Charge 5 Sync Issues

[hornets66]

Never had this issue with my Charge 2.  It's been happening with increasing frequency with my Charge 5.  Way too often I get the message "Syncing taking a while.  Sit tight."  Sometimes the sync completes and sometime I have to log out, shut off and turn on bluetooth, and/or restart the tracker.  I've had my iPhone 13 the entire time I've owned the Charge 5.  I sync the device every morning and several times throughout the day (after workouts, when I input my food, etc.).  Is this a common issue?  Is Fitbit doing anything about it?  Thanks.

[DavideFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi, it's good to see you around the Community forums, @hornets66. 

Thanks for the information you've shared about this inconvenience with your Charge 5. 

Since your device is able to sync, but is showing this message only sometimes, I recommend that you try restarting the device using the three pulse restart method: 

1. Connect your device to the charging cable. For instructions, see How do I charge my Fitbit device?
2. Press the button located on the flat end of the charger 3 times (end of the USB cable), pausing for 1 second between presses. Then wait 10 seconds or until the Fitbit logo appears.

If the issue persists, let me know if you already tried all the steps listed here to resolve syncing problems, and make sure to check the compatibility requirements listed here and to keep the Fitbit app updated to the latest version available. 

[hornets66]

Thanks Davide.  My charger did not come with a button on it.  Is there something else I can try that will allow for the same "pulse restart method"?

[RiekoC]

@hornets66  There's a small inset button on the USB end of the charging cable that came with your Charge 5. That's the button you press to reset the device. See picture below.

[eemr78]

Ever since the issue Fitbit had at the beginning of February I literally have to restart my Fitbit multiple times per day to get it to sync. All the suggestions provided by help has not fixed this issue. It is super annoying doing a restart multiple times per day.

Moderator edit: format

[DavideFitbit]

@hornets66 Thanks for your reply.  

As @RiekoC mentioned earlier, the button should be located on the USB end of the charging cable. Please let us know if you're able to complete this procedure:

@eemr78 Thanks for confirming that you're having the same problem. Could you please confirm if you already tried all the steps mentioned here earlier? There are a few compatibility requirements to check as well. 

[hornets66]

Sorry for the delay in the response.  Your solution seemed to work.  Thank you.

I spoke too soon.  Your suggested solution worked, but it was temporary.  Hasn't synced yet today.  I've tried turning the bluetooth on and off on my iphone, and restarting the device.  No deal.  It syncs when it feels like it, and doesn't sync when it doesn't. . . . Really frustrating.

[CWTee]

Don’t see where to push three times ?? 

[hornets66]

I found the button. That method actually worked. But then, the next day, it’s stopped syncing again. It finally synced this morning, after two days of nothing.

[DavideFitbit]

@hornets66 Thank you for your reply and for sharing your experience. I'm sorry to see that you had this problem again, but it's good to know your device is now syncing. 

@CWTee The button to complete the restart is located on the USB end of the charging cable, as shown here below: 

[AllTexas]

I am just now following on this.  My Charge 5 has not synced since last Tuesday 4/25.  I had this same problem a couple months ago.  Went through some steps, ended up uninstalling the app and reinstalling.  It started working.  Now again I have gone through the process, bluetooth off then back on, reset charge 5, reset using the charging cord button, uninstalled the app and reinstalled.  Bluetooth still stays won't work without the app... the app is there.  Tried again uninstalling the app and reinstalling.  Bluetooth turned off then back on.  At this point just chasing my tail.  Some kind of setting must be knocked off or on, something? Or, I am not following a proper order for it to start working.  What else can I do?   Thanks...

Moderator edit: format

[hornets66]

Davide Fitbit - in all honesty, my view is that this issue needs to be addressed as a product/software tech glitch at Fitbit, followed by some form of an update users can install so this issue is resolved once and for all. thanks. 

[DavideFitbit]

@AllTexas Thanks for your reply with all these updates. 

I've been informed that you already contacted the Customer Support team for further assistance with this. In this case, they will let you know how to proceed or the options are available for you. 

@hornets66 I appreciate all your feedback and comments about this. Please keep in mind that although it's possible to see some general syncing issues that a large amount of users experience at the same time, each case is evaluated individually, since it's not always related to a bug. It's always recommended to exhaust all troubleshooting options available and to contact the Customer Support team if the issue persists. 

[Mum2]

My charge 5 does this on a weekly basis, I get MSG's on my phone asking me to pair or unpair every day, I contacted customer service, I deleted the app and restarted, I turned the phone off, did everything recommend and I think we should get a product recall and a new Fitbit because this is a common problem and my next watch will 100% not be a Fitbit, this was a gift from my son or I'd have returned it.

[NanaTansey]

I absolutely agree!  I am having the same problems with syncing with my Charge 5 and am very frustrated.  Having to fuss with it to sync constantly is time consuming and frustrating.  A product recall and a new Fitbit seems more than reasonable since so many of us are having the same issue...this looks like an issue with the App or the Fitbit itself.  Fitbit please fix it or replace it!