The Fitbit Charge 5 charges through a small clip-on charger whose metal pins press against contacts on the back of the tracker, and when it will not charge the problem is nearly always a film on those contacts, a charger that is not properly clipped on or a weak power source. The Charge 5 is slim, and the charging clip has to be placed so that the pins meet the pads; if it is slightly misaligned, nothing happens. Take the clip off, wipe the pins and the tracker's pads with a dry cloth and, if there is residue,
The checks in more detail
with a cotton swab and a little isopropyl alcohol, and allow them to dry. Check that no lint or hair sits in the clip. Place the clip on the back of the tracker so that the pins touch and the charger snaps on, and look for the battery icon on the tracker's screen. The adapter matters. Use a wall adapter that supplies about five volts and not a weak computer port, and try another cable. The clip's cable can be damaged near the plug, so test it with another Charge 5 charger if you can.
A tracker that has run flat may take a few minutes to show the charging icon, so leave it connected. Keep the tracker dry; sweat on the pads causes intermittent charging, so wipe the back after workouts and let it dry before charging. A band that has been in water or a hot sauna can have moisture in the contacts. Restart the tracker as the Fitbit help page explains; for the Charge 5 this is done by holding the button on the side for a few seconds, or by using the clip's contact to trigger a reset when it will not respond.
Make sure the Fitbit app is up to date, and sync once it charges. If the tracker charges to full and drains within a day, check the always-on display setting and the number of workout and notification features, which change battery life, and consider the age of the battery. If the Charge 5 will not charge after cleaning, a new cable and a restart, it should be replaced or repaired, and Fitbit can help with the serial number from the app or the receipt. Some owners find a replacement charger fixes it, and they are inexpensive.
Differential
Likely causes of “Fitbit Charge 5 will not charge”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A film on the contacts
What separates it The charger does not register
How to confirm Wipe the pins and pads and dry them
- 2
A clip that is misaligned
What separates it No battery icon appears
How to confirm Re-seat it until it snaps on
- 3
A weak adapter or damaged cable
What separates it Slow or no charging
How to confirm Use a wall adapter and test another cable
- 4
Moisture on the pads
What separates it Charging starts and stops
How to confirm Dry the tracker and wait
- 5
A worn battery
What separates it Quick drain after full charge
How to confirm Contact Fitbit
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Whether the battery icon appears
- The adapter used
- Whether the pads look dirty
- The tracker's age
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedClean pins and pads
ReversibleDry cloth and alcohol.
Re-seat the clip
ReversibleUntil it snaps.
Use a wall adapter
ReversibleAnd test another cable.
Dry the tracker
ReversibleIf it was wet.
Restart it
ReversiblePer Fitbit's help.
Contact Fitbit
ReversibleIf nothing works.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Clip charger
- Pins must meet the pads.
- Sweat
- It causes intermittent charging.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If it will not charge with a clean clip and a new cable, contact Fitbit
- !Stop using a tracker with a swollen back
- !Keep the receipt
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Why will my Charge 5 not charge?+
A film on the contacts or a misaligned clip.
Can I use any USB adapter?+
A five-volt wall adapter is best.
How long does it take?+
About two hours from flat.
Can I buy another charger?+
Yes, replacement clips are inexpensive.