7 Ways You Can Help Your Fitbit Last Longer

Fitbits are designed to be durable, but you can still take steps to keep yours in the best shape possible for longer.

Unlike many pieces of technology, fitness trackers, like Fitbits, and watches are often built to be more durable in the elements. However, this doesn't mean that they can withstand everything, so you still have to make a conscious effort to take care of them.

While many Fitbit devices work optimally in different conditions for up to two years, these are some tips to make your Fitbit work better for longer.

1. Take Care of Your Fitbit Battery

Similar to other electronics which use Lithium-ion batteries, Fitbit batteries will naturally degrade due to wear and tear. For this reason, the battery is often one of the first things to break, so you need to keep it healthy.

Although many modern electronics have mechanisms for preventing overcharging, it’s still better to be safe than sorry. In general, it’s not recommended that charge your Fitbit every night; only fill it up when its battery is low.

On the other hand, it’s also necessary to avoid leaving your Fitbit with an empty battery for long periods. After being left with a drained battery for long periods, your Fitbit may not be able to retain charges when you attempt to use it again. Thankfully, Fitbit does allow for battery replacements (for an additional fee).

2. Regularly Update the Firmware

While Fitbit devices come with pre-installed software, they must be updated regularly to keep them running up to standard. In some cases, firmware updates help improve things like battery performance, bug fixes, and even Fitbit syncing issues.

According to Fitbit support, updates are released in phases. If an update is released, but you cannot see it, it's best to check again a few days afterward. Alternatively, you can open your Fitbit app and tap Today > Your profile photo > Device image. If an update is available, you can tap the Update button to install it.

When doing a firmware update, you can keep the Fitbit app open on your linked mobile phone. During an update, it's essential to keep your Fitbit close to your phone. Unfortunately, that means your Fitbit may not be able to count your steps accurately during this time.

Depending on how recent your last update was, software and firmware updates can take up to an hour or more to complete.

3. Avoid High-Impact Sports

Despite being made for sports, Fitbit devices are not without their limits. For example, many Fitbit models such as the Charge 5 and Luxe have color OLED panels, which are susceptible to scratches or cracks.

Although scratches may not affect how your Fitbit works, it does impact its cosmetic appearance and the visibility of its screen, which could influence its resale value or usability. Alternatively, cracks may affect your Fitbit's dust and water resistance, leading to more serious damage.

4. Avoid Extreme Weather

While they can take a beating more than the average watch, Fitbit models aren’t stress-tested for all situations, such as freezing cold or extreme heat. You may risk its parts overheating or having damage from exposure to extreme temperature changes.

According to Fitbit's product safety information, it's best to avoid bringing your Fitbit into places with these types of climate conditions, such as hot showers, saunas, ice baths, and others. If you don't really need to track anything urgent, it may be better to keep your Fitbit in a safe place until the temperature is more manageable.

5. Switch Fitbit Band

Your Fitbit has a main body and its accessory bands. In some cases, not taking care of the band can lead to band failures and accidental damage to the Fitbit's display. To prevent this, always opt for official straps made by Fitbit. Not only are these tested for durability, but they are also tested for safety.

However, it's important to remember that even Fitbit-manufactured bands made of leather, steel, or woven materials are not designed for intense sports. In fact, these particular band types are only recommended for day-to-day use, as the materials might not hold up well in hot, cold, or wet conditions.

While there are accessory bands from many third-party manufacturers, not all will fit properly. In addition, straps manufactured by third-party brands may contain materials that could affect your skin if you have allergies or other sensitivities.

6. Prevent Liquid Exposure

Aside from being swim-proof, most Fitbit models are rated to go up to 50 meters underwater. At first glance, you may assume that, because this depth is further than what most recreational divers are allowed to dive, your device is more than ready for exposure to liquids. However, this isn't always the case.

Water resistance ratings change with time because of natural wear and tear, and Fitbit devices can't be tested in all real-world situations, so it's best to err on the side of caution. Apart from water, Fitbit models are not fully tested with other liquids you might encounter daily.

It's essential to be careful with the various liquids you expose your Fitbit to, such as shampoo, dishwashing liquid, and so on. If you ever submerge your Fitbit under seawater or other types of corrosive liquid, you should do a quick fresh water wash before drying it off.

Lastly, you may want to enable water lock on your Fitbit, if this feature is available for your particular model.

7. Clean Your Fitbit Regularly

If you tend to use your Fitbit outdoors a lot, cleaning your Fitbit regularly can help it last longer. When using Fitbit devices outside, dirt and dust might enter into the corners of the display and strap.

For large debris, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean it. In addition, it’s important to regularly wipe down your device with a microfiber cloth and cleaning solution. To clean the band, Fitbit recommends using only fresh water and soap-free cleansers like Cetaphil.

In addition, avoid using anything metal to clean your Fitbit because this can damage the display and increase the chances of corrosion.

Enjoy Your Fitbit Longer With Good Care

While Fitbit devices may not last forever, there are plenty of things you can do to help them last longer. By following these tips, you can get more out of your Fitbit for future adventures.

It's important to remember that while a Fitbit is a great fitness tracker for many people, it may not be the best option for everyone. If your lifestyle demands extra durability, you may want to opt for a different brand, like Garmin.