If you’ve just acquired a Fitbit device, setting it up will be your first task before you can start wearing and using it. Different Fitbit devices are set up in different ways, but some of the steps are the same for all devices. So, we’ve put this handy guide together to walk you through how to set up a Fitbit.
Connecting The Device To A Charger
Before you can start using your Fitbit, you’ll need to connect it to a Fitbit account using a computer, tablet, or smartphone so that it can transfer data to and from the device. No matter which type of Fitbit you’ve bought, you’ll need to connect your device to its charger before setting up your device.
Creating Your Fitbit Account
The most up-to-date Fitbit devices will require you to have an Android phone or iPhone to operate. You need to check that your phone works with Fitbit’s app. If yours isn’t compatible, there is a computer program, Fitbit Connect. This will allow you to set up some types of Fitbit devices on a Windows or Mac computer without you needing to have a compatible smartphone or tablet.
Setting Up Using The Fitbit App
When you set up certain types of Fitbit devices using an Android smartphone, you will see a notification on the screen that starts the process of setting up your device. Just tap on the notification, then follow the instructions on the screen to set the device up.
You can set the Fitbit device up with Fitbit’s app by following these instructions:
Download the Fitbit app and install it on your device. You can download it from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Microsoft Store.
Once the app has been installed, you can open up the app and select “Join Fitbit.”
Follow the instructions onscreen to set up your new Fitbit account. You will then be able to pair the Fitbit device to the tablet or phone. Pairing allows the devices to communicate with each other and sync data.
When you create your Fitbit account, you’ll need to enter information such as:
- Birth date
- Weight
- Sex
- Height
This is to calculate the length of your stride and estimate calorie burn, distance, and basal metabolic rate. Your profile picture, first name, and last initial can be seen by other Fitbit users. You can decide whether or not to share your other details with users. However, most information you supply to create your account will be automatically private.
Once you reach this point, the type of Fitbit device you have purchased will determine your next steps.
Fitbit Ionic, Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, or Sense Setup
Suppose you have a Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit Versa, Versa 2, Versa 3, or Fitbit Sense. In that case, you’ll receive a prompt to connect the device to the Wi-Fi network. The device will then use the Wi-Fi connection to set the watch up, download apps and playlists, and receive Fitbit OS and firmware updates. It’s best to connect your device to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
Fitbit Charge 5 Setup
If you have a Fitbit Charge 5, your phone may share your location with the tracker, reducing how long it takes the inbuilt GPS sensor to connect for the first time with the GPS satellites. Therefore, you’ll need to ensure that you’ve enabled location permissions on your phone for your Fitbit app.
Setting Up Your Fitbit Aria Or Aria 2
Your Aria device will connect with your Wi-Fi network. You can set up your device using a Wi-Fi-enabled phone, tablet, or computer. Just follow these steps:
- Restart your phone, tablet, or computer and ensure the browser permits cookies.
- Open up the web browser and visit fitbit.com/scale/setup/start.
- Tap on “Get Started.” Then, when a pop-up message appears, tap it once more.
- Sign into your Fitbit account.
- Give your Aria a name, then enter the initials you want to see when it recognizes you.
- Put the device into its setup mode by taking out the battery for ten seconds before reinserting it.
- When the display reads “setup active,” tap on continue.
- Switch the phone, tablet, or computer to the same Wi-Fi network as the Aria device.
- Go back to the web browser, tapping “I’m Connected.”
- Select your wireless network from the list and enter the network password.
- Tap on “submit,” then check for a tick or smiley face to show your device is connected.
Using Fitbit Connect To Set Up Your Device
At present, it’s possible to use the Fitbit Connect application on your PC or Mac to sync your new Fitbit device and set it up. However, in October 2022, this option is being removed. You will then be required to download the Fitbit app to a smartphone or tablet to set up and sync the Fitbit device.
At the moment, if you have no compatible tablet or smartphone, setting up and syncing most Fitbit devices is possible on your PC or Mac using the free Fitbit Connect software. You can either use a Bluetooth-enabled computer to achieve this or, alternatively, use a dongle for wireless syncing to set up the Fitbit device and sync it. Although your device will probably not have been supplied with the necessary dongle, it’s possible to purchase one separately.
Installing Fitbit Connect and setting up your new Fitbit device can be done by following these steps:
- Make sure your computer’s Bluetooth is switched on and enabled. Alternatively, insert your wireless sync dongle into your computer’s USB port.
- Access the internet and enter fitbit.com/global/us/setup.
- When you access the site, scroll down to click on the pink button marked “Download.”
- Once the download has been completed, double-click on the downloaded file and begin the installation.
- Once the file is installed, you’ll receive a prompt to Set Up your new Fitbit Device. Select this option.
- Follow the instructions onscreen and create your Fitbit account before connecting your device.
Now you know the steps to follow to set up different Fitbit devices, you can start syncing your new device.
Read Next: The Fitbit App explained and 6 things you might not know you can do with it.
Follow us on social media to stay up to date with our latest articles
|
Last Updated on October 5, 2022
Emma brings over a decade of freelance copy and content writing experience and is our Editor, Social Media Manager, and regular contributor. Specializing in long-form content such as blogs, articles, lead magnets, and white papers, Emma also provides businesses with email marketing, website copy, and landing pages.