How to Set Up the Fitbit Tracker

Make sure Fitbit is compatible with your device., Charge your Fitbit., Plug the wireless sync dongle into the computer., Turn on Bluetooth on an Android., Turn on Bluetooth for Windows 10 Mobile., Turn on Bluetooth on a Windows PC., Turn on...

34 Steps 7 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Make sure Fitbit is compatible with your device.

    Fitbit recommends pairing with a mobile device.

    To make sure your Android, iPhone, iOS (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch), or Windows 10 (e.g., Lumia, Surface) will sync with your Fitbit, visit http://www.fitbit.com/devices and search for your device.If the device is not found, you can’t use it to sync your Fitbit.

    If you don’t have a compatible mobile device, you can use a Windows 10 PC or macOS.

    The Windows app is identical to the mobile app, but the macOS app has a different setup process.
  2. Step 2: Charge your Fitbit.

    Before you can pair your Fitbit with your Android, iPhone, iOS (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch), or Windows 10 mobile devices (such as a Lumia phone or Surface), it should have some battery charge., If you’re using a Fitbit that comes with a dongle (such as Surge) and plan to sync it with a computer, gently insert the dongle into an available USB port.If you plan to sync a Fitbit Blaze with a computer, connect it to the computer using the charging cable that came with the device. , If you’re using an Android device:
    Open the Settings app and select “Bluetooth” (you may need to scroll down to find it).

    Flip the switch below Bluetooth to the On position. , If you’re using a mobile Windows 10 device:
    Swipe down from the top of the screen and select “Expand.” If the Bluetooth tile is gray, tap it once.

    The tile will turn blue, which means that Bluetooth is now turned on. , From the Windows desktop:
    Press ⊞ Win+S to launch search.

    Type “Bluetooth” into the search box, then press ↵ Enter.

    Make sure the switch is in the On position. , If you’re using a Mac:
    Click the Bluetooth icon (an angular, esoteric-looking symbol) at the top right corner of the screen.

    Select “Turn Bluetooth On.” If you don’t see the icon, click the Apple menu and navigate to “System Preferences > “Bluetooth” and check “Show Bluetooth in menu bar.” , Navigate to the Play Store (Android), the App Store (iOS), or the Windows Store (Windows) and search for the app called “Fitbit.” macOS
    10.5 users should download the Fitbit app from Fitbit’s macOS download page. , Once you’ve located the Fitbit app in the store, tap “Install” (Android), “Get” (iOS) or “Free” (Windows) to install it., If you’re using macOS, double-click the installer file you downloaded, and then:
    Follow the prompts to install the app.

    When the installation is complete, click “Set up New Fitbit Device.” The remaining screens will appear in a different order than the other platforms.

    Despite this, the information requested will be the same.

    Follow the on-screen instructions and use the remaining steps here for guidance.

    Click “New to Fitbit” and follow the prompts to create a new Fitbit account. , The app will open to a setup screen., A new screen will appear, containing a list of various Fitbit devices., Several Fitbit models look similar, so be sure you select the model that’s listed on the packaging for your Fitbit., This text appears just below the large illustration of your Fitbit.

    Once you select this option, an orange screen will appear., Now you’ll be prompted to answer some personal questions (height, gender, weight, and more) that will help your Fitbit dashboard provide accurate results.

    Tap “Next Step” after answering each question until you arrive at the screen that says “Now let’s put a name to those numbers.”, Fitbit will now create an account for you based on the information you’ve provided it thus far.

    Before you can proceed, you’ll need to agree to the terms of service.

    If you want to receive emails from Fitbit, check the box next to “Keep me updated.” ,, Now that the app is installed and your account is set up, it’s time to pair your Fitbit with your mobile device or computer., Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to turn on your Fitbit and put it into pairing mode.

    Until the device is paired, you’ll see the word “Searching” at the bottom of the Fitbit app.

    If you see a message that says “Is your powered on?” your device may not be charged, or the dongle or charging cable (if using a Surge or Blaze) may not be plugged in.

    Once the app finds your Fitbit, you’ll see a message that says “We found your !” , The app should now display the message “Enter the number you see on your .

    The numerical code should be visible on the face of your Fitbit.

    Once entered, the devices will automatically pair.

    If you are not prompted to enter a number, your model does not require one.

    If you are prompted to enter a code but do not see one on your Fitbit, check to make sure there is not a piece of black protective film over the face of your Fitbit.

    If the film is there, remove it with a fingernail. , The next several screens will show you tips on how to wear and use your Fitbit.

    These instructions and features vary across different models., After the brief walkthrough, you will be logged into Fitbit and sent to the main app screen.

    If prompted to turn on notifications or give Fitbit permission to access features on your mobile device, select “Yes” or “OK.” , Your Fitbit is set up to sync automatically as long as it’s paired with your device.

    When you’re ready to sync, make sure you’ve turned on Bluetooth on your device and that your Fitbit is less than 20 feet away.If your Fitbit requires a wireless dongle or charger cable to sync with a computer, make sure it’s plugged in to the computer. , If you don’t sync your Fitbit with a Mac, you can skip this step.

