Fitbit Charge 6: Restart vs. Reset: Step-by-Step Guide

Hey all, Ryan here. Today, I'll be diving into my Fitbit Charge 6: what's the difference between restarting and resetting it, and how do you do both? It's crucial to understand this, as one option wipes your data clean, while the other simply gives your device a fresh start without losing a thing.

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How to Restart Your Fitbit Charge 6 (No Data Lost)

Restarting your Fitbit Charge 6 is like giving your computer a quick reboot. It can help resolve minor glitches or improve performance without affecting your precious activity data, sleep logs, or settings. I'll show you two easy ways to do it.

Person plugging Fitbit Charge 6 into its USB charging cable with button, demonstrating the restart process.

My personal step-by-step for restarting the Fitbit Charge 6 using the dedicated button on its USB charger. This quick reboot helps resolve minor issues without losing any of your precious fitness data.

Method 1: The Charger Button Trick

This is my go-to method for a quick restart, and it’s super straightforward.

1. Grab the USB charger: The one that came with your Charge 6.

2. Locate the button: Look closely at the circular button on the charger itself. It's usually small and round.

3. Plug it in: Connect your Fitbit Charge 6 to the charger, ensuring it's properly seated.

4. The three-second, three-times hold: This is the key! Hold the button down for one second, release, then repeat two more times. So, it's:

Hold for 1 second.

Release.

Hold for 1 second.

Release.

Hold for 1 second.

Release.

5. Watch it restart: After this sequence, you'll see the screen go black, and then the familiar Fitbit logo will pop up. Your Charge 6 has restarted, and no data has been lost.

Collage showing the Fitbit Charge 6 on-screen restart process, with images of the home screen, settings menu, and "Restart Device" confirmation.

In case my charger isn't around, this is the second way I restart my Fitbit Charge 6. This process is just as effective and confirms that no data will be lost before the device reboots. I’ll walk you through the simple steps in the post.

Method 2: Restarting Through Settings

This method is just as effective and doesn't require the charger.

1. Swipe down: On your Fitbit Charge 6 screen, swipe down from the top.

2. Tap 'Settings': You'll see the settings icon there. Tap on it.

3. Scroll and find 'Restart Device': Scroll all the way up until you see the "Restart Device" option.

4. Confirm restart: Tap "Restart Device." You'll get a confirmation message stating that no data will be lost.

5. Tap 'Restart' again: Confirm your choice, and your device will go through the restart process, displaying a black screen before the Fitbit logo reappears. No data lost, just a fresh start.

A four-panel collage showing a person's hands holding a Fitbit Charge 6, navigating through the menus to perform a factory reset.

I’m navigating to the 'Clear User Data' menu on my Fitbit Charge 6 to perform a full factory reset. This process wipes all data and settings, so make sure you've synced your device before you go through with it

How to Reset Your Fitbit Charge 6 (Wipes All Data)

Now, this is a straight up reset. Resetting your Fitbit Charge 6 is essentially a factory reset. It will wipe all user data, disconnect the device from your phone, and return it to its original factory settings. This is useful if you're selling your device, giving it away, or encountering persistent software issues that a simple restart can't fix.

Important: Any unsynced data will be lost, so make sure to sync your Charge 6 with your Fitbit app before proceeding if there's anything you want to save.

Here's how to do it:

1. Swipe down to 'Settings': Just like with the restart method, swipe down from the top of your screen and tap "Settings."

2. Scroll to 'Device Info': This time, instead of "Restart Device," scroll down one more option until you see "Device Info." Tap on it.

3. Find 'Clear User Data': Inside "Device Info," you'll see options like "System Info" and "Regulatory Info." Scroll down, and you'll find "Clear User Data." Tap this.

4. Read the warning: Your Charge 6 will display a message explaining that this action clears your data and disconnects the device from your phone, and any unsynced data will be lost.

5. Hold for 3 seconds to confirm: You'll see a button that says "Hold for 3 seconds" or "Cancel." To proceed with the reset, press and hold that button for three full seconds.

6. The reset process: The screen will go black for a while as your device clears all the data.

7. Finally, the Fitbit logo will reappear, and your Charge 6 will be completely reset. It will prompt you to download the Fitbit mobile app and go through the initial setup steps as if it were brand new.

FAQs about Restarting and Resetting My Fitbit Charge 6

Q: Will I lose my data if I restart my Fitbit Charge 6?

A: No, Restarting your device is a quick reboot, similar to turning your phone off and on again. All of your activity data and settings will remain exactly where they were.

Q: When should I choose to restart my device instead of resetting it?

A: I always restart my device first if I'm experiencing a minor issue, like if it's running a bit slow or a feature isn't working correctly. I consider a full reset as a last resort for more persistent problems, or if I plan to give my Fitbit to someone else, like a family member.

Q: What exactly is cleared when I reset my Fitbit Charge 6?

A: A full reset—which I call clearing user data—wipes everything. This includes all my personal data, settings, and any unsynced activity. It also disconnects the device from my phone, returning it to its original factory state.

Q: Is there more than one way to restart the Fitbit Charge 6?

A: Yes, as I showed in the blog post, there are two ways. You can use the button on the USB charging cable, or you can go through the device's settings menu. I find the settings method is really handy if you don't have the charger with you.

Q: Do I need to be connected to my phone to perform a reset?

A: You don't need to be connected during the reset itself, but remember that any unsynced data will be lost. So, if you have data you want to save, I highly recommend syncing your Fitbit to your phone right before you perform the reset.

Till the next one

Ryan