How to reset an Alta without the original charger

[Linville10]

I lost the original charger and bought one on Amazon and it doesn't have a button to restart it. Is there another way to restart my alta?

Moderator edit: Updated title for clarity

[WendyB]

Did you buy a third party charger? Most are not compatible to fitbit so you need to be careful.

But no there is not another way to restart it. Its needs that button

[Linville10]

Hi.I bought it on Amazon and I'm guessing it's not compatible since I don't have a button. 
Thanks.


Sent via my Samsung Galaxy, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

[JuanJoFitbit]

@Linville10 It's great to have you aboard in the Community! That is a charging cable that wasn't manufactured by Fitbit since the charger doesn't have a button. Due to this the Alta can't be reset as my friend @WendyB mentioned. I recommend getting in touch with our Customer Support team so they can provide additional help and a solution for this.

In the meantime, you can try with a friend or family member's charging cable if they have an Alta.

Keep me posted on the outcome my friend! 

[Carlotta7]

Did you manage to find a way? I'm struggling with syncing my Alta to my new Galaxy S8 and I have found suggestions I need to reset but I have the same issue, having broken my original charger. 

[Linville10]

Hi. I ended up having to buy a new charger that had the reset button in it. 😞


Sent from my Galaxy!

[JuanJoFitbit]

@Carlotta7 Thanks for joining us in this thread and our Fitbit Community! I would like to follow up and would like to know if the issue persists or if your Alta could sync with your Samsung S8.

@Linville10 Thanks for participating in this thread! There are generic charging cables that don't have the reset button. I know how you felt about purchasing a new charger. However, the original chargers will work with the Alta without any issues, even when performing the troubleshooting steps that need the charger.

I'll be around if more assistance is needed my friends! 

[maaron]

You can actually reboot your Alta with a non-OEM cord. The only thing the button does is cut the voltage from the USB port when you press it in. If you have an non-OEM charger you can get your Alta to reboot by unplugging, then replugging the cord 3 times in quick succession. I uh, learned this one from a friend. ...Yeah. ...a friend.

[Carlotta7]

Thank you for this!


I've actually not got the Alta now but is still good to know!

[JuanJoFitbit]

@maaron Thank you very much for sharing the workaround to reboot the Alta. Don't hesitate to get back you two @maaron @Carlotta7 if you have any questions and I'll be happy to assist.

[ncrivers]

I just did the suggested 3 unplugs to reset.  The Alta died!  No screen, Got very hot while charging cable was plugged into my laptop (I usually charge it through a wall plug).  Customer service at Fitbit was very helpful. They have sent me a return label so they can evaluate the Alta themselves.

Arghhh.

[MGanesh]

I got a used Fitbit Alta from my sister and am having the same issue it seems. No button on the charger. My issue seems to be that the device completely turns off and I can't get it to wake up and start counting my steps or anything else. When I connect it to the charger it wakes up, but when not connected it stays asleep. It worked fine for one day nut now its back to being buggy. Tried the alternate restart method but nothing. 

Is this a software bug of some sort? Is there any firmware update or something of that nature?

[ncrivers]

I recently had the same issue resetting my fitbit altar. After trying a workaround, it shut down and got hot. Customer service from fitbit was awesome. They emailed me a return label and will either fix or replace my unit. I would call them. Great customer service.

Sent from my iPad

[JuanJoFitbit]

@ncrivers I'm so glad to hear that our Support team sent you a replacement unit. Thank you for posting the update and sharing your feedback here.

@MGanesh Welcome to our Fitbit Community! I'm sorry to hear that your Fitbit Alta doesn't turn on after you unplug it from the charger. Thank you by the way, for trying the restart process before contacting the the Fitbit forums.Due to this, let me go ahead and send your case to our Support team so they can investigate further and provide a solution. You should receive an email from them soon.

Let me know if you guys have any doubts! 

[ncrivers]

I understand that you are sending me a replacement unit?. You are the most outstanding company when it comes to customer service. Thanks so much!
Nancy

Sent from my iPad

[JuanJoFitbit]

@ncrivers Thank you for getting back and your feedback! I would like to follow up and would like to know if you already received the label and our Support team followed up. Did you reply to their email?

See you later! 

[ncrivers]

I received the email with the attached return label. I sent the device back via mail. I haven't heard anything yet from fitbit. Hoping for an email to at least confirm receipt of the device. And then find out if they will fix it or replace.
Thanks, Nancy

Sent from my iPad

[Nikkib1]

I just received a fitbit alta from a friend, ordered a charger, tried the 3x unplugging work around but its not working. What should I do? I'm new to wearable tech. 

[FerdinandFitbit]

Hi there @ncrivers, thanks a lot for taking the time to do that. I just spoke with the Support Team and it seems they've not received your package. I'd recommend checking with the mail carrier to see what the status on it is and please, reply back to the person who was assisting you via email about any update.

@Nikkib1, welcome to the forums! 🙂 Let me help you with this. Did you make sure that the charger you got was specifically for the Fitbit Alta? When you plug it, are you able to see anything coming on the display or you see nothing at all? You might want to check that to make sure you will be able to get your Alta to charge and to be able to use it.

If you need more help with this, let me know!

[janequinn225]

I do not have an original charger and I cannot reset my FITBIT Alta to the correct time. This happen once before and I had this awesome girl in Customer Service. She had a hard time getting it to sync, but she did not give up. Finally she had me do something, but I don't remember what, and it worked!!! I wish I had written down her instructions. Hopefully I can find out what to do. I have spoken to two male customer service reps and they say it is not possible to sync it without the original cable. I can tell you from experience and this girl that it is possible. 

Please help me!

Thanks