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Setting up your Fitbit: How to set up the Charge, Versa, etc

NextPit fitbit sense versa charge 4 setup
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You've snagged yourself a brand new Fitbit tracker. The question is, how do you set it up? In this tutorial, we will show you how you can connect your Fitbit Charge, Versa or Sense to your smartphone or computer. We also have a few tips that can help you get you started right away.

In order to use your Fitbit tracker, you will need a Fitbit account first. You only need to connect your Versa, Charge, Sense and other compatible devices to your account once. If you were to log in to your account on other devices after the initial setup, all of the data would have been synchronized and are readily available.

NextPit fitbit sense phone app
Learn how to set up your Fitbit tracker and connect it to the Fitbit app / © NextPit

Contents:

  1. Setting up Fitbit fitness trackers with Android/iOS.
  2. Connecting your Fitbit fitness tracker to your computer
  3. Synchronizing and setting up key features

1. Setting up your Fitbit fitness tracker to an Android/iOS device

The easiest and fastest method of setting up a Fitbit tracker is to do so with your smartphone. The process to connect it to your iOS or Android device is identical. In any case, it is important that your smartphone's Bluetooth connection is turned on and your Fitbit tracker is charged to a reasonable level.

1.1 Installing the Fitbit app on your smartphone

First, you will need to install the Fitbit app on your smartphone in order to set up the tracker.

Huawei smartphone users can locate the Fitbit app via Petal Search.

1.2 Create a Fitbit account

After installing the app, the Fitbit app will ask you to either log in using your existing account or create a new account. Just follow the instructions shown on the screen to proceed.

If you already have a Fitbit account, you can skip this step and log in directly using your existing credentials.

1.3 Connect your Fitbit tracker to your account

In the next step, you will connect the Fitbit tracker to your Fitbit account. If you have just created a new account in step 1.2, the app will automatically search for new devices.

NextPit fitbit setup smartphone 01
Once you've created your account or logged into the app, add the fitness tracker. During the setup process, you'll need to enter a code from the Fitbit tracker on your smartphone (right). / © NextPit

Otherwise, click on your profile picture in the top left corner of the app. In that menu, you will find the item "Set up a device" at the top, which will begin the search process. It is important for you to select the correct device in this step. If the app is on the lookout for a Versa 3 but you have a Charge 4 instead, the setup might not work.

Tip: For increased security, you should activate two-factor authentication in your account. You can find the option under "Account settings" and "Two-factor authentication".

2. Connectingyour Fitbit fitness tracker to your computer

As an alternative to your smartphone, you can also set up your Fitbit fitness tracker to connect to your computer. In order to do this, you will need the software known as Fitbit Connect, which is available for Windows 10 and (theoretically) macOS X. Unfortunately, the Fitbit application for macOS X is outdated and no longer functions well on the latest version of the operating system.

NextPit fitbit setup mac 01
It doesn't get any newer than the Charge 2. Unfortunately, Fitbit Connect for macOS X is outdated / © NextPit

2.1 Download and install Fitbit Connect

To connect the Fitbit tracker to your computer, you need the right software. Currently (as of July 2021), we do not recommend the macOS X version.

2.2 Create a Fitbit account

To connect your Fitbit tracker to your computer, you'll also need a Fitbit account. When you first launch Fitbit Connect, it will present you with the option to "set up a new device". If you do not have a Fitbit account yet, click "New to Fitbit" and follow the subsequent instructions that are displayed in the browser to finish setting up your account.

If you already have a Fitbit account, simply click on "Existing User" in Fitbit Connect and log in using your email and password.

2.3 Connecting your Fitbit tracker to your account

Once you have logged into Fitbit Connect with your new or old account, you can connect your Charge, Sense, Versa, and other compatible devices. Make sure your computer has Bluetooth turned on. Follow it up by clicking on the business card icon in the top right corner of the app (second from the right).

From there, select the correct Fitbit device and follow the instructions displayed in the app to connect. If you've connected the device to your account from your computer, you don't need to perform these steps on your smartphone - all you need to do is to log in using your email and password.

NextPit fitbit setup computer 01
In the Windows 10 application, first click on the business card icon in the upper right corner and then add your fitness tracker in this window / © NextPit

3. Synchronizing and setting up the most important functions

The following step would see us provide a few more tips on how to get started with your newly set up fitness tracker in order to obtain maximum benefits from your Charge, Versa, Sense, and compatible device.

The first step is simple: wear your newly set up fitness tracker for as often as possible in order to let it collect data about your body and lifestyle habits. The Fitbit tracker will be able to collect the following metrics even without your intervention:

  • Sleep duration and quality.
  • Steps taken and distance traveled.
  • Floors climbed.
  • Calories burned.
  • Heart rate and resting pulse.

Make sure you pay close attention to the battery level and charge the tracker as and when required to avoid gaps in the data collection.

Synchronization: Manual and automatic

Basically, you don't have to do anything else to synchronize your data. The Fitbit tracker will automatically connect and transfer data whenever the device is within range of a computer or smartphone automatically with the existing app after the initial set up.

Alternatively, you can also perform a manual synchronization. You can do this in the device settings that you have set up by clicking the "Sync now" button. Alternatively, you can simply drag the home screen of the app down on the smartphone to begin the synchronization.

NextPit fitbit setup smartphone 02
Manually syncing data works by dragging the app's homescreen down (left). If you track your workouts, you'll be rewarded with detailed data (middle and right). / © NextPit

Tracking your workouts

While your Fitbit tracker automatically tracks your everyday activity, you also have the option of tracking your workouts manually. Whenever you're running or cycling, you can admire the distance that you've covered afterwards.

By manually beginning these training sessions via the fitness tracker itself or the app, you can review your performance later on how successful you have been with your training plan. In addition, selected data and metrics, such as the heart rate or times spent in different pulse ranges can be better tracked.

Tracking your nutrition

You can also use the Fitbit app to track your nutrition intake. This is especially important if you are interested in keeping track of your weight. You can then calculate your calorie intake against the number of calories consumed.

The difference will then (theoretically) determine whether you are gaining or losing weight. In reality, of course, it is a bit more complex than simple calorie intake (or deficit), so I would recommend the following articles when it comes to determining calorie consumption.

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Stefan Möllenhoff

Stefan Möllenhoff
Head of Content Production

I have been writing about technology since 2004 with a strong passion for smartphones, photography, and IoT, especially in the world of smart homes and AI ever since they debuted. I'm also an avid cook and bake pizza at least three times a week using my Ooni Koda 16. In order to compensate for all the consumed calories, I indulge in sporting activities on a daily basis while strapping on at least two fitness trackers. I am strongly convinced that you can DIY a lot of things if you put your mind to it - including a photovoltaic system and power station.

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