Can't factory reset Charge HR - instructions don't work

[megmo]

I have an old Charge HR that I need to wipe/reset to factory settings, but the directions on Fitbit's help page don't work.

As instructed, I connect the Fitbit to a charging cable and then plug it in to receive power, hold the button down for about 2 seconds and then remove it from the cable but still hold down the button.

The next step is where things don't work: It says after 7-9 seconds, let go of the button and hold it down again, and then I should see "ALT" appear and a white screen flash. But I don't see this. When I let go of the button and hold it down again, the stopwatch starts. I have tried holding the button down for varying seconds, and I've tried holding the button after I let go for a long time—but each time, the stopwatch starts and I never see "ALT" or the white screen flash.

How can I factory reset this Fitbit? I've seen a couple other people mention this same problem, but the only responses are just links to the original help document or people telling them not to worry about resetting it. Is there really no way to factory reset a Charge HR?

[Zyrac]

How to factory reset a Fitbit Charge 2
Remember, this will erase everything on your Fitbit Charge 2.

1. Attach the Fitbit to its power source, and then start holding down its single button.

2. After two seconds, unplug the USB cable from its port, still holding the button.

3. Count eight seconds, release the button for one second, then press it down again.

4. The screen will flash ALT; release the button for one second, then hold it down again.

5. The Fitbit will vibrate; release it for a second, then hold the button again.

6. The screen will say ERROR; release it, then hold again.

7. Finally, the screen will read ERASE. Let go. Your tracker has been reset.