How to fix a blank, unresponsive, rebooting, or flickering Fitbit device screen

Most issues with blank screens can be fixed if you update and sync your device's firmware. If your issue continues, you can also try to clean and charge your device, restart it, or reset it.

Update your firmware

Before you begin, charge your device and confirm you have the latest version of the Fitbit app installed on your phone or tablet.

If you update your device at midnight (when your step count resets) you may see an inaccurate step count for 24 hours.
Updates may take up to an hour or more to complete.
Let the Fitbit app run in the background on your phone. This allows a small portion of the firmware update to download to your Fitbit device each time your device syncs.

To update your device:

With your charged Fitbit device nearby, open the Fitbit app.
Tap the Today tab Devices device image.
Tap the pink Update button. This option only appears if an update is available.
Follow the on-screen instructions and keep the device close to your phone, tablet, or computer during the update. After you start the update, a progress bar appears on your device and in the Fitbit app until the update is complete.

If you have trouble updating your device, see Why can't I update my Fitbit device?

Manually sync your device

Fitbit devices

With your device nearby, open the Fitbit app and tap the Today tab .
Tap and hold on the screen and pull down.

Or use the Sync Now option:

From the Today tab , tap Devices device image.
Tap Sync Now.

Google Pixel Watch series

With your watch nearby, open the Fitbit app and tap the Today tab .
Press and hold on the screen and pull down.

Or use the Sync Now option on your watch:

Press the crown, swipe up to the Today app , and tap the app to open it.
Swipe to the bottom, and tap Sync.

Clean charging cable contacts & charge device

IMPORTANT: Leave it charging for at least one hour as the battery may be depleted and the screen may turn on without enough charge.

Clean the charging contacts on the back of your device to ensure they stay bronze or gold in color:
1. Use a toothbrush with freshwater. Dry with a cloth or tissue before charging.
2. Make sure not to scrape the contacts with anything metal, since metal can damage the plating and cause corrosion.
Clean the pins on your charging cable:
1. Clean the pins carefully with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol.
2. Make sure that no pieces of the swab are left behind.

Fitbit devices that count floors have a small hole (altimeter sensor) on the back of the device. Don’t insert any items, such as paper clips, into this hole as you can damage your device.

For additional cleaning instructions, see our Wear and Care page.

Restart your Fitbit

Restarting the device may sometimes fix your screen issue.

For most models (Charge, Versa, Sense): Connect your Fitbit to its charging cable. Press and hold the button(s) for 8-15 seconds.
Release when the Fitbit logo appears or when it vibrates.
1. For Charge 5 or 6: Connect to the charger. Press the charger’s button 3 times within 8 seconds. Wait 10 seconds.
2. For Versa Lite, Versa 2, Versa 3, Versa 4: Press and hold the button for 10 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears on the screen, and then release the button.
3. For Sense and Sense 2: Press and hold the button for 10 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears on the screen, and then release the button.
4. For Fitbit Ace LTE: Learn more about Fitbit Ace LTE.

To restart other Fitbit devices, please visit How do I restart my Fitbit device?

Change the clock face

Open the Fitbit app .
Go to device settings .
Select your profile icon device name.
Select a different clock face.

Factory reset

Important: A factory reset erases all the data of your device, do this as a last resort.

Connect your Fitbit to the charger.
Consult Fitbit support or your device’s manual.

Tip: If the issue persists, Contact Fitbit support. Have your Fitbit model and serial number ready.

Clean your Fitbit screen

Dirt, oil, sweat, or even just moisture can interfere with touchscreen sensitivity.

Gently wipe the screen with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.
Slightly dampen the cloth with water if needed. Dry it before use.
- For more information, learn more about Fitbit Product Care.

Inspect for physical damage

Check the screen for cracks or moisture.

Tip: If needed, Contact Fitbit support. Have your Fitbit model and serial number ready.

Related resources

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