    Your Fitbit will sync with your Mac automatically throughout the day, as long as you’re in range.

    If you ever need to sync manually, open the Fitbit Connect app and click “Sync Manually.”To view your synced data, log in to the Fitbit dashboard online. , On all other devices, open the Fitbit app.

    The main dashboard will appear.

    This dashboard, which may be blank now, will soon display all of the data you sync from your Fitbit., To customize your sync settings, first select your Fitbit model.Android:
    Tap the ≡ menu and select “Devices.” Choose your Fitbit model from the list. iOS:
    Tap the “Account” icon on the bottom of the screen, then select your Fitbit model.

    Windows:
    Tap “Account” on the top of the screen, then choose your Fitbit model from the list. , On every platform, your Fitbit is set to automatically sync throughout the day.

    If you don’t want your Fitbit to sync automatically, flip the switch next to “All-Day Sync” to the Off position.

    If you turn off All-Day Sync, you can still sync your Fitbit manually.

    This is explained in the next step. , Whether or not your Fitbit is set up to sync automatically, you can always choose to sync manually.

    This may be helpful if you want to see recent activity from the last few minutes appear in your dashboard.

    From the dashboard: iOS:
    Tap the “Account” icon and tap “Sync Now.” Android:
    In the ≡ menu, tap “Devices.” Select your device and then tap “Sync Now.” Windows:
    Tap “Account” and select your Fitbit.

    Tap the sync icon above the bottom bar (it looks like a circle made from two arrows.) , Now that your Fitbit is all set up, it’s time to start tracking your movements.

    Be sure to read through your manual to learn about all of the features of your specific model.

    When you want to review your stats, just open the Fitbit app on your device to view your dashboard.

    By default, the app opens to the “Today” page, which shows your stats for the current day.

    For tips on using the dashboard, see Using Your Fitbit Dashboard.
  3. Step 3: Plug the wireless sync dongle into the computer.

  4. Step 4: Turn on Bluetooth on an Android.

  5. Step 5: Turn on Bluetooth for Windows 10 Mobile.

  6. Step 6: Turn on Bluetooth on a Windows PC.

  7. Step 7: Turn on Bluetooth on your Mac.

  8. Step 8: Locate the Fitbit app in your device’s app store.

  9. Step 9: Install the Fitbit app on your mobile or Windows device.

  10. Step 10: Install Fitbit for macOS.

  11. Step 11: Launch the Fitbit app on your mobile or Windows device.

  12. Step 12: Tap “Join Fitbit” to create a new account.

  13. Step 13: Select your Fitbit model from the list.

  14. Step 14: Tap “Set Up Your Fitbit ”.

  15. Step 15: Tap “Let’s Go”.

  16. Step 16: Enter your name

  17. Step 17: email address

  18. Step 18: and password.

  19. Step 19: Tap “Next Step.” Now you’ll see an illustration of your Fitbit

  20. Step 20: as well as any additional parts (e.g.

  21. Step 21: charger

  22. Step 22: dongles) it came with.

  23. Step 23: Tap “Next Step” again to pair your Fitbit.

  24. Step 24: Put the Fitbit into pairing mode.

  25. Step 25: Enter the numeric code from your Fitbit when prompted.

  26. Step 26: Tap “Next Step” and read through the wearing instructions.

  27. Step 27: Tap “Done” when prompted.

  28. Step 28: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

  29. Step 29: Syncing with your Mac.

  30. Step 30: Launch the Fitbit app.

  31. Step 31: Select your Fitbit.

  32. Step 32: Change automatic syncing preferences.

  33. Step 33: Sync your device manually.

  34. Step 34: Start using your dashboard.

Detailed Guide

Fitbit recommends pairing with a mobile device.

To make sure your Android, iPhone, iOS (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch), or Windows 10 (e.g., Lumia, Surface) will sync with your Fitbit, visit http://www.fitbit.com/devices and search for your device.If the device is not found, you can’t use it to sync your Fitbit.

If you don’t have a compatible mobile device, you can use a Windows 10 PC or macOS.

The Windows app is identical to the mobile app, but the macOS app has a different setup process.

Before you can pair your Fitbit with your Android, iPhone, iOS (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch), or Windows 10 mobile devices (such as a Lumia phone or Surface), it should have some battery charge., If you’re using a Fitbit that comes with a dongle (such as Surge) and plan to sync it with a computer, gently insert the dongle into an available USB port.If you plan to sync a Fitbit Blaze with a computer, connect it to the computer using the charging cable that came with the device. , If you’re using an Android device:
Open the Settings app and select “Bluetooth” (you may need to scroll down to find it).

Flip the switch below Bluetooth to the On position. , If you’re using a mobile Windows 10 device:
Swipe down from the top of the screen and select “Expand.” If the Bluetooth tile is gray, tap it once.

The tile will turn blue, which means that Bluetooth is now turned on. , From the Windows desktop:
Press ⊞ Win+S to launch search.

Type “Bluetooth” into the search box, then press ↵ Enter.

