Fitbits are great smartwatches with a variety of capabilities. However, some users have reported that their Fitbit is inconsistently tracking their sleep or not tracking their sleep at all anymore. To help, we’ve researched what to do if you’re Fitbit isn’t tracking your sleep. 

If a Fitbit stops automatically tracking sleep, restart it using the specific directions for that Fitbit model. If the Fitbit is still not tracking sleep automatically, users can adjust the device’s sleep sensitivity level or start and stop the sleep tracker manually using the Fitbit app.

In this article, we’ll cover a few ways you can troubleshoot your Fitbit if it stops recording your sleep.

Why is My Fitbit Not Tracking Sleep?

To properly troubleshoot your Fitbit when it isn’t tracking or recording your sleep, it helps to understand how Fitbits track sleep in the first place. Fitbit registers that you are sleeping after an hour of no motion. Therefore, if you take a nap for less than an hour, your Fitbit will not recognize it as sleep. 

First, make sure your Fitbit is snug on your wrist before going to sleep to ensure the most accurate sleep tracking. However, if your Fitbit still doesn’t track your sleep, try the following troubleshooting tips: 

Restart the Fitbit

Restarting your Fitbit is always the first troubleshooting tip you should try because it’s simple and fixes many Fitbit problems, including those involving the device not recording sleep. 

Follow the steps below to restart a Fitbit Charge, Inspire, Ace 2, or One:

  • Plug the charging cable to your computer or a box connected to a wall charger.Plug the other end of the cable directly into the Fitbit. Ensure that it is securely connected by making sure it is charging. Hold down the button on the side of the Fitbit for 10-12 seconds.Depending on the model of Fitbit you have, you may see a start-up screen, a smile icon, or a battery icon. When you see this, you can release the button and unplug your Fitbit.

The Fitbit Zip uses a CR2025 battery. To restart a Fitbit Zip that has stopped tracking sleep, follow the steps below: 

  • Open the battery door and remove the battery.Wait at least 10 seconds.Put the battery back in the Fitbit with the + sign facing up.Close the battery door.

For other Fitbit models that have stopped tracking sleep, follow these steps to reset them:

  • To restart a Fitbit Ace, Alta, or Flex 2, press the button on the charger cable three times with a brief pause between presses. For Fitbit Blaze, Ionic, and Versa, press and hold the buttons on the back and bottom of the Fitbit until you see the Fitbit logo.For Fitbit Versa Lite and Versa 2, hold the back button for at least 10 seconds. (These Fitbits do not need to be plugged in to be restarted.)

(Source: Fitbit)

Adjust the Fitbit’s Sleep Sensitivity Mode

Some Fitbits have normal and sensitive modes for tracking sleep. If you move a lot in your sleep, the sensitive mode may make it look like you aren’t sleeping at all. For light sleepers, normal mode is better.

Here are the steps to change the sleep sensitivity mode of your Fitbit using your mobile device:

  • In the Fitbit app, click on your profile icon.Select “Advanced Settings.”Select “Sleep Sensitivity.” Choose Normal or Sensitive mode.

Note: Currently, you cannot change this setting on an Android device. 

To change the sleep sensitivity mode of your Fitbit on a computer, use these steps:

  • Go to fitbit.com and sign in to your account. From the dashboard, click on the gear icon in the top-right corner. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu. Scroll down to “Sleep Sensitivity” and choose Normal or Sensitive.Press “Submit” to save your choice.

Manually Adjusting the Fitbit’s Sleep Log

Alternatively, you can use the Fitbit app to start and stop sleep tracking if your Fitbit isn’t automatically logging your sleep.   

You can also make changes to your sleep log at any time if it is inaccurate. Here are the directions:

  • In the Fitbit app, select the Sleep tile. Choose the night you want to edit. Tap on the three dots.Select the option to edit.Adjust the times you went to sleep and/or woke up.Press “Save.”

If you prefer not to worry about your Fitbit automatically tracking your sleep, you can manually log your sleep in the Fitbit app or your Fitbit account. However, this is not a preferred option because you don’t get any information about your sleep patterns or sleep stages when logging your sleep manually.

Other Fitbit Sleep Tracker Settings

Fitbit can help you create and maintain a healthy sleep schedule with various sleep settings. For example, your Fitbit has a silent alarm that can wake you up gently.

Sleep Goals

You can create a goal of how many hours you want to sleep each night.The recommended sleep time for adults is at least seven hours. Here are the steps to create your personalized sleep goal:

  • In the Fitbit app, select the Sleep tile. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner. Set or change your sleep goal.Tap “Done.”

Sleep Schedule

You can set a sleep schedule to help you meet your sleep goal. Set a target bedtime, wake-up time, or both in the Fitbit app to create your sleep schedule. 

Once you have determined your ideal bedtime, you can also set a bedtime reminder for specific days and times. For nights that you successfully adhere to your sleep schedule, you will see a star in your sleep log next to that night.

Final Thoughts

If you want to be more mindful of your sleeping habits, Fitbits are great devices that can help you keep track of when and how you sleep each night. However, if you find that your Fitbit is not recording your sleep—regardless of it’s a Fitbit Versa 2, Fitbit Inspire, or any other model—the above troubleshooting tips should help.

Experiencing other issues with Fitbit, such as the device data not syncing to your Android or iPhone Fitbit app? Check out this or this article for more troubleshooting tips!