Fitbit FAQ's

How do I set up my tracker?

Fitbit Connect (Mac or PC)

1.     Go to http://www.fitbit.com/setup. Scroll down and click the pink button. It should reflect the type of computer you're using as shown below. You can change the type if necessary.

2.     If you have a PC, an .exe file will download. When the download is complete, click Run when prompted and follow the instructions. If you can’t find the .exe file, search for “Fitbit Connect” in the Start menu.

If you have a Mac, you'll be prompted to open or save a .dmg file. Save the file, then open it and follow the onscreen instructions. If you can't find the .dmg file, search for "Fitbit Connect" in Spotlight.

3.     Select Set Up A New Fitbit Device when you're presented with the Fitbit Connect main menu.

4.     Choose whether you're new to Fitbit or you already have a Fitbit account.

5.     You will be asked for a few details about yourself. This information improves the accuracy of your caloric burn and distance data. If you want to share your data with Fitbit friends later, you can adjust your privacy settings.

6.     When prompted, select the tracker you're setting up.

7.     Plug the wireless USB sync dongle into your computer and bring your tracker near to it to begin the connecting ("pairing") process.

8.     Follow the onscreen instructions. If you have a Flex, rapidly tap the device when instructed and then confirm that you felt the vibration. For all other trackers, a four-digit number appears when Fitbit Connect identifies the tracker. Enter this number on the screen when prompted.

9.     Click Next and your tracker will connect to your Fitbit.com account. This can take up to a minute.

10.  Once your tracker has connected to fitbit.com, you may be prompted to enter a greeting (depending on which tracker you have). This can be your name or any 8-character combination of letters or numbers.

Fitbit apps for iOS, Android, and Windows

1.     Verify your device software is updated to the latest version. You can check for software updates in your mobile device settings.

2.     Bluetooth is enabled on your device. For Android devices, you must also enable Bluetooth in the Fitbit app. You can verify that Bluetooth is enabled in your phone settings.

3.     In the Apple Store, Google Play Store, or Windows Store, find and install the Fitbit app.

4.     Open the app and click or tap Join Fitbit.

5.     Choose your tracker and confirm you want to set it up.

6.     Follow the onscreen instructions to enter your personal details and account information. This information is used to set up your Fitbit account and calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR), which helps determine your calorie count for activities.

7.     After agreeing to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, follow the onscreen instructions to set up and connect ("pair") your tracker. If you're setting up with a Windows 10 device and your tablet or computer doesn’t have Bluetooth, you’ll be prompted to plug in your wireless sync dongle. Even if you have Bluetooth, a prompt to insert the dongle may occasionally appear if the Bluetooth signal is weak or problematic. We recommend keeping the dongle handy even if you usually sync using Bluetooth.

8.     When you see your app dashboard, setup is complete and you’re ready to start moving.

What does Charge HR track?

With Fitbit Charge HR™ you can track your heart rate, steps taken, distance traveled, floors climbed, active minutes, exercise, calories burned, and how long and how well you sleep. In addition to tracking your stats, Fitbit Charge HR also features a clock and silent alarm. 

How do I track my exercise and activities with Fitbit?

SmartTrack

The SmartTrack™ feature available with Fitbit Charge HR™ automatically recognizes and records select exercises to ensure you get credit for your most active moments of the day. Whenever you wear your tracker and participate in any continuous, high-movement activity of 15 minutes or more, your tracker will recognize and identify your activity and automatically record it for you. When you sync your tracker, you’ll see your exercise summary on fitbit.com or in the Fitbit app so you can see how all your effort adds up to help you reach your fitness goals.

SmartTrack does not record GPS data or other, more precise, exercise stats. You also can’t view real-time stats related to your specific workout. Note that activities recognized by SmartTrack do not provide distance and pace information in your exercise history, although that information will appear on your tracker.

Exercise mode

If you want to track more precise exercise stats, put your tracker into exercise mode before starting a workout. Depending on the tracker you’ll receive real-time stats, GPS data, and more as well as a detailed summary in your exercise history. To see which trackers have this option, see How do I use exercise or run mode on my tracker?

Note that exercises you initiate from exercise mode on your tracker will not provide distance or pace information in your exercise history, although that information will appear on your tracker. You can categorize these activities to a specific step-based activity, such as run, walk, or hike, and distance and pace information will then be included in your exercise history.

MobileRun

On the Fitbit app you can track a GPS walk, run, or hike with or without your tracker with our MobileRun feature. For more information, see Can I track a GPS activity using the Fitbit app?

Manual entry

You may want to manually log an activity when you forget to wear your tracker or when you want credit for a calorie-burning activity that isn't measurable by your tracker.

Manually logging an activity overrides the step and calorie data automatically detected by your tracker during the same time period, which ensures that your steps are not counted twice if the manually logged activity has the correct start time and duration.

For trackers that support SmartTrack or heart rate tracking such as Fitbit Charge HR, you probably only want to log an activity manually if you forgot to wear your tracker or feel the data recorded by your tracker is not accurate.

For other trackers, manually logging an activity works well when step count isn't the best indicator of the calories burned. If you are doing an activity that doesn’t require steps or an activity that requires more than just steps (like tennis or yoga), logging the activity manually improves the accuracy of this activity's contribution to your caloric burn.

How do I charge my tracker?

Your Fitbit Charge HR™ comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery. With normal use, your Charge HR should last about 5 days before needing a charge. You can check the level of your battery by logging into Fitbit.com and clicking the gear icon on the top-right corner of the page.

To charge your Charge HR, plug the charging cable into a USB port or UL-certified USB wall charger and plug the other end into the port on the back of the Charge HR. A battery icon on the display will show the charging progress. Charging completely takes between an hour and two hours.

We recommend plugging your charging cable into a USB port on your computer or other low-energy device. If necessary, you can use a UL-certified USB wall charger. Don't use a USB hub or battery pack to charge, and only use the charging cable provided by Fitbit. Avoid charging your tracker in extreme heat or cold for optimal battery life.

Can I wear my Charge HR as a watch?

In addition to tracking your fitness, Charge HR can serve as a sleek time piece. Press the button to see the time in one of four formats that you choose.

Can I wear my Charge HR in the pool or shower?

Your Charge HR is water resistant. It is rain and splash proof and can stand up to even the sweatiest workout; however, it should be removed before swimming or showering.