Make sure the switch is in the On position. , If you’re using a Mac:
Click the Bluetooth icon (an angular, esoteric-looking symbol) at the top right corner of the screen.

Select “Turn Bluetooth On.” If you don’t see the icon, click the Apple menu and navigate to “System Preferences > “Bluetooth” and check “Show Bluetooth in menu bar.” , Navigate to the Play Store (Android), the App Store (iOS), or the Windows Store (Windows) and search for the app called “Fitbit.” macOS
10.5 users should download the Fitbit app from Fitbit’s macOS download page. , Once you’ve located the Fitbit app in the store, tap “Install” (Android), “Get” (iOS) or “Free” (Windows) to install it., If you’re using macOS, double-click the installer file you downloaded, and then:
Follow the prompts to install the app.

When the installation is complete, click “Set up New Fitbit Device.” The remaining screens will appear in a different order than the other platforms.

Despite this, the information requested will be the same.

Follow the on-screen instructions and use the remaining steps here for guidance.

Click “New to Fitbit” and follow the prompts to create a new Fitbit account. , The app will open to a setup screen., A new screen will appear, containing a list of various Fitbit devices., Several Fitbit models look similar, so be sure you select the model that’s listed on the packaging for your Fitbit., This text appears just below the large illustration of your Fitbit.

Once you select this option, an orange screen will appear., Now you’ll be prompted to answer some personal questions (height, gender, weight, and more) that will help your Fitbit dashboard provide accurate results.

Tap “Next Step” after answering each question until you arrive at the screen that says “Now let’s put a name to those numbers.”, Fitbit will now create an account for you based on the information you’ve provided it thus far.

Before you can proceed, you’ll need to agree to the terms of service.

If you want to receive emails from Fitbit, check the box next to “Keep me updated.” ,, Now that the app is installed and your account is set up, it’s time to pair your Fitbit with your mobile device or computer., Follow the on-screen instructions in the app to turn on your Fitbit and put it into pairing mode.

Until the device is paired, you’ll see the word “Searching” at the bottom of the Fitbit app.

If you see a message that says “Is your powered on?” your device may not be charged, or the dongle or charging cable (if using a Surge or Blaze) may not be plugged in.

Once the app finds your Fitbit, you’ll see a message that says “We found your !” , The app should now display the message “Enter the number you see on your .

The numerical code should be visible on the face of your Fitbit.

Once entered, the devices will automatically pair.

If you are not prompted to enter a number, your model does not require one.

If you are prompted to enter a code but do not see one on your Fitbit, check to make sure there is not a piece of black protective film over the face of your Fitbit.

If the film is there, remove it with a fingernail. , The next several screens will show you tips on how to wear and use your Fitbit.

These instructions and features vary across different models., After the brief walkthrough, you will be logged into Fitbit and sent to the main app screen.

If prompted to turn on notifications or give Fitbit permission to access features on your mobile device, select “Yes” or “OK.” , Your Fitbit is set up to sync automatically as long as it’s paired with your device.

When you’re ready to sync, make sure you’ve turned on Bluetooth on your device and that your Fitbit is less than 20 feet away.If your Fitbit requires a wireless dongle or charger cable to sync with a computer, make sure it’s plugged in to the computer. , If you don’t sync your Fitbit with a Mac, you can skip this step.

Your Fitbit will sync with your Mac automatically throughout the day, as long as you’re in range.

If you ever need to sync manually, open the Fitbit Connect app and click “Sync Manually.”To view your synced data, log in to the Fitbit dashboard online. , On all other devices, open the Fitbit app.

The main dashboard will appear.

This dashboard, which may be blank now, will soon display all of the data you sync from your Fitbit., To customize your sync settings, first select your Fitbit model.Android:
Tap the ≡ menu and select “Devices.” Choose your Fitbit model from the list. iOS:
Tap the “Account” icon on the bottom of the screen, then select your Fitbit model.

Windows:
Tap “Account” on the top of the screen, then choose your Fitbit model from the list. , On every platform, your Fitbit is set to automatically sync throughout the day.

If you don’t want your Fitbit to sync automatically, flip the switch next to “All-Day Sync” to the Off position.

If you turn off All-Day Sync, you can still sync your Fitbit manually.

This is explained in the next step. , Whether or not your Fitbit is set up to sync automatically, you can always choose to sync manually.

This may be helpful if you want to see recent activity from the last few minutes appear in your dashboard.

From the dashboard: iOS:
Tap the “Account” icon and tap “Sync Now.” Android:
In the ≡ menu, tap “Devices.” Select your device and then tap “Sync Now.” Windows:
Tap “Account” and select your Fitbit.

Tap the sync icon above the bottom bar (it looks like a circle made from two arrows.) , Now that your Fitbit is all set up, it’s time to start tracking your movements.

Be sure to read through your manual to learn about all of the features of your specific model.

When you want to review your stats, just open the Fitbit app on your device to view your dashboard.

By default, the app opens to the “Today” page, which shows your stats for the current day.

For tips on using the dashboard, see Using Your Fitbit Dashboard.

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Patricia Ferguson

Committed to making DIY projects accessible and understandable for everyone.

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