How to Fix Update Issues on a Fitbit Charge 2

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Fitbit occasionally releases free feature enhancements and bug fixes for your device through firmware updates. The Fitbit software that your mobile device or computer uses will normally keep your device up-to-date automatically. If you experience issues when attempting to update your Fitbit device, this guide will take you through troubleshooting steps that may help you overcome update issues and get your device fully up-to-date.

2. Restart Your Mobile Device

On Your Android Device

1. Turn off your phone. Push and hold the power button, then select Power off from the menu.
   

1. Wait 30 seconds.
2. Turn your phone back on by pressing and holding the Power button for a few seconds, until the screen lights up.

On Your iOS Device

1. Hold down the lock/power button.
2. Slide to power off when prompted.
3. Wait until the phone is off.
4. Hold down the lock/power button until you see the Apple logo.

3. Restart Device

1. Plug the charging cable into the USB port on your computer or any USB wall charger.
2. Clip the other end of the charging cable to the port on the back of the tracker. The pins on the charging cable must lock securely with the port.
   

1. Make sure the button on your tracker is aligned with the button opening on the charging cable.
   

1. You will know the connection is secure when the tracker vibrates and you see a battery icon on the display. Your Charge 2 will begin charging.
2. Press and hold the button on your tracker for four seconds. When you see the Fitbit logo and the tracker vibrates, this means the tracker has restarted.
3. Unplug your tracker from the charging cable.

4. Update Firmware

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit app.
   

1. Tap on the Account icon then tap on your tracker..
   

1.  
2. Tap the pink Update button.
   

1. 
   
2. The pink update button will only be visible when an update is available for your Charge.
3. Tap Next to start the update.
   

1. 
   
2. Updates can take several minutes to complete. During this time you want to make sure to keep your tracker near your phone.
3. Once done you will get a notification that the update was completed. Tap on Done to finish.
   

5. Additional Information

To better assist you, please answer this question.

6. What's next?

7. Try Secondary Device

Sometimes when your Fitbit Charge 2 is not receiving updates, it could be related to your mobile device, and not your Fitbit.  We are going to try updating your Fitbit using a different device.

8. Update Firmware

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit app.
   

1. Tap on the Account icon then tap on your tracker..
   

1.  
2. Tap the pink Update button.
   

1. 
   
2. The pink update button will only be visible when an update is available for your Charge.
3. Tap Next to start the update.
   

1. 
   
2. Updates can take several minutes to complete. During this time you want to make sure to keep your tracker near your phone.
3. Once done you will get a notification that the update was completed. Tap on Done to finish.
   

9. What's next?

10. Enable Bluetooth

1. Swipe down on your screen (or up, if using a tablet) to access the menu.
2. Hold down on the Bluetooth icon to bring up Bluetooth options.
   

1. Ensure the Bluetooth switch is set to ON.
   

11. Install Android App

1. Open Play Store.
   

1. Tap on the search bar and search for Fitbit.
   

1. Tap on Fitbit.
   

1. Tap Install to start downloading the app.
   

1. Once installed, tap Open to proceed to the setup.
   

12. Re-Setting Up

1. Launch Fitbit.
   

1. Tap Login.
   

1. Enter your Email and Password, then tap Log in.
   

1. Tap on the Account icon in upper right corner.
   

1. Scroll through the list and tap the Fitbit device you're using.
   

1. 
   
2. Tap on Set Up Your Fitbit.
   

13. Pairing

1. Your tablet or phone will now try to find your tracker.
2. Wait for it to connect.
3. Type the code on your Fitbit into your phone or tablet.
   

1. Your Fitbit is now connected!

14. Update Firmware

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit app.
   

1. Tap on the Account icon then tap on your tracker..
   

1.  
2. Tap the pink Update button.
   

1. 
   
2. The pink update button will only be visible when an update is available for your Charge.
3. Tap Next to start the update.
   

1. 
   
2. Updates can take several minutes to complete. During this time you want to make sure to keep your tracker near your phone.
3. Once done you will get a notification that the update was completed. Tap on Done to finish.
   

15. What's next?

16. Try Secondary Device

Sometimes when your Fitbit Charge 2 is not receiving updates, it could be related to your mobile device, and not your Fitbit.  We are going to try updating your Fitbit using a different device.

17. Update Firmware

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit app.
   

