How To Charge A Fitbit Watch Without the Charger? [5 Methods]

Fitbit watches are popular among people who want to track their daily activities. And while Fitbit watches come with a charging cable, you don’t always have its charger handy, especially when your watch runs out of battery. 

The worst part? — It almost always happens at the most inconvenient times, like when you’re traveling and forget to bring your charger with you. 

Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to charge your Fitbit without a charger. If you’re wondering how to charge a Fitbit watch without a charger, you’ve come to the right place.

In today’s post, I will share 5 different methods to charge your Fitbit without the charger. 

How to Charge a Fitbit Watch Without the Charger?

Here are the five working methods for charging a Fitbit watch without a charger.

Method #1 — USB Port

If you forgot to bring your Fitbit watch charger but have access to a computer or laptop, you can use its USB port to charge your device. Most computers as well as laptops have a USB port that you can use as a power source to charge your Fitbit watch.

All you need to do to charge your Fitbit watch is simply connect any USB cable you can find to your computer or laptop’s USB port and use to it charge your Fitbit watch. 

However, keep in mind that charging your Fitbit watch through a USB port may take longer than using a wall charger, as USB ports typically provide lower power output.

Method #2 — Wall Adapter

If you have access to a wall charger but don’t have your Fitbit charger, you can still charge your watch using a wall charger. 

You’ll need a USB-to-wall adapter, which you can purchase at most electronics stores or online. Simply connect the charging cable to the USB-to-wall adapter and plug it into an electrical outlet to charge your Fitbit watch.

This method is especially useful if you have access to a wall outlet and want to charge your Fitbit watch quickly.

Method #3 — Power Bank

Another method to charge your Fitbit watch without a charger is using a power bank.

As you may already know, a power bank is basically a portable charger that you can use to charge your devices on the go. To use a power bank to charge your Fitbit watch, all you need is the charging cable to connect. 

Simply plug the charging cable into a power bank and attach your Fitbit watch to the other end of the cable and wait for some time to charge.

Power banks come in different capacities, so be sure to choose one that will provide enough power to fully charge your watch.

Method #4 — Replaceable Battery

While most Fitbit watches don’t have a replaceable battery, some models, such as the Fitbit Zip, do. 

If you have a Fitbit with a replaceable battery, simply remove the battery from the back of the watch and replace it with a new one to power up your watch. 

However, keep in mind that this method may not be as cost-effective as other methods, as you’ll need to purchase replacement batteries.

Method #5 — Make a DIY Charger

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making your own charger, you can do so using a few basic materials. You’ll need a USB cable, a small piece of copper wire, and a 9-volt battery. 

First, strip the ends of the USB cable and copper wire, and connect them together. Then, connect the other end of the copper wire to the positive (+) terminal of the 9-volt battery. 

Finally, connect the USB cable to your Fitbit watch and wait for it to charge. 

Keep in mind that this method is not recommended and may damage your Fitbit watch if not done correctly.

How To Check If the Fitbit Watch is Charging?

If you own a Fitbit watch or planning to buy one, it’s important to know how to check if your device is charging properly.

Here are a few ways to check if your Fitbit watch is charging or not.

• Look for the charging icon — When your Fitbit watch is charging, it should display a charging icon on the screen. This icon typically looks like a battery with a lightning bolt in it. If you see this icon on your watch face, it means that your watch is charging properly.

• Check the battery level — You can also check the battery level of your Fitbit watch while it’s charging. To do this, swipe down from the top of the watch face to access the quick settings menu. Look for the battery icon, which will show you the current battery level of your watch. If the battery level is increasing while your watch is charging, it means that the charging process is working.

• Use the Fitbit app — The Fitbit app can also be used to check the charging status of your watch. Simply open the app on your phone and look for the battery icon in the top right corner of the screen. This icon will show you the current battery level of your watch, as well as whether it’s currently charging or not.

However, if your Fitbit watch is not charging, you might want to check if your charging cable is properly connected to both your device and the power source. 

If the connection is secure, it’s possible that your charging cable is damaged. In this case, you should try using a different charging cable to see if it resolves the charging issue.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Fitbit?

The length of time it takes to charge a Fitbit varies depending on the model and the charging method used. In general, it takes approximately 1-2 hours to fully charge a Fitbit watch. However, it’s important to note that the charging time can be affected by several factors like the charging method and the age of the battery. 

For example, if you’re using a USB port to charge your Fitbit watch, it may take longer compared to a wall adapter or power bank.

 The reason, as I had mentioned earlier, is that USB ports provide lower power output compared to a wall adapter.

Furthermore,  if your Fitbit battery is older, it may take longer to charge or may not hold a charge for as long as it used to. 

To ensure that your Fitbit watch charges as quickly and efficiently as possible, it’s a good idea to use the recommended charging method for your device

Tips to Charge Your Fitbit the Right Way

If you want to get the most out of your Fitbit and increase its longevity, you must learn to keep it properly charged. Here are a few tips on how to charge your Fitbit the right way.

Use the Original Charger

Fitbit chargers are specifically designed for their devices. This means they deliver the correct amount of power to the watch without causing any damage. 

Using a third-party charger that delivers too much or too little power can harm your Fitbit watch and potentially lead to safety hazards. 

Additionally, if you lose your original charger, it’s best to buy a replacement directly from Fitbit to ensure it’s the right fit for your device.

Clean the Charging Port Regularly

Regular cleaning of your Fitbit’s charging port is essential to ensure it charges properly. Dirt, dust, and sweat can accumulate in the port and cause charging issues. 

To clean the port, use a dry cloth or a cotton swab. Be gentle and avoid using water or any liquids as they can damage the watch. 

If you notice any damage or debris that you can’t remove with a cloth or cotton swab, visit the local Fitbit service branch for assistance.

Let Battery Drain Below 20% Before Charging

Lithium-ion batteries used in Fitbit watches have a limited number of charge cycles. A charge cycle is a full discharge and recharge of the battery, and each cycle decreases the battery’s capacity. 

By waiting until the battery drains below 20%, you’re making the most of each cycle and extending the battery’s overall lifespan. 

Additionally, it’s important not to let your Fitbit’s battery completely drain as this can also harm the battery.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

High temperatures can cause damage to your Fitbit watch’s battery life. Heat causes the battery to degrade faster, leading to a shorter lifespan. 

In extremely cold temperatures, the battery can become too cold to charge properly. The recommended temperature range for Fitbit watches is between 32°F and 113°F (0°C to 45°C). 

So, it’s best to avoid exposing your Fitbit to temperatures outside of this range.

Unplug Once It’s Fully Charged

Leaving your Fitbit watch plugged in after it’s fully charged can lead to overcharging, which can harm the battery in the long run. 

When a battery is overcharged, it generates excess heat, which can cause the battery to degrade faster. To prevent this, unplug your Fitbit watch once it’s fully charged. 

If you’re unsure when your Fitbit is fully charged, check the battery icon on the watch face or in the Fitbit app.

Conclusion

As you have just learned, there are several ways to charge your Fitbit watch without a charger. 

With these alternative charging methods, you can easily charge your Fitbit watch without a charger and continue tracking your daily activities and achieving your fitness goals, no matter where you are.

However, I’d recommend always having a backup charging method in case you forget your charger or find yourself in a situation where you can’t access one. 

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