Charge 4 says download or update app

[KatieInMKE]

Can we reopen this thread? I’m having the same issue with a new iPhone 13 and a Charge 4. Keeps telling me on the watch face to download or upload the Fitbit app - I’ve done that. I’m running the latest version. Please advise. 

Moderator edit:  updated subject for clarity

[JuanFitbit]

@KatieInMKE , A warm welcome to the Community ! Thank you for your message and efforts

Please follow these steps, some of which you have already done, but the order is important:

• Restart the Charge 4
• Please on mobile device, go to Settings>Bluetooth, and remove all connections that exist with the tracker. (Forget, ignore or unpair device depending on the phone OS version)
• Turn off Bluetooth and restart your phone. (switch off and on again).
• When the phone is back on, turn on the Bluetooth again, but DO NOT attempt to connect to the tracker from here.
• Go on the app. From here, try setting up the tracker as a new device.

See you around.

[KatieInMKE]

Thank you, but that did not work. After entering the 4 digits from the watch to the app, the loading bar only moves about 1/3 of the way, and the wheel keeps spinning saying “connecting.” This device is not even two years old. It should still work. Please advise.

Katie

[KatieInMKE]

Additionally, the device is still showing “Download or update app.” I’ve done that about a dozen times. 

[abcdefghijklmn1]

Give it up Katie, this app sucks I've been having trouble with it for months  and same problems as you mentioned and still no resolve . Fitbit has not and never will resolve this problem they just want you to buy another device I'm just sick and tired of them not even making an attempt to get to the source of it. I have had other Fitbits in the past and have had similar issues but different at the same time they should really get their crap together hopefully if people stop buying Fitbit they'll get the idea

Mike 

[kaushmeister]

- Remove the Fitbit from the app (if it’s there). 

- Remove Fitbit from your phones Bluetooth connections. 

- Delete the app.
- Restart your phone.

- Download the app again. 
- Login to the app. 

- Restart your Fitbit by connecting to the charger and holding the side button for around 10 secs (smiley face will appear once done). 
- Add the Fitbit on the app (not through your phones Bluetooth). 

[JuanFitbit]

@kaushmeister , Thank you for your input and help. 

@abcdefghijklmn1 , Thank you for your  message. 

@KatieInMKE , Thank you for your reply and further efforts. 

Do you have access to another mobile device where you could install the Fitbit app? (eg. borrowed or an old device with min Android 8 or iOS14)?

If so try setting the Charge 4 to your account with it. 

Please keep in mind to turn the Bluetooth from your current phone while setting up the Charge 4.

Once the Charge 4 is paired to your account. 

Swipe the clock face on the Charge 4until you see the settings app. 

Tap on it and search for General>Delete user data. 

 Tap on it and then try to setup the Charge 4 again with your account but now with the current phone turning the bluetooth of your alternate device off while you do this. 

Hope this helps. 

[JacobS1 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for the detailed steps! I think the part that helped me out most was deleting the existing user data on the watch. After that, the pairing and updates went through as expected. 

Well, almost. I also went to the Android Bluetooth menu after a few minutes and clicked on the "set up this device fitbit charge 4" which brought me to the fitbit app pairing screen, but I'm not sure if that made any difference (my phone turned off while I was waiting for pairing to start, and then the app wasn't working after I unlocked my phone, and I just stumbled on to that Bluetooth menu option, I suspect that it was just a combination of issues and that deleting my user data from the fitbit was the real solution and everything else was just a weird coincidence).

Thank you @JuanFitbit!! 

[JuanFitbit]

@JacobS1 , A warm welcome to the Community! Thank you for your message and kind words. 

I'm glad that the information help you further and everything is working fine again. 

Please visit our discussion forums. There you will find several users who are interested in fitness, healthy eating, or better sleep and share lots of tips. They will be happy to meet you there.