1. Tap on the Account icon then tap on your tracker..
   

1.  
2. Tap the pink Update button.
   

1. 
   
2. The pink update button will only be visible when an update is available for your Charge.
3. Tap Next to start the update.
   

1. 
   
2. Updates can take several minutes to complete. During this time you want to make sure to keep your tracker near your phone.
3. Once done you will get a notification that the update was completed. Tap on Done to finish.
   

18. What's next?

19. Enable Bluetooth

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   

1. Then tap Bluetooth.
   

1. Make sure Bluetooth is set to On.
   

20. Install iOS App

1. Open the App Store.
   

1. Tap on Search.
   

1. In the search bar, search for Fitbit.
   

1. Find Fitbit in the search results and tap on GET.
   

1. Tap on Install to start download.
   

21. Re-Setting Up

1. Launch Fitbit.
   

1. Tap Login.
   

1. Enter your Email and Password, then tap Log in.
   

1. Tap on the Account icon in upper right corner.
   

1. Scroll through the list and tap the Fitbit device you're using.
   

1. 
   
2. Tap on Set Up Your Fitbit.
   

22. Pairing

1. Your tablet or phone will now try to find your tracker.
2. Wait for it to connect.
3. Type the code on your Fitbit into your phone or tablet.
   

1. Your Fitbit is now connected!

23. Update Firmware

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit app.
   

1. Tap on the Account icon then tap on your tracker..
   

1.  
2. Tap the pink Update button.
   

1. 
   
2. The pink update button will only be visible when an update is available for your Charge.
3. Tap Next to start the update.
   

1. 
   
2. Updates can take several minutes to complete. During this time you want to make sure to keep your tracker near your phone.
3. Once done you will get a notification that the update was completed. Tap on Done to finish.
   

24. What's next?

25. Try Secondary Device

Sometimes when your Fitbit Charge 2 is not receiving updates, it could be related to your mobile device, and not your Fitbit.  We are going to try updating your Fitbit using a different device.

26. Update Firmware with Fitbit Connect

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit Connect app.
   

1. At the main menu, click Check for device update.
   

1. When prompted, log in to your Fitbit account. Fitbit Connect syncs your watch or tracker and then looks for an update. If an update is found, Fitbit Connect displays a progress bar until the update finishes. If your device has a screen, you'll also see a progress bar there.
2. Keep your device close to the computer during the update. When the update is done you'll see a confirmation message and your device will restart.

Note that updates may take up to an hour to complete.
If the update fails to complete, try again.

27. What's next?

28. Enable Bluetooth

1. Click the Action Center icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Tap on the All Settings tile after that.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Then go to Devices.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Select Bluetooth from the left-hand column and ensure the Bluetooth switch is in the On position to the right.
   

29. Install Windows App

1. Open the Windows Store.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Search in the top-right for "Fitbit" and click the Fitbit App.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Click Get to download and install the app.
   

30. Pair Bluetooth Device

Some Bluetooth devices are configured to require a PIN or a passkey. If this is the case, check your Bluetooth device's documentation for the correct default PIN or passkey.

1. Set the Bluetooth accessory in pairing/discovery mode.
   This process will vary depending on what kind of device you have. Refer to your device's documentation for specifics on how to accomplish this.
2. Click the Start button.
   

1. Tap on Settings.
   

1. Then click on Devices.
   

1. Select Bluetooth & other devices from the left-hand column and ensure the Bluetooth switch is in the On position to the right.
   

1. Click Add Bluetooth or other device.
   

1. Select Bluetooth from the list.
   

1. Select the device you want to pair the system with.
   

1. If asked to enter or verify the passcode showing on the other device, do so.
   

1. Click on Done.
   

1. After the pairing was successful the device will show the Paired status under its name.
   

31. Re-Setting Up

1. Open the Fitbit Connect app.
   

1. To setup a new account click on Existing User.
   

1. Type in your e-mail address and preferred password, click to agree to Terms of Service, and then click on Sign Up.
   

1. Enter in your personal information and then click Update Profile.
   

32. Pairing

1. Click Set Up a New Fitbit Device.
   

1. Log into your Fitbit Account when asked.
2. Click your Tracker.
   

1. Click through the setup guide.
2. Type in the code that appears on your Fitbit.
   

1. Accept the EULA and continue through the steps as the app walks you through the rest of setup.

33. Update Firmware with Fitbit Connect

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit Connect app.
   

