Here’s How Long Fitbit Updates Take!

If you want to make the most of your Fitbit, you need to keep it up to date. But how long do Fitbit updates take?

Fitbit updates, more often than not, complete in a few hours. The total time is dependent on the update. The entire process, from downloading to installation and activation, takes two to three hours. But in some cases it can take up to 24 hours. 

I have gone through the process quite a few times myself. So, here is first-hand information for you.

How Long Do Fitbit Updates Take?

Fitbit updates, which include transfer of data, downloading and installation, and rebooting, take anywhere between a few hours to up to 24 hours pertaining to the size of the update and other different factors.

If you own an older model of Fitbit device (like one that is over five years old), the update process can be lengthy.

The reason for this is that old Fitbit devices have limited storage space when you compare them to newer ones. They also require additional energy (and therefore time) to download and install large software updates.

If your Fitbit gets stuck when the update process is going on, I recommend you give it a quick reset. Just press the side button on your Fitbit device and hold it for 10 seconds. Its screen shall turn off. Then press the side button again once to restart it.

This will force your Fitbit to restart and reinstall any updates that were stuck in the middle of downloading or installation. When your Fitbit has completed the process of updating, it shall be ready to use again with all of its features intact.

If you find, as I once did, that after 24 hours, it is still not working right or not displaying any new features that were part of the update, contact Fitbit’s customer service team to seek help.

How Do I Update My Fitbit Device?

Updates of Fitbit devices are vital for making sure it continues to work at its best. When you stay up to date with the latest software versions, you ensure that your device has access to all the new features and bug fixes out there.

To update a Fitbit device;

• Connect your phone or tablet to Wi-Fi (if it is not already) and go to your Fitbit app.
• Tap on the account icon in the left upper corner of the screen.
• Here you will be able to look at information about your registered device. It is here that any details about available updates for the device shall be found.
• If there are any updates for your device, you shall get prompted for initiating the process of installation.
• Confirm and it shall start downloading and installing the new software.
• The process can take some time. I recommend all my readers to keep your phone or tablet connected to a power source throughout that time.
• Once the installation gets completed, your Fitbit device shall restart automatically and display a confirmation message that it has updated in a successful manner.

One point I want to make here is that updating your device ought not to erase any of its existing data or previously saved settings. But if you experience any issues with your device after an update or if you notice any out of date information on it, I suggest you give your possession a factory reset. This will restore it to its proper functionality.

To do that, select Settings in the main menu, scroll down and tap on Factory Reset.

Updating a Fitbit is a pretty straightforward process that you can perform in only a few easy steps. When you keep your device up to date with the latest software versions, you ensure that it continues to offer you accurate information and the best possible user experience. So make sure to check for updates regularly.

What Do I Do When My Fitbit Is Stuck Updating?

If your Fitbit gets stuck during an update, it is crucial for you to understand why it is so and what it is that you should resort to for solving the issue.

Many a times, the device gets disconnected from its charger or loses power when the update process is ongoing, causing it to get stuck.

If this is the case, you need to reconnect your Fitbit to power and let it complete the update process. But if one of two things happen, i.e., your Fitbit has charge or the update does not resume after you reconnect it to a power source, you can assume that other issues are at play.

If you recently updated your Fitbit to a later version of the software, it may have become overwhelmed with the new data due to its storage limit. If that is the case, it, in my personal experience, can be solved by resetting the device and/or trying an alternate OS.

If you find that this is not the case either, I recommend you contact Fitbit support to seek the solution for the problem. If, according to them, the problem is deep and arduous, you can always claim a full repair or replacement (provided your Fitbit is still within its warranty period) at no cost.

Why Does Fitbit Update Take So Long?

I have been at the receiving end of the length of Fitbit updates may times and I understand that they can often be time-consuming. 

Many factors make up the list of reasons for this, like the amount of data getting transferred, the speed of your internet connection, the complexity of the update itself, etc. etc. 

When data transfers from a Fitbit device to a computer or mobile, personal information, like heart rate readings and sleep patterns saved is sent forward. This process can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, pertaining to the amount of data that is stored on your Fitbit and how long you have been using it. 

Then the update begins. This part consists of downloading and installing new features and/or bug fixes that are a part of the update. As per the complexity of the new features, this process can take some time as well.

Once all of the updates have been installed, your device needs to be rebooted so that it can apply all of these changes and be ready for use again.

This reboot process usually takes just a few seconds, but if there are any problems with your device or connection during this stage, then it could take several more minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Fitbit updates take a few hours to complete but sometimes up to 24 hrs.
• Older Fitbit models take longer due to limited storage space.
• To update: Make sure it is connected to Wi-Fi and open the Fitbit app.
• Updating your device will not erase any of its data or settings.
• If you experience issues after an update: Do a factory reset.