Unlike the previous Fitbit Charge models, which came with a physical button, the Charge 5 doesn’t have one. As a result, if the tracker becomes unresponsive—perhaps because an app goes rogue or the screen is frozen—you can’t fix it on the device itself, as you could with the older models. So how do you do it, then? Let’s help you out!

How to Fix an Unresponsive Fitbit Charge 5

With the Charge 5, Fitbit offers a rather different charging cable. Unlike the one that came with the previous Charge models, the newer one features a button on one of its ends. It’s a simple restart button, and it comes in handy in situations when the Charge 5 becomes unresponsive and you can’t use the onboard restart function.

Here are the steps to do this: Once you’ve managed to do it successfully, your Fitbit Charge 5 will restart and should be functioning again. Keep in mind that this process won’t delete any data on the device. Also, if the problem persists, you should factory reset the Fitbit and set it up again. Additionally, make sure to keep your device’s firmware updated to avoid running into issues.

A Unique Restarting Approach

Although Fitbit’s idea behind omitting a physical button was to make improvements, it has led to one problem—and a big one! The lack of a button makes restarting the device—when it’s unresponsive—less convenient. Not only that, but it also means that if your Charge 5 becomes unresponsive when you’re outside—and you don’t have a charger with you—you’re left stuck with the device until you reach home. Hence, we feel a better way forward for Fitbit is to redesign the button and reintroduce it on the newer Charge devices. Further Reading:

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