Are you also wondering how long will your Fitbit last? Obviously, your Fitbit device will not remain with you forever like other reliable devices. But, you may want to know long you can expect it to last.
Although Fitbit devices are designed for durability, their lifespan depends on several factors. There’s no exact answer to this question.
However,
According to Fitbit users’ experience, you can expect a lifespan of 2 to 3 years from your Fitbit device. However, these figures may vary depending on your Fitbit model, daily usage, care, and environmental factors.
You can even extend your device life further if you properly follow the practical tips that will be shared in this guide later. There’s a lot to learn, make sure to stick till the end of this article.
Table of Contents
How Long Do Fitbits Last In Real Experience?
In real-world experience, the life of Fitbit devices is around 2 to 3 years. However, users have reported shorter or even longer lifespans of their devices. It entirely depends on the individual’s usage, maintenance, environmental factors, and more.
Following the best practices and tips, you can make your Fitbit last longer.
The Lifespan of Different Fitbit Models
Fitbit continuously introduces new models with improved features, enhanced durability, and longer battery life. That’s why every Fitbit model has a different lifespan. Let’s talk about them individually:
1) Fitbit Inspire 2
The Fitbit Inspire 2 comes among the best Fitbit models due to its impressive durability. The expected life of this model is about 2 to 3 years after taking all the precautions.
Furthermore, the battery life of the Fitbit Inspire 2 lasts up to ten days under normal use on a single charge which is a great deal.
2) Fitbit Versa
Fitbit Versa is one of the best editions of Fitbit with an expected lifespan of 3 to 4 years under optimal use conditions. However, individual usage can affect its life.
Fitbit Versa comes with an impressive battery lifespan of more than 4 days on a single charge according to the manufacturer.
3) Fitbit Versa 2
Fitbit Versa 2 is another best-selling health and fitness smartwatch with an average lifespan of 3 to 4 years if cared for properly. However, environmental factors can influence its longevity.
Fitbit Versa 2 typically offers a battery life of around 6 days on a single charge, depending on daily usage.
4) Fitbit Charge 4
The Fitbit Charge 4 is one of the most popular fitness trackers, known for its advanced features and durability. It can last 2 to 3 years long easily with proper care.
On a single charge, Fitbit Charge 4 can provide you with a battery backup of up to 4 days easily under normal use.
5) Fitbit Charge 5
The Fitbit Charge 5 is one of the latest Fitbit models in the fitness trackers category with a great lifespan of 2 to 3 years. With proper protection and care, you can even extend its life.
The battery backup of the Fitbit Charge 5 is about 7 days on a single charge. Your daily usage also influences the battery life.
Tips To Extend Your Fitbit Lifespan
The lifespan of your Fitbit tracker or smartwatch depends on how you treat and utilize it in your daily life. By following the below tips, you can ensure that your Fitbit lasts as long as possible:
1. Keep Your Fitbit Firmware Updated
It’s necessary for every Fitbit user to keep the updated Firmware so you can enjoy optimal performance. The latest version includes bug fixes, security, and compatibility improvements to enhance your overall experience with your Fitbit device.
Fitbit typically releases firmware updates periodically to take users’ experience to the next level, making it a great choice for fitness lovers. If you’re still using outdated Fitbit software, it means you’re compromising on the optimal performance that can reduce your Fitbit’s life.
Steps To Update Fitbit Firmware:
You can update your Fitbit device firmware using the app easily. To make it happen, make sure your device is already configured with the Fitbit app.
Follow the given steps to update the firmware of a Fitbit device:
- Open the Fitbit app on your Android or iPhone
- Navigate to the Today tab located at the bottom menu
- Then, tap on your Profile photo in the upper-left corner
- Select your Fitbit device Model from the list of connected devices
- If an update is available, you’ll see a button that says Update Tracker
- Tap on this button and your Fitbit firmware will begin updating
2. Clean Your Fitbit Regularly
As Fitbit devices are designed to work in all environmental conditions, it’s possible that sweat and dirt can accumulate on your device. To keep your Fitbit in top condition, it’s important to clean it regularly to make it last longer in your fitness journey.
