My FitBit is broken due to factory problems. Again.

[AnaXavier]

Recently my second FitBit stopped working. The battery no longer charges, and the watch is now useless. I sent CS a letter regarding this issue as follows:

“Dear Sirs

Your Fitbit Blaze is a visually appealing gadget, but does it work?
Is it worth US$250?
Three years ago, on Jan 17, 2015 I bought my first Fitbit at a Best Buy
store in Miami.
Exactly one year and two months later it stopped working.
I sent you a letter and got a simple answer:
“You warranty is over. Sorry”.
It went straight to the garbage can.
My total loss: US$250.
I thought, however, that I may have just been unlucky.
I will give FitBit another chance since it is “Designed in San Francisco and
Made in China”.
And on July 22, 2016 my husband ordered, from the Amazon Store, my second Fitbit Blaze.
Now, exactly one year and few months later… guess what?
“Houston, we have a problem.” We have the SAME problem.
Your “premium product” does not work again.
The battery does not charge. The warranty is over. There is no way to
replace the battery.
What the hell do I do? Buy another watch only to lose it a year later or you
are going to fix it this time?
This is not fair to a dedicated consumer that uses your products regurlarly.
I should not have to pay annualy for your  product.
I am going to send it to you and I expect a new one.

Thank you.
Ana Xavier”

Now, they simply answered again with a “Your warranty is over. Sorry.” Is there anything I can do about this?

[Julia_G]

Hi, @AnaXavier, as I am sure you know, all rechargeable batteries have a limited life span.  Exactly how long that span is depends on many things, and, in particular, how the device is used.  Many people do not realise that it is quite damaging for modern, lithium ion tyoe batteries (such as are used in Fitbits) to allow frequent deep discharges.  Those who charge their batteries only once they reach the low battery warning are likely to find that their battery deteriorates significantly faster than someone who charges it little and often (for example 15 or 20 minutes daily such as the time when they are in the shower/ brushing teeth, etc)

It sounds like your Blaze this time lasted about 19 months.  However, it may not be completely dead.  In this case I would recommend putting on to charge as you would normally, and leaving it to charge for at least two hours, even if it does not seem to be charging.  After 2 hours on charge, try the restart procedure.  If nothing hapoens, repeat this at least 3 times.  If your Blaze restarts you may find that the battery dies again fairly quickly, but you may be able to get some more months' usage out of it.

If you cannot bring it to life, I would suggest rather than writing a letter, giving Customer Service a call (you can get the number by oooking at contact.fitbit.com).  I have heard that sometimes Customer Service will offer a 25% discount on a new Fitbit for loyal customers such as yourself.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.  Welcome to the forums!

[AnaXavier]

Greetings, Julia!

Although these steps sadly did not manage to fix the issue I mentioned, I am happy to inform you that I will be receiving a replacement FB Blaze from FitBit. I appreciate the time you took to try and help me!

I wish you a great week!

Ana Catarina

[Julia_G]

@AnaXavier, that's excellent news.  Really glad to hear it.