How to Charge Fitbit Without a Charger? Ultimate Guide

It’s a frustrating situation if you forget or lose your Fitbit charger, especially in an emergency situation. However, you can still charge your Fitbit without a charger

I know the importance of keeping your Fitbit device charged in order to track your daily activity levels like heart rate, quality sleep, step counts, etc.

In this case, you might think is there any alternative way to charge my Fitbit without the charger? Luckily, there are still several methods to charge your Fitbit device without a charger device, and we’ve got them covered for you.

Moreover, I’ll address the common issues as well that you can face while charging along with their solutions. Make sure to stick with this guide to learn how to charge Fitbit without a charger.

5 Ways to Charge Fitbit Without Charger

Sometimes, charging your Fitness tracker becomes a challenging task when you don’t have its original charger. However, don’t worry as I’ll discuss 5 different methods to power up your Fitbit again.

Use following methods to Charge Fitbit Without Charger:

1. Use Wall Charger: Take advantage of your smartphone adaptor to charge your Fitbit device
2. Use Power Bank: Utilize a power bank to provide charge to your Fitbit without a charger
3. Use Laptop/PC Port: Your charged Laptop or PC ports can also serve as a power source to charge your Fitbit device
4. Make DIY Fitbit Charger: Put in some effort and make your own DIY Fitbit charger without having the original Fitbit charger
5. Use Replaceable Batteries: Purchase replaceable batteries that fit your Fitbit model and don’t worry about the charger

Now, let’s explore them individually:

1) Use a Wall Charger

Prerequisites:

1. You must have a UL-certified USB wall charger or adaptor
2. An electrical outlet nearby
3. Also, an original Fitbit device charging cable

Charging your Fitbit device with a wall charger is a very convenient method. Usually, Fitbit devices don’t come with an adaptor so, you can use your smartphone wall charger as well to charge your Fitbit tracker or smartwatch.

Make sure to avoid cheap wall chargers as they may not provide a steady flow of power. Also, avoid plugging your Fitbit device directly into a USB port in a socket as the high voltage may damage your device.

Follow the given steps to charge your Fitbit device without a charger using a wall adaptor or USB charger:

• Plug the USB end of the Fitbit charging cable into the wall charger
• Place your Fitbit device into the charging cable cradle or dock
• Make sure the charging contacts are attached properly to the cable dock
• Now, plug the USB adaptor into a wall outlet
• You’ll see a battery percentage indicating your Fitbit device is charging

Now, you can leave your Fitbit connected to the charger until it’s fully charged and you can have a rest. Make sure to disconnect the wall charger once after an hour or two to avoid overcharging issues.

2) Use Reliable Power Bank

Prerequisites:

1. A high-quality power bank from a reliable company
2. Fitbit charging cable to charge the device

You can also utilize a power bank if you don’t have a wall charger or an electrical outlet nearby. Moreover, it’s a great solution if you’re on the go or enjoying a picnic. Just connect the Fitbit to your portable power bank and take a tea meanwhile.

Power banks come with multiple ports so, take advantage and keep your Fitbit device charged along with other electronic devices simultaneously.

Follow the given simple steps to charge your Fitbit with a power bank:

• Place the Fitbit device into the charging cable cradle
• Plug the USB end of the charging cable into the power bank
• The Fitbit device will begin charging if connected properly
• Once the device is charged fully, plug out the USB cable from a power bank

3) Use a Laptop or PC Port

Prerequisites:

1. Charged laptop or a running PC
2. Fitbit Charging Cable

This is another easy solution to provide enough power to your Fitbit device. If you have your own or a friend’s laptop or PC, you can easily use its power to charge your Fitbit.

Make sure your Laptop is charged or has sufficient charge so, it can provide current to your Fitbit tracker or smartwatch. Also, note that it may take longer to fully charge your fitness tracker. So, be patient and have a break.

The steps are pretty much the same as above. Follow the given few steps to charge your Fitbit with a Laptop or PC:

• Turn on your Laptop or PC
• Put your Fitbit on the charging cable cradle
• Plug the USB end of the charging cable into the USB port on your computer or the Laptop
• Now, leave your Fitbit device until it’s charged 100%

4) Make Your Own Fitbit Charger

Prerequisites:

• Any kind of USB data cable
• Nail cutter, a scissor, or a sharp knife 🔪
• adhesive tape 🩹

Now, this method is completely different from others as we’ll make our own emergency DIY Fitbit charger. I’m not a mechanic, can I follow the procedure? Well, I’m also not 🙂. But, the steps are very simple and easy, anyone can do it.

Moreover, you can watch a video for a better understanding of the process than reading a text without any visuals.

