance, Fitbit One or Ultra has a significantly larger battery life than Fitbit Zip.

2. Usage Patterns

 How you use your device can also affect its lifespan if you use Fitbit frequently, such as for playing games, video streaming, or using resource-intensive applications. It will put more strain on the device and potentially shorten its lifespan.

3. User Handling

 People mostly ignore this factor, but how you handle and use your device also impacts its lifespan. If you hold it Roughly, with accidental drops, and improper usage, it can cause physical damage or cause internal components to wear out faster. It will ultimately reduce the device’s lifespan.

4. Features You Use

The lifespan of Fitbit is also influenced by how frequently you use features such as the backlight or vibrating alarms, along with overall usage patterns. To optimize the device’s lifespan, be mindful of its usage patterns, and adjust settings or minimize battery-intensive features when not needed.

5. Environmental factors

Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to dust or moisture can also affect the lifespan of a device. These elements can accelerate wear and tear, potentially reducing the device’s lifespan. So regularly clean your device to increase its life span.

6. Hardware Quality

Fitbit is a well-known brand in the fitness tracker market, with products that are popular among casual and serious fitness enthusiasts. However, not all Fitbit devices are created equal in terms of hardware quality.

For instance, the Fitbit Flex 2 is known for its slim design, long battery life, and accurate tracking features. On the other hand, some users have reported issues with the Fitbit Charge 3, its poor build quality, and screen cracking and peeling after just a few months of use.

7. Water Resistance

Fitbit’s devices are typically water-resistant, which means they can handle exposure to sweat or splashes. But they are not specific for swimming and don’t submerge in water, whether it’s a pool or the ocean. The accuracy of a fitness tracker is a crucial consideration for many users, and Fitbit devices are generally known for their accuracy.

However, there have been reports of issues with certain products. For instance, some users have experienced problems with their Fitbit Charge 3, randomly losing track of steps or heart rate data. Others have reported inconsistencies with the device’s GPS accuracy, which can be frustrating for tracking activities like running or cycling.

How Often Should You Replace Fitbit Battery?

Fitbit suggests replacing the device’s battery every 12-18 months, although this time frame may vary depending on how frequently you use it and how well you take care of it. Factors such as GPS usage, notification settings, and other features that consume more power can affect the battery life of your Fitbit device.

If you notice that your Fitbit device’s battery is not lasting as long as it used to or experiencing issues with battery performance. Then it is a sign that it’s time for a battery replacement. You can purchase a new battery from Fitbit or an authorized retailer to ensure compatibility and proper functioning of your device.

Final Thoughts

Like any electronic device, Fitbits may wear out all day and night. The battery life of a Fitbit can vary depending on the model, typically lasting around five days on average. The plastic casing and straps of a Fitbit may also degrade over time from constant use. Care and maintenance are essential in determining how long a Fitbit will last.

Technology advancements and product updates may result in newer Fitbit models with improved features and longer battery life. Stay informed about Fitbit’s latest offerings and consider upgrades when needed.

Also Read: How to Find an Apple Watch If Dead?

Frequently Asked Questions