Fitbit Wearable Error Code 1: How to Fix It
Easy 5-20 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 1
- Brand
- Fitbit
- Product Type
- wearable
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated Fix Time
- 5-20 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Smartphone with Fitbit app installed
- Stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection (for app updates)
- Fitbit device charged to at least 20% battery
How to Fix Error Code 1
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Restart Bluetooth on Your Phone
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Restart Your Fitbit Device
Do not force-reset your Fitbit by removing the battery — this is not supported on most models and can cause damage. Use only the button-press restart method. -
Force-Close and Reopen the Fitbit App
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Check for Fitbit App and Phone Software Updates
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Remove and Re-Pair Your Fitbit in the App
Removing your Fitbit from the app will not delete your historical health data — it is saved to your Fitbit account in the cloud. However, any unsynced data stored only on the device may be lost. Attempt earlier sync steps before removing the device. -
Disable Battery Saver and Background App Restrictions
-
Restart Your Phone Completely
-
Try Syncing Near Your Phone with Other Bluetooth Devices Off
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When to Call a Professional
Contact Fitbit Support (support.google.com/fitbit) if Error Code 1 persists after completing all steps above, if your Fitbit fails to appear in your phone's Bluetooth device list entirely, or if the device screen is frozen or unresponsive and cannot be restarted. You should also reach out to Fitbit Support if your device is under warranty and the hardware Bluetooth radio may be faulty — they can arrange a replacement. If your device is out of warranty and none of the software fixes work, the Bluetooth hardware in the tracker may have failed and the device likely needs to be replaced.Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Fitbit keep showing Error Code 1 every day?
Recurring Error Code 1 is usually caused by your phone's battery optimization settings killing the Fitbit app in the background. Go to your phone's app battery settings and set the Fitbit app to 'Unrestricted' so it can maintain its Bluetooth connection. On iPhone, enable Background App Refresh for the Fitbit app in Settings.
Will I lose my Fitbit data if I remove and re-pair my device?
Your historical health and activity data synced to your Fitbit account is safe and stored in the cloud — it will not be deleted when you remove the device from the app. The only data at risk is activity recorded since your last successful sync that has not yet been uploaded. Try all earlier troubleshooting steps before removing the device to minimize data loss.
My Fitbit won't sync after my phone updated — what do I do?
Phone OS updates frequently reset Bluetooth permissions for third-party apps. After a phone update, open your phone's Settings, find the Fitbit app in your app list, and re-grant Bluetooth and location permissions. Then restart both your phone and your Fitbit and try syncing again. Also check the App Store or Google Play for a Fitbit app update that may include compatibility fixes for the new OS version.
Does Fitbit Error Code 1 mean my tracker is broken?
Not usually. Error Code 1 almost always points to a software, settings, or connection issue rather than broken hardware. The vast majority of users resolve it by restarting Bluetooth, restarting the Fitbit device, or re-pairing in the app. Only if your Fitbit's Bluetooth radio is physically damaged — which is rare — would hardware repair or replacement be needed.
Can I sync my Fitbit without Bluetooth using Wi-Fi?
Most Fitbit trackers and smartwatches sync exclusively via Bluetooth to the Fitbit app on your phone. Some newer Fitbit smartwatch models (like Fitbit Sense and Versa series) can connect to Wi-Fi for music downloads and app updates, but health data syncing still requires Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and that your Fitbit is within range.