Fitbit Sleep Tracking: What Went Wrong?

Fitbit devices are designed to track sleep patterns and quality. However, some users have reported issues with their devices not recording their sleep data accurately or at all. This could be due to various reasons, such as incorrect device placement, low battery, or changes in sleep settings. Users with wrist tattoos have also reported issues with sleep tracking, as the light sensors may not work properly against opaque surfaces like tattoos. Troubleshooting steps to resolve these issues include wearing the device correctly, ensuring proper syncing, checking battery levels, and adjusting sleep settings.

Fitbit not worn correctly

If your Fitbit is not worn correctly, it may not track your sleep. Here are some tips to ensure your Fitbit is worn properly:

Firstly, ensure that you have selected the correct band type for your device. Fitbit devices like the Fitbit Charge 2, 3, and 4 have detachable bands that can be replaced with accessory bands. The top band has a watch buckle, while the bottom band has notches. Make sure to slide the pin into the hole in the frame and lock it securely.

Additionally, adjust the band to your wrist size. For the gorjana Parker Link Bracelet accessory for Luxe, you can adjust the bracelet by adding or removing links. To remove a link, open two clasps and take out the link in between. For the Fitbit Flex 2, choose between the large and small band provided, and transfer the clasp from one band to the other by pushing it out from the inside.

It is also important to ensure that your wrist setting in the Fitbit app matches the wrist you wear your device on, whether it is your dominant or non-dominant wrist.

Leather, metal, knit, or woven accessory bands are intended for normal daily activity and not for high-intensity workouts or sleep. These bands are not water-resistant, so be sure to avoid soaking them and only clean them by dampening a cloth with water.

If you believe your Fitbit is not tracking your sleep due to incorrect wear, try adjusting the band, ensuring the wrist settings are correct, and choosing the appropriate band type for your activities and sleep.

Fitbit not synced properly

If your Fitbit is not syncing properly, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and fix the issue. Firstly, check that your Fitbit app is open and that you have the latest version of the app installed on your phone or tablet. Ensure that your phone or tablet's Bluetooth setting is turned on and that your device is not managing multiple Bluetooth connections, as this can cause connectivity issues with your Fitbit.

If the issue persists, try restarting your phone or tablet and your Fitbit device. You can also try removing your Fitbit from the list of paired devices on your phone or tablet's Bluetooth settings, then restarting your device and re-pairing your Fitbit. Additionally, you can try force-quitting the Fitbit app and restarting your phone's Bluetooth connection before manually syncing your Fitbit again.

If your Fitbit still won't sync, you can try re-syncing your tracker two times in a row to see if the data is simply delayed in appearing on your app. You can also try restarting your Fitbit multiple times in a row, as this has been reported to resolve syncing issues for some users.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact Fitbit Customer Support for further assistance.

Fitbit battery too low

If your Fitbit's battery is too low, it may not be able to track your sleep. This is because the device needs sufficient power to operate and record your sleep data throughout the night. If the battery runs out of power during your sleep, you will likely wake up to a Fitbit that has shut down and is no longer tracking.

To prevent this from happening, it is important to ensure your Fitbit is adequately charged before going to bed. Most Fitbit models have a battery life of around 5 to 7 days, depending on usage and settings. Try to develop a habit of charging your Fitbit regularly, perhaps once every few days, to ensure it always has enough power. You can also set a specific time during the day for charging, so it becomes a part of your routine.

Additionally, you can take advantage of features like Sleep Mode, which is available on some Fitbit models. Sleep Mode allows you to schedule a specific time range during which your Fitbit will automatically enter sleep tracking mode, saving battery life during the day. This can be especially useful if you have a consistent sleep schedule. By using Sleep Mode, you can maximize battery life and ensure your Fitbit has enough power to track your sleep throughout the night.

If you find that your Fitbit's battery is draining too quickly, even with regular charging, there are a few things you can try. First, check your Fitbit’s settings and disable any features you don't need during sleep tracking. For example, you might turn off the 'All-Day Sync' option, which continuously syncs your data with the app, and instead enable 'SmartSync' to sync only during certain times of the day. You can also try lowering the brightness of your display or adjusting the 'Quick View' or 'Wrist Detection' settings.

In summary, a Fitbit with a low battery may not be able to track your sleep throughout the night. To prevent this, make sure to charge your Fitbit regularly and take advantage of power-saving features like Sleep Mode. If you're still experiencing battery drainage issues, adjust your settings to disable unnecessary features during sleep tracking. By following these steps, you can ensure your Fitbit has enough power to track your sleep effectively.

Fitbit software not updated

One of the reasons your Fitbit might not be tracking your sleep is because the software is not updated. Fitbit releases software updates regularly to improve the performance and functionality of its devices. These updates can include new features, improvements to existing features,

Fitbit worn on tattooed wrist

If your Fitbit is not tracking your sleep, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. Firstly, check if your Fitbit is synced properly. If not, force quit the Fitbit app and restart your phone's Bluetooth connection before trying to sync again. If this does not work, try restarting your Fitbit by turning it off and on again. You can also try restarting your Fitbit multiple times in a row, as this has worked for some users.

Another solution is to check for updates to ensure that your Fitbit device and the Fitbit app have the latest versions installed. Software updates can sometimes fix bugs or issues affecting sleep tracking. If the issue persists, perform a factory reset on your Fitbit, but remember to sync your data first as this will erase your device's data. After the reset, set up your Fitbit again and check your sleep settings to ensure that sleep tracking is enabled.

In addition to the above, it is important to ensure that your Fitbit is worn correctly. Wrist-based Fitbits automatically detect your sleep when worn to bed, so make sure your device is positioned higher on your wrist, about 2-3 finger widths above the wrist bone. The band should be snug but not too tight.

If your Fitbit is still not tracking your sleep, your wrist tattoos may be interfering with the device's sensors. Several users with tattooed wrists have reported issues with sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. The type of ink, colour, and depth of the tattoo may be factors, with some users suggesting that black ink, in particular, seems to cause problems. If you are unable to find a spot on your wrist that works, you may need to consider wearing your Fitbit on your other wrist or trying a different model or brand of fitness tracker.

Frequently asked questions