For the most accurate heart-rate, sleep and activity data, wear Fitbit Air on top of your wrist, just behind the wrist bone, like a watch. Fasten the band so you can just slide your little finger underneath and the tracker does not slide or rotate. That is Google's own guidance, and the right strap makes it easy to get right.
Where on the wrist should Fitbit Air sit?
Take off any bracelets, slide the band over your hand and position the tracker on top of your wrist, behind the wrist bone, which is the bony bump on the little-finger side. Sitting there, the sensor stays flat against your skin instead of rocking over the bone.
How tight should the band be?
- The little-finger test: you should just be able to slide your little finger between the band and your wrist.
- No sliding or spinning: the tracker should not slide up and down or rotate around your wrist.
- Not too tight: Google advises wearing the band loosely enough that it can move slightly back and forth, which keeps your skin comfortable.
Adjustable straps make this easier. A nylon sport loop uses hook-and-loop fastening, so you can set the fit to the millimetre with no holes to pick between.
Which wrist should you wear it on?
Either wrist works, but tell the app which one. Google recommends matching the dominant or non-dominant wrist setting to the wrist you actually wear the tracker on.
How to wear Fitbit Air during workouts
Movement and sweat make a loose band shift. If the tracker moves around during a session, tighten the band a little for the workout and loosen it again afterwards. Silicone is the easiest material for sweaty training. Google notes that its own woven, knit, leather and metal bands are meant for everyday wear rather than high-intensity workouts, so a ribbed silicone sport band is the safer choice for intense sessions.
For lifting, boxing or long runs you can also move the tracker to your upper arm with a bicep armband. See our armband guide.
How to wear Fitbit Air while sleeping
Fitbit Air is built for all-day, all-night wear. At night, comfort matters most: a soft, light band that does not press into your skin is easiest to sleep in. If you notice marks in the morning, loosen the band one step.
Skin care tips for all-day wear
- Keep the band and your wrist clean, especially after workouts or washing your hands.
- Dry the band and your wrist well before putting the tracker back on.
- Give your wrist a break by taking the tracker off for an hour or so after long periods of wear.
- Keep sunscreen and insect repellent off the tracker and band.
- If you notice redness, soreness or irritation, remove the band and let your skin recover.
More on keeping straps fresh: how to clean a Fitbit Air band.
