Battery dying every 10 hours

[IAmPanda]

Much to my absolute sadness, stress, and dismay, my FitBit battery started dying more and more frequently over the period of a week, and now it's already dead (evening) after being fully this morning. This was a Christmas gift from my boyfriend bought at the end of December! I've ended up loving it more than I expected, but I don't think I kept the box...is there a way to get help or warranty? It feels like robbery for this device to flatline before the 9 month mark! Fitbit is challenging to get a hold of?! I don't have Twitter...why would that be the only way a company permits contact after making a sale. Oof. Thank you for any help or advice!

[Julia_G]

Hi, @IAmPanda , it’s great that you have been enjoying your Fitbit!  To troubleshot your issue, there are a few preliminary steps.  First, I would recommend cleaning the charging points on your Inspire/Inspire HR.

• Clean the charging contacts on the back of your device to ensure they stay bronze or gold in color:
  1. Use a toothbrush with rubbing alcohol. Dry with a cloth or tissue before charging.
  2. Make sure not to scrape the contacts with anything metal, since metal can damage the plating and cause corrosion.
• Clean the pins on your charging cable:
  1. Clean the pins carefully with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol.
  2. Make sure that no pieces of the swab are left behind.

This will ensure that when you do charge it, it gets a good full charge.

Next, give your Fitbit a restart.  You have posted in the Inspire/Inspire HR forum, so I assume that is the device you have.  To restart your Fitbit:

1. Plug the charging cable into the USB port on your computer or any UL-certified USB wall charger.
2. Hold the other end of the charging cable near the port on the back of the tracker until it attaches magnetically. The pins on the charging cable must connect securely with the port.
3. Press and hold the button on your tracker for 5 seconds.
4. Release the button. When you see a smile icon and the tracker vibrates, the tracker restarted.

Do try those steps and see if it helps.  Moving forward, the best way to maximise your battery life and keep your Fitbit working for as long as possible is to avoid, if you can, deep discharges.  Many people find that just plugging in the Fitbit for a few minutes every day (for instance when you are in the shower) keeps them always topped up.  Little and often is very good for the modern batteries that Fitbit uses.

If you find that these steps don’t work, then there are several ways of getting in touch with Fitbit.  You don’t have to use Twitter.  The link to their contact details is here: Contact.fitbit.com .  Be sure to tell them the troubleshooting steps you have already tried, as that will save time.  (You do not necessarily need to have saved the box, and although it is helpful if you have proof of purchase, if you let Fitbit know that this was a gift they should be able to help you.)

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.  Welcome to the forums!