Device only working when plugged into charger

[Crumk]

Device is up-to-date but doesn't track, respond, or sync unless it's connected to the charger. Doesn't appear to be a battery issue as the battery shows as being fully charged one connected to the charger. I have restarted the decide multiple times. After recently investing in multiple new bands, I want exactly expecting to upgrade... But this is frustrating and the user manual doesn't seem to be doing the trick.

Moderator edit: Subject for clarity 

[Wanderingcoope]

On Friday night overnight my alta died and when I recharged it like I normally do, but more frequently,  it came back on and was 12 minutes slow on the clock.  It also hasn't been able to sync since it died.  I have restarted both my phone and my Fitbit several times to no avail.  It's not tracking my sleep either.  I've been trying to read on how to fix it but I cannot find anything that helps.  

[RicardoFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hello @Crumk and @Wanderingcoope, welcome to the Community Forums! 

Thanks for bringing this to my attention and the details that were shared in both of your posts, your effort and patience troubleshooting this matter prior to posting are appreciated. If you haven't already done so, I recommend you to check our help article: Why isn't my battery charging on my Fitbit device? and let me know how it goes.

Let me know if you have any additional questions, I'll be here.

[Crumk]

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, this did not improve the situation. My Fitbit, fully charged, is still unresponsive once removed from the charger. Thank you againb for your attempt to assist me. I'm hoping this issue can be resolved soon.

[DanielsNanny]

Same issue here..... it's not that it won't charge, like the generic response I see everyone is getting. It is fully charged, but won't work when I wear it, only when it's attached to the charger.

[Justice4lefty]

I am having the same problem. When I put on charger a smile pops on screen and then I can use it. Says it is charged fully. As soon as I take it off it acts like it’s dead

[Kellsifornia]

When looking this up online, I noticed that this is happening to A LOT of Alta's, in  a small window of time.  It's almost like, they all are quitting at the same time, which is odd.  Why would a large amount of devices have the same problem at the same time??  Almost like what happened with the iPhone's a few years ago.  They all became obsolete after a certain upgrade, which meant that a lot of users had to buy new phones because their old phones would no longer work.  

[Justice4lefty]

I also noticed that. My first post was accidentlly on the alta forum. Im not buying a new device though. they need to replace mine if it cannot be fixed through other means.

[Kellsifornia]

I agree with you Lefty. Apple had to replace the iPhones that that happened too (I know, because we had to replace my own phone).  If this is the same case with the fitbits, they should have to replace them as well.

[Deena6699]

Fitbit Alta won’t work once did connected from charging cord 

[kiwigirlsa]

This has also happened to my Alta about two weeks ago now.  Ran low on battery as usual.  Charged it fully but when I took it off the charger it was totally unresponsive.  Put back on charger and full battery and can scroll through steps etc.  take it off and completely dead again.  
this happened to my last Alta as well and only a year ago.  Was really happy with Fitbit last year as they replaced my Alta for me but now that one has died after only 1 year!  Not impressed anymore!

[TanyaK]

Same here. I was hoping to get it working again after getting my Inspire HR, just in case my Inspire HR stops working. 

[TanyaK]

I've noticed this about the  iPod Touch, too. It's still working, though. 

[Hattieb4]

I am having this issue too. I have tried all of the troubleshooting options and cleaned everything. I have reset multiple times. This doesn’t always work. Sometimes my Alta just displays the charging symbol when it’s not on charge and that is it. 

[MathiK]

This doesn't seem to be a problem with the battery itself. Also looks like a lot of people are facing this issue. Any thoughts?

[TanyaK]

Same here. It even displays the Fitbit logo, the firmware, date, time, and
number of steps I've taken.

[SunsetRunner]

Same here. It says it's completely charged and it works for a few seconds and then it stops.

[Naners723]

I have misplaced my Alta of 4 years and cannot find it.  I had ordered one from Amazon about 6-7 months ago anticipating the day when my 4 year old one will croak. So I decided to get it out and start using it until I locate my missing one.  It will only work when plugged in.  Have reset with button pushing 3 times (only got vibration once!) I guess I will contact customer support on Monday. I had a One for 6 years (and loved it) and it suddenly died.  No more to order and battery cannot be replaced. Into the trash it went. And now this issue with a "Brand New Out of the Box" Alta! Not a happy camper!

[MathiK]

So I called the customer care and they said, 'umm we don't know whats wrong, but go ahead and buy a new one from us'. I was so surprised that they did not care to solve the issue (except for that reset) and went on to sell their products almost instantaneously. Given the fact that SSOO many people have been affected by this issue, it rather seems like something purposefully done to get their customers buy more of their products. Not going to invest in their products again!

[daynamarie714]

This is happening to my Alta too.  Wont stay charged for more than a few hours even when charged at 100% overnight.  I am so unhappy.  Fitbit will do nothing to replace because out of warranty even though I bough ridiculously expensive accessories (from Fitbit) that only work with the Alta or Alta HR which they no longer sell.  What a racket!  I hope they will respond and make this right.  It seems like MANY people are having this problem. Maybe we should take to social media and make it known!