How to Update Your Fitbit

Keep your fitness tracker up to date

by
Jennifer Allen
Jennifer Allen
Writer
Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications.
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Jennifer Allen
Updated on December 22, 2020
reviewed by
Lisa Mildon
Lisa Mildon
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member & Writer
Lisa Mildon is a Lifewire writer and an IT professional with 30 years of experience. Her writing has appeared in Geekisphere and other publications.
our review board
Article reviewed on Sep 15, 2020
Lisa Mildon

What to Know

  • Fitbit app: Tap Today > [your profile] > [your device]. If an update is available, tap the Update banner and follow the instructions.
  • Fitbit.com Dashboard: Choose Fitbit Connect icon > Open Main Menu > Check for device update. Log in. Fitbit updates automatically.
  • Note: Firmware updates become available only if you turn on all-day sync and let the Fitbit app run in the background.

The Fitbit is a reliable and useful fitness tracker, but occasionally the company issues bug fixes, new features, and functionality enhancements that require an update. In this guide, we show you how to update any Fitbit to the latest firmware via the Fitbit app and the Fitbit.com dashboard, as well as what to do if an update fails.

How to Update Your Fitbit via the Fitbit App 

The easiest way to update your Fitbit is by using the app. Before you begin, charge your device and confirm you have the latest version of the Fitbit app installed on your phone or tablet. 

Here's how to check to see if new software is available.

  1. Select your profile picture.

  2. Tap the image of your device.

    The Today tab, profile image, and device image

  3. Tap the pink update banner displayed on screen.

    You'll see this banner only if an update is available.

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions and keep the device close to your synced phone or tablet.

    If you update at midnight, you may see incorrect steps for the following 24 hours. Try to avoid this time of day for updates.

How to Update Fitbit via the Fitbit.com Dashboard

Updating your Fitbit via the Fitbit.com dashboard is a little trickier than using the app. You'll need a Bluetooth connection with your PC or Mac, either via built-in Bluetooth or a Bluetooth dongle. You also need to have the latest version of Fitbit Connect installed. 

  1. Select the Fitbit Connect icon, located near the date and time on your PC.

    On a Mac, this is located in the top right hand corner alongside other dashboard icons and the time and date.

  2. Select Open Main Menu.

  3. Select Check for device update.

  4. Log in to your Fitbit account, if prompted.

  5. If an update is found, the Fitbit will update automatically. Otherwise, you'll see a screen telling you that your Fitbit tracker is already up to date.

What to Do If Your Fitbit Update Failed

Fitbit won't update? Here are some tips on what to do.

If you can't see an update banner in the app, don't worry. That means your Fitbit tracker is up to date and you don't need to do anything.

  • Make sure the battery life on your device is at 50% or more.
  • Ensure your internet connection is reliable. The update will fail if your connection drops out suddenly.
  • Try turning your tracker off and on again. 
  • Try the firmware update again. Sometimes, a second attempt will work successfully. 
  • If you've already tried via the app, try updating via Fitbit Connect or vice versa. 
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