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Fitbit offers amazing smartwatches and fitness trackers. Nobody will deny this fact. Unfortunately, from time to time, the screen may turn black, leaving your device unresponsive.
We know this can be frustrating, and the first thing to do to get rid of the black screen may not be to rush to the nearest store or ask for a refund.
This article will share nine tips that should bring back your activity tracker in no time.
1. Make sure your Fitbit device is fully charged
Is your Fitbit screen black? It may just be that the battery is empty. So before moving to more extreme measures, the first thing to do is to charge your device.
This is often the easiest way to turn a blank screen back to life!
Remember that the USB port of a computer may not provide sufficient current, so it is always best to use an external charger plugged in the wall outlet.
2. Try restarting your Fitbit tracker several times
This is also a straightforward fix that will work like a charm most of the time. Once you are confident that your device is fully charged, try restarting your watch or tracker several times.
Sometimes, what is needed is just a little bit of perseverance.
3. Try a long restart
Apart from solving most of the issues, the main benefit of a long restart is that it will preserve your settings and data.
The procedure may vary depending on the model, so better check the specific documentation for your device.
The table below will provide information on how to restart your device depending on the model, but when in doubt, the easiest is to keep the button pressed (for devices with a button) and release it when your Fitbit vibrates or when the Fitbit logo or a smiley appears.
4. Sync with the App. and change the clock face
This trick proved to be very effective and relies on your Fitbit being charged and can communicate with the app.
Launch the Fitbit app. on your smartphone, and follow the steps below to change the clock face.
5. Try a hard reset (Factory Reset)
This procedure should only be initiated at the direction of Fitbit support, and all the data will be permanently erased. Therefore, it should be considered a last resort method.
Factory reset will be different according to the device. For example, the procedure below is to hard reset the Fitbit Inspire or Fitbit Inspire HR:
- Connect your tracker to the charging cord and connect the other end into a USB port.
- Press and hold the button for about two seconds. Do not release it.
- Remove your tracker’s charging wire.
- After disconnecting the charging cord, wait seven to nine seconds.
- Release the button and press it again.
- Release the button after “ALT,” and a white screen flash appears, then press the button again.
- After you feel a vibration, release the button and press it again.
- When you see “ERROR,” let go of the button and press it again.
- Fitbit tracker with the message “ERROR 0X01” shown on the screen
- Release the button once you see “ERASE.”
- The word “ERASE” will appear on the screen.
- To reactivate your tracker, click the button or connect the charging cord (make sure to plug in the other end of the cable). The reset was successful if the time on your tracker displayed 0:00. You will then have to pair the device again.
6. Remove the Screen protector
Fitbit devices come with a light sensor that will automatically dim the screen brightness at night. Hence, the issue may not be with your screen but with its overall brightness.
An excellent way to check is to remove a potential screen protector that may block the light sensor.
7. Thoroughly clean your device.
When using your Fitbit device daily, dust and sweat can also interfere with the light sensor and dim the brightness to a level you think the screen is black.
It is a good habit to clean your Fitbit regularly with a toothbrush or a Q-Tip and some rubbing alcohol.
Remember always to use a soap-free cleanser.
To wrap up
A black screen can be scary but is usually easy to fix using the simple tips we described. Often, it will just be linked to the battery in need of a charge.
If nothing works despite all of your efforts, contact Fitbit support as your device may be faulty.
