To remove a Fitbit device from your account, you must first unlink it in the Fitbit app and then perform a separate factory reset on the device itself. This two-step process protects your personal data and ensures the new owner can complete Fitbit setup and syncing without any issues, much like when you first set it up by pairing your Fitbit.
Why you need to remove a Fitbit device from your account
Removing a Fitbit device from your account is essential before selling it, giving it away, or upgrading. It serves two critical purposes: protecting your privacy by ensuring your personal data stays with you, and allowing the new owner to pair the device to their own account, if you are passing it to a child, you will also need to set up a Fitbit family account setup for them. A common mistake is thinking that removing the device from your account is enough. In reality, you must complete a two-step process: first, remove the device from your Fitbit account via the app, and second, perform a factory reset on the device itself to erase all stored data.
How to remove a Fitbit device from your account in the app
Removing a device from your account is straightforward and takes only a few taps. Follow these steps in the Fitbit app:
- Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Tap the account icon, typically located in the upper-left or upper-right corner of the screen.
- Select the specific device you want to remove from the list of connected devices.
- Tap "Remove This [Device]" and confirm your decision when prompted.
Once confirmed, the device is unlinked from your account. However, your personal data remains on the device itself, which is why the next step is critical.
The crucial next step: factory reset your Fitbit device
Removing a Fitbit device from your account does not erase personal data stored on the device, including apps, stored data, personal information, credit and debit cards (for devices with contactless payments), and saved settings. Before giving your Fitbit device to another person or returning it, you must erase the device. Factory reset instructions vary by model. Below are verified steps for specific devices, plus a general rule for others.
Fitbit Ace 2
- Connect the Ace 2 to its charging cable.
- On your Fitbit device, open the "Settings" app.
- Select "Clear User Data". If "Clear User Data" is not visible, close and reopen the Settings app while the Ace 2 is connected to the charger.
- When prompted, press the screen for 3 seconds and then release.
- Your data is erased when the tracker vibrates and the clock screen appears.
Fitbit Versa Lite Edition
- Open the "Settings" app on your watch.
- Select "About".
- Select "Factory Reset".
Fitbit Flyer
To erase the Fitbit Flyer and clear all paired devices from memory, and set the language for voice prompts to English, press the following buttons in this order: Up, Down, Up, Down, Up, Select.
Other Fitbit devices
For other devices not specifically listed, your data is automatically cleared when the device is paired to a new account. This means you can skip the factory reset step if you are confident the new owner will pair it immediately.
A note on the Aria Air scale
The Aria Air scale does not store personal data, so it does not require a factory reset. Simply removing it from your Fitbit account is sufficient to protect your privacy.
Final checklist before you give away your Fitbit
Before handing over your Fitbit device, complete these two essential steps:
- Remove the device from your Fitbit account using the app.
- Perform a factory reset to clear all personal information from the device (unless you own an Aria Air scale or are certain the new owner will pair it immediately).
