Battery short life

[RDG]

Has anyone noticed they have to charge their Alta in less than 5 days? I received my Alta Wednesday and charged it and had to do another full charge yesterday. I'm st 1/2 power already today. Is this normal?

Moderator Edit: Updated title for clarity.

[Fryematte]

If you are using all of the features of the Fitbit. What can one expect for battery life? I am only getting a day of life out of my Alta and it is brand new this week

[Duckpizza]

After following Gail64's instructions to the letter, and after the reboot and full charge it lasted 7 days (with all notifications turned off). I have kept all the notifications turned off, as I discovered after spending a week without them that they were more of a luxury than a necessity, so I can't comment on how long the charge would last with all the gizmos turned back on. A few months on, and it lasts about 5 or 6 days between charges and I have only had to reboot it once more. It is a bit of a shame, though, as the Alta is advertised as having a 5 day battery life and really that should be the case with all its notifications turned on. But there you go!

[Bourky771]

Fryematte

My point is that my Fitbit usage has not changed since I bought it in September and my battery life has changed within the last month from 5 days, to 2 days, and now only 24hrs, so perhaps you can appreciate where I'm coming from, plus if your only getting 24hrs from a new Fitbit, see how long you will get from the same usage in 6 months plus, then decide if my comment is unjust! Just saying.

[Fryematte]

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone

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Moderator edit: format

[busbecca]

I just got my Alta on Sunday.  I have had nothing but trouble charging it (even on a computer).  I charged it all night the first night and it says it is full.  Once I remove it from the charger, it only lasted about 2 hours the first day.  After work I charged it again for several hours and it lasted me through the night, but that was about it.  I have rebooted it several times already.  I am giving it one more try and then returning it.  Sounds like so many people are having this issue, I'm wondering if I should even try another one?  Why companies can't make a good product these days is beyond me.  So frustrating! C'mon fitbit! If pacemakers can have a battery that lasts several years, why can't you install one that lasts several days like the product literature states?

[phs3]

At the risk of sounding like a Fitbit apologist, I'd note that the situations are quite different. A pacemaker is doing something very different, and uses a non-rechargeable battery, so they're not really comparable.

As for your problems, let Fitbit know. If you've been syncing the device, they'll be able to see the drastic loss of charge by looking at your data, and will probably just send you a new "pebble" (their term).

I bought the Flex the day it came out, and the Alta the day it came out. I went through several Flexes, which were replaced under warranty, and have had my Alta replaced twice under warranty (once for a charging problem after a few months, once because while charging it became red-hot and then was stone dead).

My belief as a technologist is that:

1) These devices are pushing the limits of size/complexity

2) They're consumer devices: they cost $100, not $1000 or $10000

3) Folks are spoiled by smartphones and the like, think battery technology is simple: it's not

Finally, I do get ~5 days out of my Alta. I bought some of the aftermarket chargers and have one in the car, and try to plug it in while driving, which usually keeps me topped up enough that I rarely need to charge it in the house (even though I work at home, and thus don't even have a regular commute to charge it). Even 20 minutes running to/from the store makes a noticeable bump in charge.

So...contact support and try again is my recommendation! Hope things work out for you.

[busbecca]

I understand the difference in the batteries, but hopefully you didn't miss my point entirely. Battery technology exists that allows for them to last longer than 2-8 hours (especially brand new).

I'm quite concerned by your response though.  You have had to replace several flexes and several altas under warranty?  That sounds awful!  Seems like a lot of hassle to have to go through just to get one that works!  I have a feeling I will be returning mine now.  Thanks for letting me know your experience. 

[phs3]

Seems like you missed my point: of course it lasts longer than 2-8 hours. There's something wrong with yours. As I said, these devices are pushing the envelope of size/function.

It's been almost five years since I got my first Fitbit; a couple of replacements (all early in the life of the products, i.e., during teething periods--both were dead stable after the first year) is hardly a travail in my book.

