Charge 5 blank screen after swimming with it

[NelsP27]

The Problem

My Charge 5 display went completely blank while I was swimming. I wasn't aware of the Water Mode feature at the time, but I now presume it was activated automatically.

Steps I Have Already Taken

Initially, thinking the device was broken, I tried to restart it and perform a factory reset.

1. Restart with Charging Cable: I plugged the device into the charging cable and pressed the button three times. The Fitbit logo appeared briefly, confirming the restart was initiated, but the screen immediately went blank again afterwards.

2. Tried Changing Clock Face/Theme: I attempted to change the clock face through the app, but that didn't reset the mode.

3. Tapping the Screen: After reading about Water Mode, I tried the suggested method of tapping the screen hard several times to exit the mode. This did not work.

4. Unpaired and Battery Drained: As a last resort, I unpaired the device from my phone and allowed the battery to completely die (went flat).

5. Recharged: I just plugged it back in, and the screen is still completely blank.

Current Status

• The display is completely black/blank and unresponsive.

• I can no longer re-pair the Charge 5 with my phone because I cannot see the required 4-digit pairing code on the blank screen.

• I can't tell if the device itself is working (e.g., still tracking), but the inability to see the screen or pair it makes it unusable.

Has anyone experienced this specific issue where the display remains blank even after a restart, unpairing, and battery drain? Is there a known way to force the Charge 5 out of Water Mode (if that's the cause) without a working touch screen?

Any advice on next steps would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there, @NelsP27. Welcome to the Fitbit Community Forums. Thanks for bringing this to my attention and for the troubleshooting steps you've tried. I'm sorry to hear that the screen of your Charge 5 is still blank. I understand your concern, we are here to help you!

To better assist you, I suggest reaching out to our Support Team who will be able to take a closer look into this issue and provide further help. This form is only meant for you to use. Click here to get access to it. 

[Flagsda]

Yes same issue. Did get vibration when pressing button 3 times. Other suggestionS

[ruthlodwig]

I have the same problem. It went blank whilst I was swimming. I've tried all of the suggested remedies. Eventually got it to charge - after a few attempts over three days. It does show steps on my app - after some delay - but does not show any biometrics. The screen remains blank. The app says there is an update but it will not let me install it - it says that it is not synced! My iPhone says it is synced. I'm totally confused and frustrated. It is out of warranty - by two months - and so I'm considering purchasing a smartwatch that is not Fitbit/Google.

[NelsP27]

Yes I did get the vibrations as well as the logo although Google has replaced it now. 

[NelsP27]

The screen only worked after I did a reset and saw the logo – then it went back to black.

Google has replaced it now.

[ruthlodwig]

Mine was a couple of months out of warranty! I’ve bought the Inspire 3.
It’s cheaper than the Charge 6. If the life span is about two years it’s
not worth paying more.