How to reset or factory reset a Fitbit Charge 2 to fix issues with the device

If your Fitbit Charge 2 isn't working properly, whether that means issues with step counting or just occasional freezing, it's time to perform a reset. 

You can restart your Fitbit Charge 2 quickly with just a button press. This sort of basic reset won't harm your data — it's just like restarting a computer.

If a simple restart doesn't fix your Fitbit Charge 2's issues, then a factory reset might be called for. This will usually restore your Fitbit Charge 2 to working order, albeit with all of your saved data lost. So use it as a last resort.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Fitbit Charge 2 (For $149.95 at Amazon)

How to reset a Fitbit Charge 2

1. Place the Fitbit Charge 2 into its charging cradle, and then connect the USB cable to a power source.

2. Hold down the single button on the side of the Fitbit Charge 2 for between 10 and 12 seconds, until the Fitbit icon pops up on the screen.

3. When the icon goes away again, release the button, then unplug the USB cable from its port.

That should reset the Fitbit Charge 2, restoring it to working order after a soft reboot. 

If this reboot didn't fix the tracker's issues, it's time for a factory reset.

How to factory reset a Fitbit Charge 2

Remember, this will erase everything on your Fitbit Charge 2.

1. Attach the Fitbit to its power source, and then start holding down its single button.

2. After two seconds, unplug the USB cable from its port, still holding the button.

3. Count eight seconds, release the button for one second, then press it down again.

4. The screen will flash ALT; release the button for one second, then hold it down again.

5. The Fitbit will vibrate; release it for a second, then hold the button again.

6. The screen will say ERROR; release it, then hold again.

7. Finally, the screen will read ERASE. Let go. Your tracker has been reset.