Moreover, your Fitbit device maintenance is important in order to get accurate tracking results. By regularly cleaning your fitness tracker, you can extend the life of your Fitbit sensors and ultimately your Fitbit will last longer with you.
Tips To Safely Clean Your Fitbit:
You can follow some safety tips to clean your fitness tracker or smartwatch:
- Remove the device from its band for thorough cleaning of Fitbit. Moreover, it’ll also prevent any damage to the band. You can then clean the band separately.
- Use a soft cloth and water to clean your device. You can also use mild soapy water to properly clean your Fitbit. Make sure not to submerge it completely in the water as this can damage your device.
- Clean charging ports carefully using a soft and dry cloth. Avoid using any equipment that can damage the ports otherwise, you may not be able to charge your Fitbit device. Always keep your device charging ports dust-free
- Dry your Fitbit device thoroughly before connecting it to the band. Also, you can use air-dry to remove any kind of moisture to prevent any potential damage.
3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Exposing your Fitbit device to extreme weather can have a significant impact on its lifespan. The high temperature can potentially damage device sensors which will affect their functionality and overall performance. Furthermore, it can also reduce the battery life as the device will consume more energy heated up.
If you want your Fitbit lasts as long as possible, always keep it away from a high-temperature environment to get accurate tracking results and optimal performance from its sensors. By doing so, you can use your Fitbit for a longer period of time
Best Practices to Avoid Extreme Temperature:
To ensure the longevity of your Fitbit device, follow these best practices:
- Avoid leaving your fitness tracker in direct sunlight for a long period of time to prevent overheating
- It’s better to take off your Fitbit while you’re engaging in outdoor activities during hot weather to minimize heat exposure
- Never leave your Fitbit tracker in a parked car, as the temperatures inside a car can reach an extreme level after a while which will heat up the device
- Keep your Fitbit at a normal temperature when not in use. Also, it’s better to turn it off in order to extend the battery lifespan
4. Charge Your Fitbit Carefully
The lifespan of your Fitbit also depends on how carefully you charge it. Over time, battery life cycles decrease resulting in a shorter battery life. Moreover, you can also experience an issue that the Fitbit battery isn’t holding a charge for as long as it should.
It’s natural that the battery life decreases as time goes on but some mistakes are made by users. If you follow the best charging practices, you can use ensure that your Fitbit tracker lasts for many years to come.
Tips To Extend Fitbit Battery Life:
To use your Fitbit device for a prolonged period, follow these practical tips:
- Always use the original Fitbit charger that came with the box. Although you can charge your device with other third-party chargers, it’s not a good practice. Original chargers are specifically designed to charge your Fitbit device
- There are many ways to charge Fitbit without a charger but these hacks can affect the lifespan of your device. Only use them in a critical situation
- You should turn off your fitness tracker or smartwatch when you’re not using it. It’s a great way to enhance the overall battery life
- Although Fitbit devices stop charging automatically when they’re fully charged, it’s the best practice to unplug them manually after 2 hours.
5. Protect Your Fitbit From Liquid Damage
Although most Fitbit devices are water-resistant to 50 meters, it’s not a good idea to submerge them deep in water. Otherwise, it can severely affect the internal sensors of your device which can lead to inaccurate fitness tracking or even permanent damage.
Furthermore, moisture in the charging contacts can interfere with the Fitbit charging process. So, it’s important to keep your device in a dry place to ensure its long-term durability.
Real-Life Hacks to Avoid Water Damage:
Although water damage can shorten the lifespan of your Fitbit, here are some real-life hacks to help you tackle this problem:
- Always remove your Fitbit before swimming or taking a shower as it can cause the device to malfunction.
- Avoid exposing your Fitbit tracker to excessive moisture, such as sweat during intense workouts, or wearing it during washing dishes, clothes, etc.
- Also, it’s advisable to take off your Fitbit in a humid environment as high humidity can cause water damage.
- If your device accidentally becomes wet, immediately dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. It’s best to remove the band first in order to thoroughly clean it.
