If you’ve got a new Fitbit - or are thinking of getting one – here’s all you need to know about this super smart wearable…

What is a Fitbit?

A Fitbit is a health and fitness tracking device that goes on your wrist. Using different sensors, it can track lots of different activities including steps taken, calories burned, heart rate, distance travelled and sleep quality. All the info it gathers can be synced to the Fitbit app, which lets you easily view your health and fitness over time.

Some Fitbit models also let you see notifications from your phone. So you can see incoming calls, text messages and email right on your wrist.

How do I set up my Fitbit?

To get started with Fitbit, you’ll need to set it up on your phone using the Fitbit app.

So first of all, check that your phone is compatible with your Fitbit. It is? Great! Now follow these simple steps:
1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone.
2. Download the Fitbit app. If you have an account, log in. If not, create a new account.
3. Turn on your Fitbit.
4. Go back to app on your phone, and go through the setup process. Tap tyour profile picture to access your account settings, then tap ‘set up a device’ and follow the step-by-step instructions.

What can I use my Fitbit for?

As soon as your Fitbit is set up, you can get going on your health and fitness. Head to the Fitbit app and you can set your goals – anything from walking, running or cycling a certain distance each day, to getting the right amount of sleep each night.

When you’ve set your goals, put on your Fitbit and it’ll automatically start tracking your steps, heart rate, and lots of other metrics.

At the end of a hard day, you can then see how well you’ve done on the Fitbit app. You can also use the app to log your food and water intake, track your weight, and even connect with your mates.

Troubleshooting guide: Why isn’t my Fitbit working?

If your Fitbit isn’t working, here are some troubleshooting steps that might help:

1.Make sure it’s charged. If the battery is low, your Fitbit might not function properly. Charge it for at least 2 hours before you use it.

2. Restart it. Yes, we know it’s the old ‘turn it off and on again’ tip, but it sometimes works. For most Fitbit models, all you need to do is press and hold the button for a few seconds.

3. Make sure it’s synced with the Fitbit app. Your Fitbit might not be recording data properly if it’s not connected to the Fitbit app. Check the app’s connection status to see if you’re synced up.

4. Check for updates. If your Fitbit isn’t updated with the latest firmware version it might not work properly. There’s a FAQ below that shows you how to get up to date.

5. Check your sensors. Make sure that your Fitbit sensors are free from dirt, dust and grime. If they’re dirty, clean them gently with a soft, dry cloth.

If you’re tried all of these steps and your Fitbit still isn’t working, we suggest contacting Fitbit support. They might be able to give you more troubleshooting advice.

Fitbit FAQs…

Need any help?

If you’d like more advice on choosing the best piece of fitness tech, our smart fitness buying guide is a great place to start. Or why not pop in-store and ask one of our colleagues for help? They’re always happy to chat.