It’s better to remove the Fitbit watch or fitness bands first. Follow the given steps to make a DIY Fitbit charger and charge your Fitbit device without a charger:

• Cut the connector part of the data cable using a nail cutter or a scissor to expose the inner wires
• Identify the red and black wires only as these wires will charge your Fitbit. You can cut the rest of the wires
• Strip the ends of the red and black wires to expose the metal underneath
• You’ll find three terminals on the back of your Fitbit
• Connect the black wire to the terminal which is closest to the Fitbit device’s side button
• Then, connect the red wire to the terminal which is farthest to the Fitbit device’s side button
• You can use adhesive tape to ensure the wires are connected properly to the terminals.
• Finally, plug the USB end of the data cable into a wall charger or power bank, or a laptop/PC
• Congrats! Your Fitbit device is charging now ⚡

If you don’t have access to the Fitbit charger, you can make your own DIY Fitbit charger using these simple steps to power up your Fitbit smartwatch.

5) Use a Replaceable Battery

Prerequisite: Only limited Fitbit models support replaceable battery options like Fitbit Zip and Fitbit One

Although this is not an ideal solution, however, this method can be helpful if you’re on the go. But, this solution works for certain models only, such as the Fitbit Zip, Fitbit One, etc.

And, many models like Fitbit One, Inspire HR, Alta, Ace 2, Ionic, Charge, Versa 3, etc. are designed with rechargeable batteries i.e. users can’t replace them. So, you can contact with Fitbit team, send your Fitbit model details, and they will tell you if your model supports a replaceable battery.

If your Fitbit supports this feature, follow the given steps to replace the battery in your Fitbit device:

• Turn off your Fitbit device
• Open the back of your Fitbit device
• Replace the old battery with a new one
• Then, turn back on your Fitbit

Although this method is very simple, it’s not the best and most permanent solution. However, it can be a useful fix if your Fitbit is running out of battery life.

How To Charge A Fitbit If You Lost Your Fitbit Charger?

I lost my Fitbit charger, can I still charge my Fitbit device?

Yes, you can. But, How?

Purchasing a new Fitbit charger is not a feasible solution for everyone. But, it doesn’t mean at all that you can’t power up your Fitbit instead there are many alternative ways available to charge your Fitbit without a charger.

Use the given methods to charge your Fitbit if you lost your Fitbit charger:

1. Make your own DIY Fitbit charger
2. Use a replaceable battery
3. Utilize a wall charger
4. Take benefit of your power bank
5. Use a USB port of your Laptop or PC

You can follow these methods to charge your Fitbit smartwatches and fitness trackers without their original charger. Every above-mentioned solution has its requirements, so make sure to read them first.

These are only temporary ways to provide power to your Fitbit, you need to arrange a new compatible Fitbit charger as early as possible in order to make your Fitbit last longer.

How to Charge Fitbit Luxe Without Charger?

Fitbit Luxe is one of the latest editions of Fitbit devices that come with a magnetic charger. If you have lost your Fitbit Luxe charger or forgotten it somewhere, don’t worry because you can still charge your fitness tracker.

Follow any of the given methods to charge your Fitbit Luxe without a charger:

• Use Laptop Port: Connect the USB part of your Fitbit charging cable to the charged laptop and the other end with your Fitbit Luxe
• Use Power Bank: You can use a power bank to charge your Fitbit Luxe when you’re on the go. Plug the USB end of the charging cable with the power bank and the other end with your Fitbit Luxe
• Use Wall Charger: Make sure you have an electrical outlet nearby. Connect the USB end of the Fitbit charging cable with the adaptor and plug it into an electrical outlet

How to Charge a Fitbit Charge Without Charger?

If you use Fitbit Charge 3, Charge 4, or Charge 5 and don’t have access to the charger, you should sell your Fitbit 😁. Just kidding!

Follow any method to power up your Fitbit Charge without a charger:

• Make DIY Fitbit Charger: Arrange a data cable and nail cutter to make your own Fitbit charger. You can watch YouTube videos for a practical guide.
• Use Power Bank: If you have a power bank with some power, utilize it to charge your Fitbit Charge
• Use PC Port: If you’re running a PC, plug your Fitbit charging cable into it and charge your Fitbit device

How to Charge Fitbit Versa Without Charger?

Fitbit Versa is a popular smartwatch that comes with a charging dock. It comes with various editions, such as Versa, Versa 2, and Versa 3.

If you lost the charger or forgot it at home, there are still some temporary solutions to charge your smartwatch.