How Long Does a Fitbit Battery Last In Actual?
There are a lot of factors involved that determine the lifespan of a Fitbit battery. Some of the factors are the Fitbit model, daily usage, enabled features, display settings, and more.
Although Fitbit battery life varies from model to model, you can expect the battery backup from 3 to 7 days on a full charge. However, it totally depends on how often you use your Fitbit and the settings you have enabled.
If you use your device heavily throughout the day, you may need to recharge it every 2 to 3 days. On the other hand, it’s also possible that you get closer to a week of battery life if your usage is normal.
You can even make your Fitbit battery last longer if follow these tips:
- Turn off your Fitbit when not in use such as overnight. It’ll help conserve the battery life and extend the overall lifespan of your Fitbit device
- Lowering the device brightness is also a useful tip to increase the battery lifespan when you’re in a low-light environment
- Disable all the unnecessary features which are not important to your fitness goal to reduce battery consumption
- Limit the alerts and notifications in order to minimize battery-consumption activities and for longer battery life
5 Signs That Show Your Fitbit is Dying
Although Fitbit devices are durable to last for many years, there comes a time when your Fitbit starts showing signs of reaching the end of its lifespan. You must be aware of these indicators so that you can consider alternatives and ensure you stay on track with your fitness goals
These are the signs that show your Fitbit device is dying:
1. Drastically Reduced Battery Life
Usually, the battery of Fitbit devices lasts for many days to provide users with a good battery backup. But, if you notice that the battery of your Fitbit decreases significantly or doesn’t hold a charge for a long period, it could be a sign that your device has reached its end.
After using thousands of battery life cycles, Fitbit trackers start losing the ability to hold a charge effectively and drain quickly. Furthermore, you’ll also experience sudden power drops in battery percentage.
In this case, you constantly need to recharge it over and over to keep it on. However, if your Fitbit device is still under its warranty period, you may contact the Fitbit support team to fix this issue.
2. Shows Inaccurate Tracking Info
Fitbit devices are known for their accurate tracking capabilities, but over time, they may start showing inaccurate results due to sensor damage. It’s a frustrating situation, especially for those who rely on their Fitbit tracker to monitor their daily fitness progress.
Also, some sensors may stop working as they have reached to the end of their life. So, you may not be able to access certain tracking functionalities. This issue can also occur due to software glitches, make sure to update the firmware first before taking any decision.
3. Fitbit Becomes Unresponsive Frequently
It’s the same problem that many users have with their smartphones and computers, yes, freezing or unresponsiveness and it’s quite a frustrating situation. Over time, your Fitbit device may become unresponsive more frequently and you need to restart it again and again.
Also, you may face slow response times. Outdated software can also cause this issue. If you notice these signs, it can be a sign that your Fitbit is dying and you need to consider upgrading it.
4. Syncing and Connectivity Problems
Fitbit devices can be configured with smartphones to easily monitor fitness results. Upon reaching its lifespan, you may experience connectivity issues with your Fitbit device. It’ll become challenging for you to link a Fitbit with your smartphone.
Moreover, you may not find the updated fitness tracking results on the Fitbit app due to delays in syncing data. This situation indicates that you can’t go further with this Fitbit device and needs to be replaced.
5. Turns Off or Reboots Randomly
Fitbit devices are designed to provide reliable performance in order to track your fitness activities seamlessly. However, after completing its life, your Fitbit device may suddenly shut off or reboot. This problem occurs due to natural wear and tear on the battery and other device components.
This also indicates that the device is, now, not able to provide stable power to track your daily activities. For health enthusiasts, this behavior is unacceptable. So, this sign shows that it’s a good time to replace the Fitbit
Factors That Determine The Fitbit Lifespan
The lifespan of a Fitbit device depends on multiple factors that affect its durability and performance. It’s important to know these factors in order to prolong the life of your Fitbit.
Check out these factors that determine the Fitbit lifespan:
1. Fitbit Model
Fitbit offers a range of models to suit different lifestyles and preferences along with different battery backups. Each model comes with its own unique features and specifications to meet users’ requirements.
