Is your Fitbit Versa 2 Not Turning on? Try these Fixes

Fitbit Versa 2 won’t turn on if the device’s battery is out of charge, or if its firmware is no longer valid after a failed firmware update attempt. Try charging the tracker or hard resetting it to factory defaults.

Fitbit Versa 2 Won't Turn on
Fitbit Versa 2 Won’t Turn on

Usually, the Versa 2 device fails to power on after a firmware update. Sometimes, a tracker will not turn on if its battery is critically low (less than 3%). In some instances, a fall or water damage (during swimming) may also cause the issue.

1. Update the Fitbit Versa 2 via the app

Fitbit Versa may be turned on, but no display may be shown due to a firmware bug or if the device is waiting for the initialization of a firmware update. In this situation, updating the device through the paired app will do the trick.

Before starting the process, ensure that the Versa device and your phone are within a 3-foot radius.

  1. Open the App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Search for the Fitbit app and make sure it is updated.
  3. Launch the Fitbit app through the store and open its menu.
  4. Tap on the Fitbit Versa 2, and tap on Update Tracker if an update is shown.
    Update Fitbit Versa 2 Through its App
    Update Fitbit Versa 2 Through its App
  5. Check if the screen of the Versa device has turned on and it is updating.
  6. Once updated, restart the device and check if the problem is permanently solved.

2. Perform a Force Restart of the Fitbit Versa 2

The Fitbit Versa won’t turn on if it is already powered on, but there is no display on the watch. In this case, performing a forced restart of the Fitbit device will resolve the issue, as it will force all the essential modules to restart.

  1. Press and hold the side button on the Fitbit Versa 2.
  2. Wait for 10 seconds and then release the button.
  3. Press the power button and check if the device has turned on.
    Perform a Force Restart of the Fitbit Versa 2
    Perform a Force Restart of the Fitbit Versa 2
  4. If not, press and hold the side button on the Fitbit Versa 2.
  5. Wait for 20 seconds and then release the button.
  6. If the issue persists, quickly press the side button of the Versa device 20 times.
  7. Now, press & hold the power button again till the logo shows up. 

3. Charge the Versa 2 Tracker

You will not be able to turn on a Versa 2 tracker if it is not charged. In this case, charging the device will solve the problem. If the tracker was fully charged before the issue occurred, you may still try the steps below:

  1. Place the Versa 2 on the charger and press/hold the charging cable against the device.
  2. Wait for a few minutes and check if the charging starts. If charging does not begin, clean the charging port of the Fitbit device and the pins of the charging cable. Ensure the charging cable fits appropriately into the port.
  3. If the charging starts, leave the device on charging for a few hours and then press the power button. Check if the Fitbit Versa 2 has turned on.
  4. If not, plug the Fitbit device into the USB port of a PC, use a different charging cable, and check if it is charging.
    Plug the Fitbit Versa 2 into the USB Port of a System
    Plug the Fitbit Versa 2 into the USB Port of a System
  5. If so, let it charge for a few hours and check if the Versa 2 device can be turned on.

4. Clean the Fitbit Versa 2

You will fail to turn on the Versa 2 device if dust or debris has accumulated under the power button, causing the button to make an improper connection with the tracker. In this case, cleaning the Versa 2 device will resolve the issue.

  1. Grab a toothpick and use it gently to remove dirt or dust around the power button.
    Clean Fitbit Versa 2
    Clean Fitbit Versa 2
  2. Pick a compressed air can and use it to blow air around or below the power button.
  3. Press the power button of the tracker and verify if the tracker has been turned on.
  4. If not, remove the bands of the tracker and thoroughly clean the tracker.
  5. Carefully press on all sides and the screen of the tracker.
  6. Once done, press the power button and check if the Fitbit device has turned on.

5. Reset the Fitbit Versa 2 to the Factory Defaults

The Fitbit Versa 2 will not turn on if the essential modules of the device are no more valid. This might have occurred when the tracker started during an update. To solve this, reset the Fitbit Versa 2 to its factory defaults.

Also, if none of the above methods worked in your case, you can move forward with a factory reset. This will re-pair your device from scratch and fix any potential problems. 

Factory resetting a Fitbit Versa 2 will delete any data on the device that is yet not synced to your Fitbit account, applications, alarms, etc.
  1. On the paired phone, launch the Fitbit app and open its menu.
  2. Select the problematic Fitbit device and tap on Remove This Device.
  3. Confirm to remove the device and open the Bluetooth settings of the phone.
  4. Select the Fitbit tracker and tap on Forget This Device.
    Forget Versa 2 in the Phone's Bluetooth Settings
    Forget Versa 2 in the Phone’s Bluetooth Settings
  5. On the Fitbit Versa 2, press and hold the side button for 8 seconds.
    Hard Reset the Fitbit Versa 2
    Hard Reset the Fitbit Versa 2
  6. Release the button when the Fitbit logo disappears and wait for a second.
  7. Press and hold the back button until a second, longer vibration is felt.
  8. Release the button and hopefully, the tracker will have turned on. You can then set it up as per your requirements.

If the issue persists, you may contact Fitbit Support and ask for a replacement if under warranty. If out of the warranty, you may be offered a discount on purchasing another Fitbit tracker.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Muhammad Zubyan


Muhammad Zubyan is a certified Google IT Support Professional with over 7 years of extensive experience. He has worked on more than 1500 computers, gaining valuable insights that enable him to detect and troubleshoot any complicated root cause of Windows-related issues and errors. In addition to managing Appuals as a Senior Editor, he is currently developing his own Game Optimization program that caters to both gamers and casual users alike.