Follow these methods to charge your Fitbit Versa, Versa 2, or Versa 3 without a charger:

• Make Your Own DIY Fitbit Charger: Use an extra data cable and a nail cutter to create your own Fitbit charger. You can watch DIY Fitbit charger YouTube videos that will guide you through the process
• Use PC or Laptop Port: If you have a Fitbit charging cable, you can use your computer or a charged laptop to power up your Fitbit Versa. Insert the USB end into the USB port and the other end into your Fitbit
• Use a Power Bank: Instead of a PC or Laptop, you can take advantage of your power bank to charge your Fitbit smartwatch. Plug the USB end into the power bank this time

How to Check If the Fitbit is Charging?

Once you have managed to connect your Fitbit device to a power source, you need to ensure that it’s charging properly. But, how can you check if your Fitbit watch is charging or not?

Follow these methods to check if your Fitbit device is charging or not:

1. Charging Icon Will Appear: Once your Fitbit device is plugged in and start receiving power, a charging icon will appear on your Fitbit to indicate that it’s charging. If you don’t see any indication, double-check that the Fitbit terminals are connected properly.

2. Check the percentage: Some Fitbit models display battery percentage instead of a charging symbol. So, monitor the percentage on your Fitbit device to check if it’s charging. If the percentage is increasing, you can have a rest

3. Check the app: This is probably a more convenient way to quickly check if your Fitbit is charging or not. Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone and navigate to your Profile. Here, you’ll see the battery level of your Fitbit device along with a battery symbol. Make sure to notice if the battery percentage is increasing

4. Fitbit Will Vibrate: Some Fitbit devices will vibrate to indicate that it’s properly connected to the charger. This is also a good sign to confirm that your Fitbit is charging.

5. Check The LED Light: Some Fitbit models, such as Fitbit Alta, have LED lights to indicate the charging status. These LED lights will turn on automatically when the device starts charging.

Tips to Charge Your Fitbit Safely

As with all other electronic devices, you need to follow some safety measures in order to charge your Fitbit device safely. Ultimately, it’ll expand the device’s lifespan as well. Some tips are given below, read them and follow them accordingly to avoid any potential damage:

1. Use the Official Charger: Remember, chargers bought separately can’t replace the original ones that come inside the packaging. Always use the original charger to charge your Fitbit device and avoid using low-quality chargers as they can damage your device.

2. Clean the Charging Contacts: Ensure that the charging contacts of your Fitbit device and charger are clean before connecting your Fitbit charger. You should clean them periodically with a soft cloth to keep them clean.

3. Don’t Overcharge: Make sure to avoid overcharging as it can damage your Fitbit battery and reduce its lifespan. Moreover, it can lead to an increase in the temperature that can affect the charging contacts too.

4. Keep The Charging Port Dry: Connecting a Fitbit charger to the wet charging port or terminals can result in a short circuit and damage your Fitbit device. Always keep the charging ports dry to avoid any potential issues.

5. Avoid Extreme Temperatures: If you expose your Fitbit to an extreme temperature environment, you may not be able to track your fitness again. High temperature negatively affects the lifespan and efficiency of the Fitbit device.

Common Problems While Charging a Fitbit Device

As a Fitbit owner, you may also have encountered many issues while charging your Fitbit device. So, in this section, we’ll cover some very common Fitbit charging issues that you may face along with their solutions.

1. Fitbit Battery Issues: Although your device appears to be charging, however, it doesn’t hold a charge. Also, your Fitbit device’s battery may drain quickly. These problems indicate that the battery has completed its lifespan and needs to be replaced.

2. Charging Cable Problems: Your Fitbit may not charge if there’s a loose connection, the charging cable is not connected properly, or the cable is broken. Avoid charging your device through a damaged cable instead buy a new one.

3. Charging Port Issues: It’s possible that the wet and dirty charging port is preventing your Fitbit from charging properly. If that’s the case, try cleaning the charging ports with a soft cloth and check if this solution works.

4. Power Source Problems: Make sure that the connection between your charger and power source (i.e. wall socket, Laptop, or power bank) is strong. If your Fitbit device is not charging, try plugging your charger into another source.

5. Overheating Issues: Prolonged charging of your device can cause overheating that can affect your Fitbit battery and its performance. To avoid overheating, make sure to avoid overcharging and keeping your device in a high-temperature environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Although these methods can help you charge your Fitbit device without its charger, don’t stick with them for a long time as these are only temporary solutions and may reduce the lifespan of your Fitbit tracker.

You’re advised to use these tactics only in a critical situation. Always keep the original charger with you, so you can track your body fitness every time.

Hopefully, this guide provided you with enough knowledge to power up your dead Fitbit. Now, you don’t need to worry about running out of battery again.

If you think this article will help others too, do share it so they can also get benefit from it.