How to Charge Your Fitbit without a Charger: Explore 5 Ways with Tips

Forgetting your Fitbit charger at home might feel like the end of the world if you're unprepared. Before you take that trip, here are a few ways to safeguard your Fitbit battery life without its original charger.

The evolution of technology has given birth to exciting advances that have made life all the more convenient, and among them is the Fitbit smartwatch, a device created primarily for fitness tracking.

The Fitbit stays on your wrist as it helps you monitor your heart rate, fitness goals, sleeping patterns, and heart rate, all to assist you in making informed and beneficial decisions regarding your health.

A Fitbit ionic smartwatch | Source: Shutterstock

However, like many on-hand devices, Fitbit smartwatches need to recharge. If you've lost or forgotten yours while you're away from home, here are five ways to charge your Fitbit without its original charger:

1. Your Laptop, Your (Potential) Lifesaver

If you have a laptop and a USB cable compatible with your Fitbit, plug the USB cord into the watch and your PC at the appropriate ends. Ensure the PC is on and stays on Active Mode to ensure it's powering your Fitbit.

Top view of a woman using her smartwatch while working on her PC | Source: Shutterstock

2. Wireless Charging Pad

If you have a wireless charging pad, check if your Fitbit model is compatible with these external chargers. If it is, simply switch on your wireless charging pad and place your watch on top. Make sure you check to see if it is indeed charging.

A smartwatch charging on a wireless charging pad | Source: Shutterstock

3. Powerbank

A power bank is similar to a wireless charging pad, except it transfers power via a USB cable. If you have one that has enough juice, switch it on, then connect it to your USB cord and your Fitbit.

A smartwatch charging with a powerbank | Source: Shutterstock

4. Wall Sockets with USB Ports

Another wonder of technological convenience is wall sockets with UL-certified USB ports, which you can find in certain coffee shops or restaurants. If you find one and have a USB cord compatible with your Fitbit model, simply plug it in at the appropriate ends to charge your watch.

A wall socket with two USB ports | Source: Shutterstock

5. An Ordinary Wall Charger

You can use your standard phone charger to power up your Fitbit; however, treating this option as your last resort is strongly recommended. There are more precautions you need to remember when charging your Fitbit without its original charger, so read on.

A woman charging her phone and her smartwatch | Source: Shutterstock

Things to Remember When Charging Your Fitbit without the Original Charger

You might notice that with each alternative option described above, depending on your Fitbit model, it may respond or charge slower than it would with its original charger; however, this can be expected. Other tips to remember include:

1. Ensure you use a compatible power source with enough power to charge your Fitbit.

2. Try to ensure the charging cable you use is the original cord, as other kinds may not work or cause damage — it might help to buy an extra one to keep with you wherever you go.

3. If you use an alternative cable, ensure it is fully functional and has no issues like exposed wires or needing manipulation to work effectively.

A charging cable with exposed wires | Source: Shutterstock

4. Avoid exposing your Fitbit to hot temperatures, which may affect its battery and overall performance.

6. Always ensure it's either at 0% or notifying you to plug it in for recharging — avoid connecting your Fitbit to its charger if it still has sufficient power to function.

7. Always check your manufacturer's guidelines before considering alternatives in the absence of your original Fitbit charger.

A fully charged smartwatch | Source: Shutterstock

Although these are tips regarding alternatives, it is strongly advised that you always use the original Fitbit charger. So, if you know you'll be away from home for some time, ensure you've ticked it off your list before you leave.

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