Charge 2 set up issue- stuck at "Plug in a Dongle" while it is plugged

[cecilysue]

New User. Downloaded a fitbit connect for Windows. Have difficulties to complete the setup process.

Turned on the bluebooth. paired with Charge 2. Connected the USB with the laptop. Updated fitbit connect software to the latest version.

It keeps warning Wireless Sync Dongle is disconnected and Plug in a Dongle

I am stuck on this setup page and have tried two laptops and multiple USB plugs. Doesnt work. I have trouble complete the setup process and cannt use the tracker as the screen keeps saying goto fitbit/setup. Very frustrated. there is no manual in the box and there is limited information on how to go pass this "plug in a dongle" error message. 

Any idea how to solve this issue?

[Odyssey13]

Welcome to the forums @cecilysue

You can find the Charge 2 owner manual and related articles here - click

What version of Windows are you running and what is the system on your phone?

[NicciB]

I am also stuck at the plug in a dongle setup.  This is a brand new device and I literally just downloaded the fitbit software for windows.  I have checked my bluetooth settings and the laptop sees the device.  How do I bypass this step?

[LucilleG]

I'm having the same problem with Windows 7 Enterprise

[NicciB]

I am currently having better luck going through the setup process on my iphone with its bluetooth connection.  Maybe give that a try? Be sure to unpair your tracker from your computer before you try to pair it with your phone.

[SteveH · Accepted solution]

If you are running Windows 10 on the PC / laptop you are using then the setup routine will work using the computer's built-in bluetooth rather than needing a fitbit dongle. However, this is only when using the fitbit app from the windows app store.

If you are using something other than windows 10 or are using the downloaded software on Windows 10 rather than the app then you will need a fitbit dongle to complete the setup. This does not come with the Charge 2 but if you have a dongle from a previous fitbit that will work.

If you need a dongle then it's available for purchase from the fitbit online store (see link at the top of the page) or you could contact customer support via this link to see if they can help:

contact.fitbit.com

In the meantime, do you gave a compatible mobile device that you could use to complete the setup? The latest list of supported devices can be found at www.fitbit.com/devices

[Arabrab]

I can't set up charge2 for a different reason. I used the first generation Fitbit and dropped it. I have just bought charge2 but it won't allow me to use the old email address. I can log into my old account but cannot set up the new charge2 from there, nothing in the dashboard. Any advice?

[SteveH]

@Arabrab are you trying to set it up on a computer or via an app? If it's an app are you sure it's the latest version?

[cecilysue]

I'm using windows 7.

[cecilysue]

K, will have a try. thanks for sharing!

[cecilysue]

Thanks very much for the advice. It is really helpful! I'm using windows 7. Don't have a dongle and not willing to buy one. I think Fitbit really should have a note to all buyers that they will need to have dongles to connect with some versions of windows.

I'll have a try on setting it up on the phone.

[Arabrab]

Steve, thanks. It turned out the device was faulty and I got a replacement and it works fine!

[LucilleG]

My setup didnt work on a Samsung S5, didnt work on my laptop but luckily worked on a Samsung S4.

Fortunately after the setup and software update it then eventually was able to sync with the Samsung S5.

[babkb77b7]

What about a Macbook? Will I need to buy a Dongle?

[AlvaroFitbit]

@babkb77b7 Welcome to our Community! If your Mac has integrated bluetooth you can install Fitbit Connect and use your computer's bluetooth to sync your tracker.

Let me know how it goes!

[babkb77b7]

It does have integrated bluetooth, but can't detect the fitbit.

[AlvaroFitbit]

@babkb77b7 Do you see any error message on the computer? Which software did you install? Could you share a screenshot if you are getting any error?

I look forward to your reply.

[chrisbbbbbbb]

this is freaking rediculous. I've been trying to setup my son's fitbit for an hour now. Merry freaking christmas! First I get the stupid message error about the age( wow, who gives a crap that my 10 year old has a fitbit! God forbit that, so now I have to just lie on the account).

Then, because my son doesn't have a phone, I have to buy a $20 dongle to setup on my PC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Un-freaking believable.

[SteveH]

What OS are you running on the PC? If you are running Windows 10 and the PC has bluetooth then fitbit will work with that and you won't need a fitbit dongle.

The age restriction is part of the terms of use and is related to data protection. Note that giving a false age will mean the calorie calculations will not be as accurate.

[chrisbbbbbbb]

I got it working, but I had to go through my phone because, after troubleshooting, I found that my windows 10 PC does not have bluetooth.I was trying to avoid setting up with my phone in case I wanted to get one for myself later, but whatever.