1. At the main menu, click Check for device update.
   

1. When prompted, log in to your Fitbit account. Fitbit Connect syncs your watch or tracker and then looks for an update. If an update is found, Fitbit Connect displays a progress bar until the update finishes. If your device has a screen, you'll also see a progress bar there.
2. Keep your device close to the computer during the update. When the update is done you'll see a confirmation message and your device will restart.

Note that updates may take up to an hour to complete.
If the update fails to complete, try again.

34. What's next?

35. Try Secondary Device

Sometimes when your Fitbit Charge 2 is not receiving updates, it could be related to your mobile device, and not your Fitbit.  We are going to try updating your Fitbit using a different device.

36. Update Firmware with Fitbit Connect

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit Connect app.
   

1. At the main menu, click Check for device update.
   

1. When prompted, log in to your Fitbit account. Fitbit Connect syncs your watch or tracker and then looks for an update. If an update is found, Fitbit Connect displays a progress bar until the update finishes. If your device has a screen, you'll also see a progress bar there.
2. Keep your device close to the computer during the update. When the update is done you'll see a confirmation message and your device will restart.

Note that updates may take up to an hour to complete.
If the update fails to complete, try again.

37. What's next?

38. Enable Bluetooth

1. Click the System Preferences icon.
   

1. Click the Bluetooth icon.
   

1. Bluetooth properties will open.
2. Ensure that Bluetooth status reads Bluetooth: On. If it is off, click Turn Bluetooth On to enable it.
   

1. Your computer will automatically begin searching for Bluetooth devices that may be in range.

39. Install macOS App

Download the installer from the Fitbit website.

1. Visit this page on your Mac: http://www.fitbit.com/setup
2. Scroll down, and click the button labeled Download for Mac.
   

1.  
2. Open your Downloads, and double-click the Install Fitbit Connect.pkg file.
   

Carefully follow the on-screen prompts to install Fitbit Connect.

1. Click on Continue.
   

1. Read the license agreement and click Continue.
   

1. Click Agree to accept the licence.
   

1. Click on Install to continue.
   

1. Enter your computer's administrative username and password and click Install Software.
   

1. After software is done installing click Close to exit the installer.
   

40. Pair Bluetooth Device

1. Set your device to pairing mode. The way you do this may differ from device to device.
   In many cases, you can place your device in pairing mode by having the device off, then pressing and holding the power button to start it up. Usually, after a few moments, it will indicate it is in pairing mode (flashing its indicator light, for example), and you can release the power button.
2. On the menu bar, click the Apple menu, then System Preferences.
   

1. Select Bluetooth.
   

1. Ensure that it says Bluetooth: On. Turn it on with the button if it isn't.
   

1. Your computer will search for any Bluetooth devices in range.
2. Once your device is located, click Pair.
   

1. Once the pairing process is complete, your Mac will automatically connect to the device whenever it is in range.

41. Re-Setting Up

1. Open the Fitbit Connect app.
   

1. To setup a new account click on Existing User.
   

1. Type in your e-mail address and preferred password, click to agree to Terms of Service, and then click on Sign Up.
   

1. Enter in your personal information and then click Update Profile.
   

42. Pairing

1. Click the Fitbit tracker that you're setting up.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Click Next start the pairing process.
3. Enter the code that appears on your Fitbit's display.
   

1. 
   
   
2. Accept the EULA and continue through the steps as the app walks you through the rest of setup.

43. Update Firmware with Fitbit Connect

Updating your Charge 2 takes several minutes and may be demanding on the battery. For this reason we recommend updating while your tracker is fully charged or plugged into the charging cable.

Keeping your device updated will bring you feature enhancements and product improvements available through firmware updates.

1. Open the Fitbit Connect app.
   

1. At the main menu, click Check for device update.
   

1. When prompted, log in to your Fitbit account. Fitbit Connect syncs your watch or tracker and then looks for an update. If an update is found, Fitbit Connect displays a progress bar until the update finishes. If your device has a screen, you'll also see a progress bar there.
2. Keep your device close to the computer during the update. When the update is done you'll see a confirmation message and your device will restart.

Note that updates may take up to an hour to complete.
If the update fails to complete, try again.

44. What's next?