Charge 5 black screen

[Skyrose]

We have a Charge 5 that's only a few months old. This morning it stopped synching. The screen is black. We have tried the reset and it only flashes the Fitbit logo and does nothing else. Not sure what else to do.

[mercbubble42]

Hoping adding this to the thread helps someone - I had this issue today. My screen blacked out all of a sudden and restarting it did nothing. I tried at least 15 times and then tried several other troubleshooting steps by chatting with Fitbit’s customer support. They ultimately thought my Charge5 must be broken. I went all day with it not working, even after trying resetting a couple more times. Tonight I put it on the charger because I figured I’d try one last time before giving up. I left it charging (even though it was fully charged) for a few hours. Then I tried resetting again and it worked this time! Seems to be fully functional again. I just have a blank day from today.

So my recommendation, if yours won’t restart or respond like mine wouldn’t - try just leaving it on the charger for a while, then try restarting again. Maybe it’ll work for you like it did for me!

[LesPaulMoreRay]

you got lucky, most dont.  and sorry to say but it will happen again.   the major issue to me is that fitbit is acting like this is not a problem even though thousands of people are complaining.  they need to do a recall or at the very least issue a software/hardware update that fixes the problem.  they are not even addressed the issue.  they are sending replacements that die in 6 months.  

[Pìnky]

Open up the Fitbit app on your phone, then change the clock style interface to something new.  It will take a minute or so to complete the "installing" process.  Once completed, your issue may, or may not have been fixed.  This worked for me, sorry if I couldn't help. 

I hope I did though, I don't respond much on these forums, but I actually ended up fixing my problem during my search for the solution.  So I figured I would share what worked for me. 

Have a wonderful day everyone.

[ropey05]

I have the same version and my Fitbit just went black today 

[FLAndrew]

The update bricked my and restarts are not helping.  I contacted customer support but they only gave me a 35% promo to buy new.  I dont want a new I just want my broken watch fixed. Unfortunately it is over a year old and out of warranty. 

[mask8]

I have a total of 3 Charge 5 devices all broken within 2 years!

The one for my wife died months ago just right after the warranty period. The screen blacked out and can't do anything. Restarting shows logo and after that nothing.

One of the others died of a water leak issue. It was within warranty so I got a replaced one, which died of the same issue a few days ago.

I will never ever get a Fitbit product. I already got Garmin for my wife.

[Telecaster13]

Same here! I can't see the pin # to pair!

[Lutik]

@Wingerr Which model of Garmin have you got? Do you mean it’s comparable with Fitbit in terms of functionality? My Charge 5 is still working but I will need to buy something when it dies again and I don’t want a Fitbit anymore but no clue what else is comparable? 

Super thanks!

[AndyG44]

My Charge 5 has a blank screen now after the last automatic update.  If Fitbit had put a message out I would have tried to turn auto updates off. 

Tried restarting and resetting nothing works.

Are Fitbit / GOOGLE going to resolve this or is it a swap to Apple or Garmin cos I’m not trusting another Fitbit if this isn't sorted ? 

[TaranakiT71]

Seems to be a typical complaint mines also been working fine and this morning screen is non responsive yet 80% charged.

[Erinfunk]

I was having the same issue. I removed the watch from the app, deleted the connection from my Bluetooth to my watch, turned off my Bluetooth, and then I deleted the Fitbit app from my phone. After that I reinstalled everything and my watch is now working again like new. 

[zainsfiction]

Even if Fitbit releases a firmware fix, how would I install it?

My Charge 5 is bricked, and because I followed the recommended troubleshooting; I have removed the device from the bluetooth setting and did a fresh install of the Fitbit app on my phone.

Pretty sure my phone will not detect a bricked device wirelessly.

[Wingerr]

In my experience, it's best not to delete the watch if you have any doubts about being able to see the display, because the app will block you from adding back the device if you can't see the PIN they used in the installation process.  That was the downfall in my attempts to get it to operate again after it was no longer seen by the app. 

The queried pin was completely invisible, so the  watch then became a desk ornament, held as testament to the questionable design and reminder to be wary about getting any others.

[Crappy1]

This has happened to me three times in a year. Three replaced watches. Fitbit turns a blind eye. There is a problem. Vote with our feet and change brands. 

[Katzer3270]

My Charger 5 is almost 18 months old…out of warranty.  Today my screen went dark.  Rebooting it did not work.  I agree, time to look at other options.   Disappointed in the quality of the product.

[fitbico]

Today I have the same issue: black screen. And instead of finding a fix, I see many people in exactly the same case at almost the same time. Planned obsolescence??? 🤔

[Parakeet]

Mine died today - Aug 7, 2023.

Bought Jan 10, 2023, from Amazon.

A replacement offer has been made.

[MJLP]

The contact link does not work either!! What on earth is happening with Fitbit. It also says you are dealing with too many customers and unable to attend anyone at the moment…not spirited with so many of us having issues with the **ahem**ed charge 5!! 

[Rachelsc]

Mine stopped working about 2 hours ago,  just went blank and has a 90% charge. Reset doesn't work, shows fit bit logo for a few seconds then nothing.  What the heck is going on

[Wingerr]

Nothing to do but pitch a Fit I guess.

Unfit for prime time, as it were. What bit of hope we had is now dashed. It was Pun while it lasted-