How to use skin temperature tracking on Fitbit Charge 4
A recent software update has added skin temperature variation tracking to Fitbit Charge 4. Here’s everything you need to know.
Other articles in this series
How do I update my Fitbit?
Experiencing problems with your Fitbit? Where to get help.
How to factory reset your Fitbit fitness tracker or smartwatch
What to do if your Fitbit activity tracker or smartwatch is not charging
What to do if GPS keeps dropping on your Fitbit Charge 4
Blank screen on Charge 4 or problems setting up? Here’s what to do.
Users get temperature tracking, along with SpO2
Who knew that Charge 4 was equipped with a temperature sensor? We certainly didn’t until about a month ago when talk first started the feature would be made available.
In early March we got blood oxygen saturation monitoring from the wrist. Previously, Charge 4 owners without a premium subscription could only access a graph on their SpO2, showing how much the values fluctuate during sleep.
Now users can see their oxygen saturation as a percentage simply by swiping up from the home screen on their Charge 4 via the new blood-oxygen watch face. Mind you, there is still no ability to take on-demand readings. The tile simply shows your overnight average SpO2 value. Fitbit says it might take an hour or so for your readings to show after you wake up.
As of March 22nd, users can see 7-day temperature trends in the Health Metrics dashboard in your Fitbit app. The caveat is that the Health Metrics dashboard and the metrics displayed in the dashboard are not available in all countries. Fitbit has not provided a list of countries where the feature is available.
If you have not updated the Charge 4 firmware, you should see a banner alongside the top in the smartphone app when it becomes available. When it appears, simply tap on the banner to begin the download and installation process. You need to be on mobile app version 3.39 which is currently rolling out.
How to access temperature tracking on Fitbit Charge 4
Fitbit’s temperature feature monitors your skin temperature. In order to do this it first establishes your baseline. It then assesses on a daily basis how your values fluctuate from this value. Measurements are taking at night while you sleep. You can then view your nightly average and trends during the past 7 days in the Health Metrics dashboard.
It’s worth noting, this is not the same as the Core temperature or the temperature inside your body. But it is the next best thing and it can provide an early indicator if you are coming down with something.
Here’s step-by-step how to access the feature.
- Make sure you are on the latest version of the smartphone app and that your Fitbit Charge 4 has been updated to the latest firmware version.
- Fire up the Fitbit smartphone app and locate the Discover tab. You’ll find it along the bottom of the screen.
- Then look for the Health and Fitness tile. Find it and tap on it.
- Look for the Temperature tile. Tap on it to add to your dashboard.
- You might get the message “update Fitbit device to latest firmware and wear it to bed”. Remember, you must have at least 3 nights of sleep data before temperature variation data starts showing in the graph.
Pretty soon you should see a reading in the Temperature tile of your home dashboard.
For more details, tap the tile. This will take you through to a new page that shows a graph with your values during the past 7 days. Below that is the weekly average.
Those with a Premium subscription can see much more data. This includes minute-by-minute nightly fluctuations of your readings, along with longer term trends.
Troubleshooting common issues
What to do if you are not seeing the temperature tab
Make sure your Fitbit smartphone app is updated to version 3.39.1 or above. The Charge 4 firmware must be on version 48.20001.100.34 or above. Restarting the tracker and the app might help – that is the default solution for many issues.
You’ve added the temperature tab but no readings are showing
Remember, you must wear the tracker to bed for at least 3 nights before the temperature variation readings start showing. Patience is your friend.
 | Fitbit Charge 5 |  |
Make sure you are on the latest app and firmware version. Sync the app with your Fitbit Charge 4. Do a restart of both if it is still not working.
If everything fails
The feature might not be available in your region. Fitbit has said it will only be available in certain countries such as the US.
At the time of writing this article many users have reported problems accessing the feature. Fitbit has said “they know about the issue” and are working to get it resolved as quickly as possible.
You can always contact Fitbit Support if you suspect there is something wrong with your device. If your warranty is still valid you might be in line for a replacement.
Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!
