How to Download Fitbit Charge 2: A Complete Guide

By anny sonny on March 8, 2025

Beginner

The Fitbit Charge 2 is one of the most popular fitness trackers in the world, offering an array of features aimed at helping users track their health and wellness. The device itself is a sleek, multi-functional tracker that monitors daily activities such as steps, distance traveled, heart rate, sleep quality, and even workouts. However, the true power of the Fitbit Charge 2 comes when it is paired with the Fitbit app, which allows users to get an in-depth analysis of their data and set fitness goals.

This article will guide you through the process of downloading the Fitbit app, setting up your Fitbit Charge 2, and syncing the data, so that you can make the most of your fitness journey. Whether you're new to Fitbit or upgrading from a previous model, this detailed guide will provide you with all the steps to ensure a smooth setup process and help you take full advantage of the Charge 2's features.

What is the Fitbit Charge 2?

Before diving into how to download and set up your Fitbit Charge 2, let’s first understand what this device is all about and why it has remained popular among fitness enthusiasts.

The Fitbit Charge 2 is a fitness tracker that blends activity tracking with smart technology. The device offers multiple features, including:

Heart Rate Monitoring: Provides continuous heart rate tracking, allowing you to monitor your heart rate in real time during both workouts and daily activities.
Sleep Tracking: Offers detailed analysis of your sleep cycle, tracking the amount of time spent in each stage (light, deep, and REM sleep).
Exercise Mode: The Charge 2 has an automatic exercise tracking feature that detects various exercises such as running, biking, or yoga. You can also track your workouts manually.
Multi-Sport Tracking: Allows you to track a variety of activities beyond basic steps, including cardio, running, and more.
Guided Breathing Sessions: Offers relaxation exercises to help reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
Smart Notifications: The Charge 2 allows you to view call, text, and calendar notifications on your wrist, helping you stay connected without reaching for your phone.

As one of Fitbit’s most well-rounded devices, the Charge 2 continues to be a favorite for those who want to track their daily activity levels while keeping an eye on their long-term health goals.

What You Need to Download the Fitbit App

To fully experience the features of your Fitbit Charge 2, you’ll need to download the Fitbit app. The app acts as a bridge between your device and your personal health data, offering insights into your activity, sleep patterns, calories burned, and more. It also allows you to set goals, track progress, and sync data from your Charge 2.

Prerequisites:

Fitbit Account: You’ll need to have a Fitbit account to use the app. If you don’t already have one, you will need to create it.
Smartphone or Tablet: The Fitbit app is available for iOS (Apple devices) and Android (Google devices). You’ll need a smartphone or tablet running either of these operating systems.
Bluetooth-Enabled Device: Your Fitbit Charge 2 syncs with the app through Bluetooth. Make sure your smartphone or tablet has Bluetooth capability.
Internet Access: A Wi-Fi connection or mobile data is required to download the Fitbit app and sync your data.

Now that you have a better understanding of the Fitbit Charge 2, let’s walk you through how to download the Fitbit app and set up your device.

Step 1: Downloading the Fitbit App

The first step in the setup process is downloading the Fitbit app to your device. Whether you have an iPhone, Android, or another compatible device, the process is simple and straightforward.

For iOS Users (iPhone and iPad):

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
In the search bar, type "Fitbit" and hit enter.
The Fitbit app should appear in the search results. Tap on the app and select Get to begin downloading.
You may need to enter your Apple ID password or use your fingerprint/Face ID to authorize the download.
Once the download is complete, open the app to start the setup process.

For Android Users (Smartphones and Tablets):

Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Type "Fitbit" in the search bar and press enter.
Tap on the Fitbit app in the search results.
Select Install to begin the download.
Wait for the download to complete, then open the app to begin setting up your Fitbit Charge 2.

For Windows PC Users:

Although Fitbit doesn’t offer a native desktop app for Windows PCs, you can still use the Fitbit Dashboard via a browser. For a more seamless experience, we recommend syncing your Fitbit Charge 2 with your phone or tablet. However, if you prefer to use your PC, follow the instructions to visit the Fitbit website and manage your account through the online dashboard.