In addition to providing extra features, the latest Fitbit models have a longer lifespan compared to old ones. If you’re using the latest edition, you can expect a longer life.
2. Daily Usage
While many people purchase Fitbits for tracking their fitness, some users use their Fitbit just for watching time. Fitbit usage varies from person to person, the more intensively you use your Fitbit, the faster it’ll wear out.
To maximize the lifespan of your Fitbit, try to balance your usage throughout the day to reduce its workload. This way you can extend its durability and enjoy accurate tracking results for many years.
3. Fitbit Battery
Fitbit battery is the main component that decides its longevity. Usually, it’s the first part of a Fitbit that users start to experience problems with. Battery plays an important role in determining the Fitbit life.
If you properly care about your Fitbit battery and follow the best practices while charging, you can optimize its performance as well as its overall lifespan.
4. Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance and care are essential to ensure the long life and optimal performance of your Fitbit device. Maintaining your fitness tracker in excellent condition will not only extend its life but also allow you to resell it at a good price in the future.
To extend the life of your Fitbit device, it’s important to keep its firmware updated, clean it regularly with a soft cloth, dry any moisture that may accumulate, and don’t drain the battery to an extreme level.
5. Environmental Factors
The environment in which you use your Fitbit plays a significant role in determining its lifespan. Factors such as extreme temperatures and exposure to water can impact the durability of your device.
Even moisture can harm the device and shorten its lifespan. By taking the necessary precautions against these factors, you can ensure that your Fitbit lasts longer and continues to track your fitness goals effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Fitbit Devices Stop Working After 2 Years?
Fitbits do not necessarily stop working after 2 years, however, users may experience decreased performance after this timeframe. Some users even enjoy their Fitbits for more than 2 years with proper care and maintenance. So, it all depends on your usage, Fitbit model, and care.
Why Do Fitbit Devices Stop Working After a Year?
If your Fitbit stops working after a year, it’s likely due to battery degradation over time, which can result in a shorter lifespan. Moreover, heavy usage can affect the performance of your Fitbit device. Usually, Fitbit devices last longer but some users may face issues sooner than others. In this situation, get in touch with the Fitbit support team.
How Often Should You Remove Your Fitbit?
To ensure the maximum lifespan of your Fitbit device, you should remove it whenever not in use, such as, while sleeping, swimming, washing dishes, etc. This simple practice will help keep your Fitbit working properly and maximize its lifespan.
Do Fitbits Ever Stop Working?
Fitbit devices can eventually stop working after reaching their lifespan. They’re not designed to last forever with you. As time goes on, its sensors become outdated and the Fitbit may not be able to support the latest firmware. So, they can stop working at some point and then, you need to replace them.
Can I Repair my Old Fitbit?
If your Fitbit is still under warranty, you can contact the Fitbit team to repair your device. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to repair your old Fitbit due to discontinued and old components. However, you may reach out to third-party repair services to see if they can repair your old device.
Do Fitbit Device Batteries Wear Out?
Like any electronic device, Fitbit batteries also wear out over time. If you use your Fitbit heavily and charge it again and again, the battery lifespan will also decrease quickly. However, Fitbit ensures their devices last for years to fulfill your expectations. With proper care, you can even extend its life.
Can I Replace the Battery in My Fitbit When It Dies?
The latest Fitbit editions don’t come with a replaceable battery option. It requires a professional service from the original manufacturer to replace the Fitbit battery. If your device is still under warranty, you can visit the nearest Fitbit store to replace your device battery.
Final Verdicts
Fitbit ensures that its devices meet users’ expectations and that’s why it’s the best choice among health and fitness enthusiasts. Along with other features, Fitbit devices are more durable than others and designed to resist sweat, dust, and rain. You can use them for several days without needing to be recharged.
Although the Fitbit lifespan varies from person to person, you can use your device for many years to come and track your daily fitness activities if you follow the tips and best practices shared in this guide.
I hope you found this guide helpful and learned something new. If so, you can share it with others as well so they can also get the benefit from it.
