Fitbit Charge 5 F23 Error Code Fix

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What This Error Means

On a Fitbit Charge 5, F23 is an internal firmware/boot error. Fitbit doesn't publish details for it, but in the field it shows up when the software fails to start cleanly.

In plain terms: the tracker tried to power up, the software crashed, and it got stuck (logo loop, frozen screen, or F23 showing instead of your normal watch face).

Official Fix

Do exactly what support would walk you through, in this order. Don't skip steps.

  • 1. Give it clean power
    • Use the original Charge 5 cable if you have it.
    • Plug into a stable 5V USB port: PC/laptop USB or a basic phone charger (no high-watt fast chargers).
    • Make sure the tracker is correctly seated on the charger and the pins line up.
    • Leave it on charge for at least 30 minutes, even if the screen looks dead.
  • 2. Clean the contacts
    • Pop the band off the charger.
    • Wipe the metal contacts on the back of the Charge 5 and on the charger pins with a dry cloth.
    • If they look grimy/green, use a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab, then let it dry fully and reconnect.
  • 3. Do a normal restart
    • If the screen still responds at all: swipe to Settings > Device Info > Restart Device and confirm.
    • Let it fully power-cycle. If it boots normally, sync it in the Fitbit app and you're done.
  • 4. Forced restart while charging
    • Keep it on the charger.
    • Use the standard Charge 5 forced-restart method: press and hold the side touch area / button-equivalent until you feel a vibration or see the Fitbit logo (about 10 seconds), then release.
    • Give it up to a minute to see if it clears F23 and boots.
    • If it comes back with F23, repeat the forced restart one or two more times.
  • 5. Refresh the phone side
    • On your phone, turn Bluetooth off, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on.
    • Restart your phone.
    • Open the Fitbit app and leave it open next to the tracker for a few minutes while the band sits on the charger.
    • If the app offers a firmware update, run it and don't move the phone or unplug the charger until it finishes.
  • 6. Remove and re-pair the device
    • In the Fitbit app, go to your profile > tap the Charge 5 > scroll down > Remove this device.
    • Force close the Fitbit app, reopen it.
    • Tap to set up a new device and add the Charge 5 again while it's on the charger.
    • If pairing completes and the watch face loads, the F23 is cleared.
  • 7. Factory reset from the tracker (last resort DIY)
    • Warning: This wipes the device. Anything not synced to the app is gone.
    • If you can still get into menus: go to Settings > Device Info > Clear User Data and confirm.
    • Let it reboot. Then set it up again from the Fitbit app as a new device.
  • 8. When to stop and call Fitbit
    • If F23 stays on the screen after a clean charge, multiple forced restarts, re-pair, and a factory reset attempt, the firmware or main board is likely corrupted.
    • At that point, the official answer is: contact Fitbit Support for warranty or paid replacement options.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Under 2 years old, still under warranty, or F23 cleared after cleaning, restart, or factory reset – ride it until it actually dies.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty but mostly working, only throws F23 occasionally – maybe keep using it, but don’t sink money into anything beyond a new charger.
  • ❌ Replace: F23 is constant, won’t clear after all steps, screen is dead or boot-looping, and it’s out of warranty – don’t chase board-level repairs, just replace the tracker.

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