Versa 4 button is unresponsive

[Monica_123]

My Fitbit Versa 4 is experiencing issues with the side button.

It all started yesterday when my fitbit versa 4 suddenly began repeatedly displaying the Fitbit logo—first on a black background with a blue logo, then on a blue background with a black logo, followed by a large red X. Throughout the day, these flashes occurred frequently, during which the watch screen would go black and become unresponsive, preventing me from using it or even shutting it down by pressing the side button. This problem persisted for the entire day.

The following evening, amidst one of these episodes, a progress bar suddenly appeared after the logo flashed. Subsequently, I was prompted to select the language on the watch. I quickly paired my watch with my mobile phone and was then instructed to update the software via the Fitbit app. After completing the update, my watch face reappeared, but unfortunately, the side button remains unresponsive.

For context, I purchased the Fitbit Versa 4 in May 2023 and have used it for just over a year. I am quite disappointed with the product, especially considering it was my first smartwatch, and I had huge expectations from Fitbit/Google.


Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Guy_]

Hi @Monica_123 - it seems your watch developed a fault and factory reset itself.

If the cause was physical damage the button may have been affected.

However it may be worth syncing then doing a Shutdown from the settings menu.

Normally pressing the button will start it and this can be a way to check if it is really broken. 

If it doesn't respond place on charge to start it (hopefully as it doesn't always work, especially if it is damaged) it might if you unplug and plug in the charger a few times allowi a few minutes in between.

A swipe watch face right may offer some equivalence to the back button.

[Monica_123]

I'm sorry but I would like to disagree to certain points, firstly my Fitbit versa 4 couldn't have got a factory reset, since my old watch face reappeared on my Fitbit versa 4 after updating the software in my fitbit app. Secondly, there is NO physical damage to my Fitbit versa 4. The side button of my Fitbit versa 4 stopped working only after my Fitbit started experiencing episodes of - flashes of the Fitbit logo followed by a big red cross.

Moreover,yesterday after posting the issues I faced with my Fitbit on the community forum, my Fitbit versa 4 seemed to work only for a short period of time (after the updation of the software in the Fitbit app) since today, my watch has again started flashing the fitbit logo and the big red cross yet again within frequent intervals.

I have read several similar post in the community with regards to the flashing of fitbit logo, the big red cross as well as the side button not working. I have tried several solutions - fully charging the fitbit versa 4 smart watch, changing the watch face but none of these have worked.

Seems like this issue is associated with the fitbit versa 4 device itself, since many users globally are facing the same issue!!!
Please provide a workable solution.

[Guy_]

@Monica_123 - thanks for the extra information.

What was the result if the shutdown test?

Note : internal damage isn't visible and can occur if moisture has accumulated inside giving random or permanent odd behaviour.

Syncing issues with the the Fitbit App can also cause the watch to do odd things, like wake the display, cause reboot and other issues. Try running with the phone's Bluetooth switched off to remove syncing issues as a source of problems.

[Monica_123]

After following your instruction of switching off the Bluetooth, my watch face is not even showing up anymore. I charged my watch but its not waking up. 

[TeagirlTX]

Same thing is happening to my device & more 

what is happening

[AlinaDR]

The exact same thing happened to mine 2 days ago and likewise it wasn't damaged or in water prior. Tried all the solutions to unpair/factory reset/shutdown etc but still hasn't fixed it. I really hope someone suggests a solution 🤞🤞 although it does kind of work in a limited capacity (restarts randomly throughout the day).

[Lynnbow]

Hi, the same has happened to mine. Totally unresponsive 

[SunsetRunner]

Same thing started happening to mine about a week ago, random reboots and side button not functional and my device is in perfect condition protected and all. Fitbit support said it's out of warranty and cannot be replaced and no other support is available such as repairs etc. I purchased mine in April 2023.  Seems like a money making tactic doesn't it.

[heeebert]

Very similar to me. Lolo blinking, restart screen but mine went black. When I charge it it vibrates constantly. Can’t sync or start up. Mine isn’t 2 years old. I was in a pool for 2 minutes and this happened. 
I saw the water comment above- but the 4 is good up to 50 meters. An above ground pool should not kill the unit. I want to hear from Fitbit as to why this is happening so much. 

[Monica_123]

Hi @Guy_  

Its been 2 weeks and I haven't heard back from you nor from any representative of @Fitbit.

Many of us are experiencing a common issue where @Fitbit  seems unwilling to take responsibility for the widespread problems its users are encountering worldwide. It's apparent that the flashing of the Fitbit logo, the prominent red cross, and the subsequent unresponsiveness of the side button are symptomatic of a software glitch. Why isn't Fitbit actively working to provide a definitive solution to this issue?

[BDTrunner]

Unfortunately I had this happen twice with a fitbit versa 3. My first one broke down after 22 months. Fitbit quickly and very nicely worked with me to replace the watch as it was under a 2 year warranty. My new one (only 3 month warranty - they learn at fitbit) gave up yesterday after 10 months. No more fitbit versa for me. My wife has a garmin - so far (after 2,5 years) no issues yet. 

[TeagirlTX]

I gave up after 10 years with products from Fitbit - APPLE Watch for me.

Thanks 

[AlinaDR]

*** POSSIBLE FIX  ***

TLDR version: disconnect/unpair from the fitbit app, restore to factory settings, delete app, leave it for a few weeks. Start from the beginning and set it up again.

Long version: I posted here a couple weeks ago and felt deflated that lots of people had the same problem and no fix found (I had tried all of the tips from various reddit/fitbit threads for unpairing/resetting/letting it go dead etc but all within a few days and then gave up). I unpaired/disconnected the Versa 4 from the app, restored to factory settings (which it kept doing by itself anyway), deleted fitbit and threw the watch on the floor and moved on with my life researching new smartwatches. Cut to a few weeks later, the watch was well and truly out of battery having sat on the floor of my office for weeks but i figured I've give it one last go. Downloaded the app, charged it from 0%, paired it with my phone and updated it to current software. And somehow...it's working. At least it has for 48 hours. No flashing fitbit logo or big red X. No automatically restoring to factory settings. Just working normal and how it was before all this drama started. Can't promise it'll work for everyone or forever but worth trying before you chuck it in the bin. Good luck everyone.