Your Charge 6 is tracking steps and heart rate, but the Google Health app shows a blank home screen or old data. Connection problems, app permissions, or account migration may be the cause. A Google account is required to use Google Health, so check your account before trying the connection fixes below.
Check Your Fitbit Account Type
If you just unboxed a Charge 6, you have to set it up with a Google account. Since May 19, 2026, you can no longer access the app with a Fitbit account unless you move it to Google. If you're still using a Fitbit account, open Google Health and sign in to look for the account migration prompt.
A Gmail address alone doesn't mean you've moved your Fitbit account to Google. In Google Health, tap Settings at the top right and check for a notification to move your account. If it appears, tap it and follow the on-screen instructions to move your existing account and historical data.
Force Restart the Band on the Charger
The Charge 6 needs to be on the charging cradle for a force restart to work. Plug it in, then press the button on the flat end of the charger 3 times, pausing about a second between each press. The side button has no moving parts, it's a haptic sensor, so you'll feel a buzz but no click.
Wait 10 seconds or until the Fitbit logo appears on the screen. Once it does, the band has rebooted. Open the Google Health app with the band nearby and pull down on the Today tab to trigger a fresh sync.
Force-Close the Google Health App
Sometimes the band is fine but the app needs to be reopened. On Android, open Recent Apps and swipe the Google Health app away. On iPhone, open the app switcher and flick the Google Health card off the top of the screen.
Open the app again with the band nearby and pull down on the Today tab to sync. Reopening the app may help with a temporary app problem.
Toggle Bluetooth Off and Back On
Google Health syncs automatically throughout the day when your band is nearby. On Android, open Settings, then Connected devices or Connections > Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth off for 3 seconds, then back on, and make sure your phone has cellular data or Wi-Fi.
Keep the Charge 6 near your phone, then open Google Health and pull down on the Today tab to try syncing again. You can also tap Connections at the top left, then Sync.
Check Android Background Restrictions and Permissions
Android phones can restrict apps in the background to save battery. If Google Health is restricted, background syncing may be affected. Check the app's battery settings and permissions, and turn off Battery saver mode before trying to sync again.
Open Settings > Apps > Google Health > Battery and choose Unrestricted. Then check Permissions. Make sure Location is turned on, along with Nearby devices on Android 12 and later. These permissions let the app find your band for syncing; also check that Bluetooth is on and the band is nearby.
Allow Background App Refresh on iPhone
iOS users need to check one specific setting. Open Settings > General > Background App Refresh and make sure Google Health is toggled on. If it's off, background syncing may be affected when the app isn't actively open on your screen.
Also confirm that the Google Health app has Bluetooth permission enabled in Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth.
Re-Pair the Charge 6 From Scratch
If quick fixes aren't working, a fresh pairing can help clear connection errors. In Google Health, tap Connections, select your Charge 6, and tap Disconnect device. Follow the on-screen instructions. Then open your phone's Bluetooth settings, find the Charge 6, and choose Forget or Unpair.
Now open Google Health and tap Connections at the top left, then Add device and select the Charge 6. Follow the instructions to reconnect it. Once pairing is complete, keep the band nearby and try syncing again from the Today tab.
Update the Google Health App and Band Firmware
Update Google Health from the Play Store or App Store. With your Charge 6 nearby, open Google Health, tap Connections at the top left, select Charge 6, and tap Update if an update is available. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Keep the Charge 6 on its charger and your phone within Bluetooth range during the process. Don't close the app until it finishes. Also check for a phone software update; on Android, go to Settings > System > System update.
Factory Reset the Charge 6
Keep a factory reset as a last resort: it erases stored data, including activity that hasn't synced. On the Charge 6, swipe down from the clock screen to find Settings, scroll to Device Info, and choose Clear User Data. You'll need to set up the band again afterward.
After the reset, re-add the Charge 6 in Google Health through Connections > Add device. Follow the setup instructions, keep the band near your phone, and try syncing again. Check whether your new activity appears in the app after pairing.
If sync still fails, try reinstalling Google Health and syncing again before resetting the band. If you recently moved your account, older data may take up to 48 hours to appear, so missing history may be separate from a connection problem. If troubleshooting still doesn't help, contact Customer Support for help with your account or device connection.