Step 2: Creating or Logging into Your Fitbit Account

Once you have successfully installed the Fitbit app, you’ll need to log into your Fitbit account. If you’re new to Fitbit, you will need to create an account. Here’s how you do it:

Open the Fitbit app on your device.
Tap Join Fitbit if you’re creating a new account.
Enter your personal details, such as your name, email address, password, and other relevant information (height, weight, etc.).
Agree to the Fitbit Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Tap Sign Up to complete the process and create your account.

If you already have a Fitbit account, simply tap Log In and enter your credentials (email and password). Once you’ve logged in or created an account, you can proceed to the next steps.

Step 3: Pairing the Fitbit Charge 2 with Your Phone or Tablet

Now that you’re logged into your Fitbit account, the next step is to pair your Fitbit Charge 2 with your device so that it can sync with the app.

Open the Fitbit app.
Tap on your profile picture in the top left corner of the screen.
Under the Account section, tap on Set Up a Device.
A list of Fitbit devices will appear. Choose Fitbit Charge 2 from the list.
The app will prompt you to pair your Charge 2 with your deviceusing Bluetooth. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Turn on your Fitbit Charge 2 by pressing the side button.
Enable Bluetooth on your phone or tablet.
Wait for your Charge 2 to appear in the list of available devices and select it.
A 4-digit code will appear on the screen of your Charge 2. Enter this code into the app to complete the pairing.
Once successfully paired, your Fitbit Charge 2 will sync with the app, and your activity data will be uploaded.

Step 4: Customizing Your Fitbit Charge 2 Settings

After pairing your Fitbit Charge 2 with the app, you can customize various settings to match your preferences. The app allows you to adjust notification settings, set fitness goals, and more. Here’s how to do it:

Personalize Your Fitbit Charge 2:
Open the Fitbit app and go to Account.
Tap Fitbit Charge 2 under Devices.
From here, you can customize your device settings, such as clock faces, alarms, and vibration settings.
Set Up Your Fitness Goals:
In the Fitbit app, you can set daily fitness goals for steps, active minutes, distance, calories burned, and more.
Tap Track your Goals or Goals under your profile to start setting targets. You can also adjust your goals at any time based on your progress.
Set Up Smart Notifications:
You can receive call, text, and calendar notifications directly on your Fitbit Charge 2.
To set up these notifications, open the Fitbit app, go to Account, then Notifications.
Enable the notifications you want, and select whether you want them for calls, messages, or other apps.

Step 5: Syncing Your Fitbit Charge 2

After setting up your Charge 2, it’s important to regularly sync the device with the Fitbit app. Syncing ensures that all your data, including steps, workouts, and heart rate information, is transferred to the app. Here’s how you can sync your device:

Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap Account in the top left corner of the app.
Under Devices, tap Fitbit Charge 2.
Tap the Sync Now button to sync your device with the app.

This process usually takes a few moments. Once synced, your activity data will be up to date on your Fitbit account.

Step 6: Tracking Your Health Data

The Fitbit Charge 2 continuously tracks your steps, heart rate, and sleep, and provides insights through the Fitbit app. You can view your daily activity stats, including calories burned, distance traveled, and steps taken, directly on the app.

Steps: The Charge 2 counts your steps throughout the day, offering insights into how much you’re walking and how active you are.
Heart Rate: The device provides real-time heart rate monitoring, which is crucial for optimizing your workouts and ensuring you’re working within your target heart rate zone.
Sleep: The Charge 2 tracks the quality and duration of your sleep. You can view your sleep data in the app and make adjustments to improve your rest.
Exercise: You can track specific workouts, including running, cycling, and yoga, through the app, and get detailed feedback on your performance.

Step 7: Troubleshooting Fitbit Charge 2 Download Issues

While the process of downloading and setting up the Fitbit app is generally straightforward, you might encounter a few issues. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:

Unable to Sync:
Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
Restart your phone and Fitbit Charge 2.
Ensure the Fitbit app is up to date.
Bluetooth Issues:
Turn off Bluetooth on your phone and then turn it back on.
Forget your Fitbit Charge 2 in the phone’s Bluetooth settings and re-pair the device.
App Not Downloading:
Ensure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi or has a stable mobile data connection.
Restart your phone and try again.

Conclusion

Downloading the Fitbit app and setting up your Fitbit Charge 2 is a simple process that allows you to track and improve your fitness. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to download the app, log into your account, pair your Fitbit Charge 2 with your smartphone or tablet, and start monitoring your health and activity data.