What a reset does and when you need one
A reset clears all the data and settings from your Fitbit Charge 2 and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. You lose your step counts, heart rate history, and any custom settings you made — the device forgets everything. A reset is useful when the device stops responding to taps, syncs incorrectly with your phone, or drains the battery much faster than normal.
Before you reset, try charging the device fully and restarting your phone's Bluetooth connection. Many problems that feel like they need a reset actually clear up on their own after a full charge and a fresh sync. If the device still misbehaves after that, a reset is the next step.
The reset process takes about a minute and does not require a computer. You do it entirely on the device itself using the buttons on the side.
Key Takeaways
- A reset erases all your data and settings from the Fitbit Charge 2, so back up any information you want to keep before you start.
- The reset happens on the device itself using the side buttons — you do not need a computer or the Fitbit app.
- After the reset completes, you will see the Fitbit logo and a blank screen, which means the device is ready to pair with your phone again.
- Syncing with the Fitbit app after a reset will restore your account information but not your old activity history.
How to perform a hard reset on the Charge 2
Start by locating the two buttons on the left side of your Fitbit Charge 2. The top button is smaller; the bottom button is larger. You will hold both buttons at the same time to trigger the reset.
Press and hold both the top and bottom buttons together for about 10 to 15 seconds. Keep holding even if you see the screen go black — that is normal. After about 10 seconds, you will see the Fitbit logo appear on the screen. Continue holding for a few more seconds after the logo shows up.
Release both buttons. The device will display the Fitbit logo again, and then the screen will go blank. This blank screen is the sign that the reset worked. The entire process takes less than a minute from start to finish.
What happens after the reset is complete
Once the screen goes blank, the Charge 2 is fully reset and ready to pair. You do not need to do anything else on the device itself — it will not turn on or show any activity until you sync it with your phone.
Open the Fitbit app on your phone and go through the pairing process as if the device were brand new. The app will ask you to select your device type and create or sign into your Fitbit account. Once you complete pairing, the device will sync with your phone and begin tracking again.
Your account information — your name, age, height, weight, and goals — will return because they are stored in your Fitbit account, not on the device. However, your activity history (steps, heart rate data, and sleep logs) from before the reset will not come back. The device starts fresh with a blank history.
Troubleshooting if the reset does not work
If you hold both buttons for 15 seconds and the Fitbit logo never appears, the device may have a low battery. Plug the Charge 2 into its charging cable and let it charge for at least 30 minutes, then try the reset again. A device with almost no battery cannot complete a reset.
If the logo appears but the screen does not go blank afterward, try the reset one more time. Sometimes the first attempt does not take, and a second attempt will work. Wait a few seconds between attempts.
If the device still does not reset after two or three attempts, or if it resets but then will not pair with your phone, contact Fitbit support through their website. They can walk you through more advanced troubleshooting or discuss a replacement if the device is still under warranty.
How to avoid losing data before you reset
The Fitbit app automatically backs up your account information to Fitbit's servers whenever you sync. This means your personal details and goals are safe — they will return when you pair the device again. However, your activity history is stored on the device itself, and a reset erases it permanently.
If you want to keep a record of your steps, heart rate, or sleep data from before the reset, take screenshots of the app's history pages or export the data if Fitbit offers that option in your account settings. Some users also write down their weekly or monthly totals before resetting.
For most people, losing the old data is not a problem — the device starts fresh and begins tracking new activity when ready. But if you have been tracking toward a long-term goal or want to preserve a record, save what matters to you before you start the reset process.
When to reset versus when to contact support
A reset is the right move if your Charge 2 is not responding to taps, will not sync with your phone, or the battery drains unusually fast. These are software problems that a reset often fixes. If the device still misbehaves after a reset and a fresh pairing, the problem is likely hardware, and support is your next step.
Do not reset if the device is physically damaged, the screen is cracked, or the charging port is broken. A reset will not fix those problems, and you will lose your data for nothing. Contact Fitbit support instead and describe the damage.
If your Charge 2 is several years old and stops working after a reset, it may straightforward be at the end of its lifespan. Fitbit devices typically last three to five years before the battery or internal components start to fail. Support can tell you whether repair or replacement is an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my step count and activity history after a reset?
Yes. A reset erases all the data stored on the device, including steps, heart rate history, and sleep logs. Your account information (name, goals, weight) will return when you sync with the app again, but the old activity data is gone permanently. If you want to keep that history, take screenshots or notes before you reset.
Do I need to unpair the device from the Fitbit app before I reset it?
No. You can reset the device without touching the app. After the reset, open the app and pair the device as if it were new. The app will handle the rest automatically.
How long does it take for the Charge 2 to turn back on after a reset?
The device does not turn on by itself after a reset. The screen stays blank until you sync it with your phone using the Fitbit app. Once you pair it, the device will wake up and begin syncing your account information.
What if I reset my Charge 2 by accident?
Your account data is safe because it is stored in the Fitbit app and on Fitbit's servers, not on the device. Pair the device again with your phone, and your account information will return. You will lose the activity history that was on the device, but you cannot undo that loss.
Can I reset my Charge 2 without a phone or computer?
Yes. The reset happens entirely on the device using the side buttons. However, you will need a phone with the Fitbit app to pair the device afterward and start using it again.