Fitbit Charge 5 F37 Error Code Fix Guide

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What This Error Means

F37 on a Fitbit Charge 5 means the tracker hit a firmware / system boot error.

Plain talk: the band tried to start, crashed, and got stuck instead of loading your normal clock screen.

It usually shows up after a bad update, low battery during an update, or corrupted system files.

Most of the time the hardware is fine; the software is just locked up.

Official Fix

Here is the official-style path Fitbit will walk you through.

  • 1. Give it a real charge.
    • Use the original Charge 5 cable if you still have it.
    • Plug into a simple wall USB charger, not a laptop, TV, or car port.
    • Wipe the metal contacts on the back of the band and on the cable with a dry cloth.
    • Leave it on charge at least 60 minutes, even if the screen just shows F37 or looks frozen.
  • 2. Soft restart from the menu (if the screen still responds).
    • From the clock face, swipe down to Settings.
    • Go to Device Info → Restart Device.
    • Confirm and let it reboot fully before touching anything.
  • 3. Remove and re-add it in the Fitbit app.
    • On your phone, open the Fitbit app.
    • Tap your profile photo → your Charge 5 → scroll down → Remove This Device.
    • Force‑quit the Fitbit app and reopen it.
    • Tap to add a new device, pick Charge 5, and follow setup so the app can push any pending firmware update.
  • 4. Factory reset from the band (if you can reach the menu).
    • On the tracker: Settings → Device Info → Clear User Data.
    • Confirm. This wipes everything on the band and restarts it like new.
    • Set it back up in the Fitbit app when it reboots.
  • 5. Escalate to Fitbit Support.
    • If F37 keeps coming back after restart, re‑add, and factory reset, Fitbit treats it as a failed unit.
    • They will check your serial and purchase date and usually offer a warranty or discounted replacement if you qualify.

The Technician’s Trick

When the script above does nothing and F37 keeps showing, this is the inside move that often saves the band.

  • 1. Drain the battery to zero.
    • Unplug it from the charger and leave it alone.
    • Wait until the screen goes totally blank and does not react to taps at all. This can take 24–48 hours if the battery was full.
  • 2. Do a clean wall‑power boot.
    • Clip the Charge 5 into the charger.
    • Plug into a basic 5V phone adapter, not a computer or smart USB hub.
    • Do not touch it for at least 30 minutes. Let it pull a steady charge.
    • After that, wake it with a firm double‑tap on the screen.
  • 3. Set it up on a different phone or tablet first.
    • Install the Fitbit app on a second phone or tablet if you have one.
    • Log into your usual Fitbit account.
    • In the app, add a new device → choose Charge 5.
    • Stay near the band and let any firmware update run all the way. Do not close the app or walk away mid‑update.
  • 4. Then move it back to your main phone.
    • On the temporary phone, remove the Charge 5 from the Fitbit app.
    • On your main phone, open the Fitbit app and add the Charge 5 again as a new device.
    • If F37 was just a glitchy update, it usually dies right here.

Is It Worth Fixing? (The Financial Verdict)

  • ✅ Fix: Still under Fitbit warranty or they offer a cheap replacement deal; always run the steps and take the swap.
  • ⚠️ Debatable: Out of warranty but battery life and screen were fine before F37; try the tricks above, but do not spend much chasing it.
  • ❌ Replace: Old band with weak battery, dim screen, and F37 that will not clear; skip the hassle and put the money toward a newer tracker.

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