[DSmart]

Hello, I’ve had my Fitbit for over 2 years and now all of a sudden I’m having  major problems with it. It will be fine and all at once nothing. I restarted it this morning and it worked great. Now this afternoon it’s black. I’m not ready to purchase another one. Could it be a bad update that’s causing everyone’s to do this? Help!

[angelamg]

Reset my fitbit alta, but it still needs to be charged every day. Goes down about a third of the way and just goes out.

[LucyAP]

Welcome to the Forums @DSmart and @angelamg! Thanks for sharing your experience with Fitbit Alta and for all the troubleshooting steps you performed before posting here. Please double check that you have restarted your tracker as suggested here.

If your battery is draining too quickly after a charge, see Can I improve my tracker's battery life? Also, you can test the following: 

• Clean the charging contacts using the instructions in How do I clean my tracker? Dust and debris can accumulate over time and prevent a charge. 
• If you haven't done so, try a different port. A UL-certified wall charger will also work. Don't use a USB hub.
• Check the alignment and try reconnecting your tracker to the charging cable. For illustrations and tips on how to know if the connection is secure, see How do I charge my tracker?.

I hope this helps, keep me posted! 🙂 

[Fryematte]

I loved my FitBit - but I have had two in a row with faulty batteries- so I am out on FitBit

Sent from my iPhone
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Moderator edit: format

[angelamg]

I'm thinking of getting a Garmin Fitness Tracker. My Alta barely goes a
forth of
the way down, before it needs charging.

[LucyAP]

Thanks for the reply @angelamg and @Fryematte! I really appreciate that you have confirmed that you have followed the suggested troubleshoot suggested. 

To further assist you, I've created a Support case on your behalf - you should receive an email from Customer Support at the email you used to register with the Community forums.

Keep me posted if you have any other question.

[MILM]

Lucy, after reading all the battery issues I am scared.  I received mine, done all of the above.  It is only 1 day old and since new holds the charge about 4 hours.  

I went with Fitbit because I have a Flex and Love it.  The Alta.... this is my second one in 2 weeks.  I guess is time to look for something else.  I will check reviews first.  I am planning to return my Alta tomorrow.

[KylieL]

Hi I haven't changed any of my settings and for some reason I have to charge my fitbit every couple of days.  It is just 18 months old.  How long should the battery last?  Is the battery replaceable?

[LucyAP]

Welcome to the Forums @MILM, and @KylieL! Thanks for sharing your experience with your Alta. @KylieL This sounds odd, to make sure that your tracker is working correctly restart it. Also, double check that you have charged it fully and following the steps provided in the help article How do I charge my Fitbit device? If this doesn't work, please let me know, I'd love to help you to get back on track. 

@KylieL Hey there if you feel that you need to charge more often your tracker you can follow some of these tips: 

• Clean the charging contacts using the instructions in How do I clean my Fitbit device?
• Remember not use a USB hub.
• Also, it doesn't hurt to turn your tracker off and back on. For instructions see  How do I restart my Fitbit device?

Regarding your question about how much your battery should last, your fully charged Fitbit Alta ( a full charge may take up to 2 hours) has a battery life of up to 5 days. Please note that battery life and charge cycles vary with use, settings and many other factors; actual results will vary. About your inquiry about battery replacements, due to the tracker's design it doesn't allows replaceable batteries. 

I hope this helps, keep me posted! 😉

[MILM]

I had to replace the Alta, the battery was bad.  The new one works fine when it comes to the battery.  Just having a terrible time with the steps.  I keep losing so many.  I have 2, 1 Alta & 1 Flex.  Now I never make my goal 😞

[styxfan]

this is a new issue with my Versa as well as the people with the Alta. Charge lasts between 24 and 36 hours. Until about 2 weeks ago, I am constantly having to charge it.

[mgiamb]

I’m on my 2nd Alta in just a few months. Both of them lasted less than 2 days before needing a charge.  Both of them are “new,” but I suspect they’re refurbished and they didn’t replace the dying battery within.  I’m so pissed off at this terribly run company.  

P.S. I only bought the Alta because they stopped making the One, which was PERFECT.  Give me back my One!