Charge 5 blank screen issue-bluetooth still works

[Markcw98]

I had posted on a thread- “Charge 5 blank screen” by Sudar and thought my issue was resolved, but, alas- it is not.   

My Charge 5 (with iPhone IOS) has been showing a blank screen for several days.   I have tried restarting it (using USB button, 3 times 1 s press, then release- then waiting 10s and doing it again) to no avail.   It also vibrated after the 1s press, so it was  active.   It also has the flashing light.   I do have a Bluetooth connection and am able to see the stats screen.  I also tried changing watch faces- which worked yesterday for about 60  minutes- then it went blank again.   I noted the charge at around 80% that evening but this morning it had dropped to 15%.  Changing the watch face this morning did not work at all.   So, it has a power drain issue as well as a blank screen.   

My charge 5 version # is 20001.188.58

In conclusion, it appears to be dying and I am out of ideas to try to stop it.   I thought I would post this to see if anyone else has a thought.   

To note, my wife and I have used Fitbit watches for years- from charge 2 to 5.   Her charge 5 failed earlier this year- same black screen of death but no bluetooth and indicator lights.   Fitbit did give us a partial credit off a new Charge 5 but she opted to go with a Glory Fit brand off of Amazon for around $35.   It does everything the Fitbit 5 does and then some.  Bigger screen also.   I am going that same direction unless there is some way to resurrect my Charge 5.   I have seen the comments on the forum regarding Google buying out Fitbit and letting it languish in favor of their products.  I hate to admit it but am feeling that way also.   I also think it is overpriced- it is not an Apple Watch.   

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.  

Mark

[JDS709]

This seems to be happening to many. Happened to me today. Not good enough.

[Markcw98]

Thanks for the response.   Yes, from reading the board, there are many unhappy people right now with the Charge.   Mine is totally dead now, no screen and discharging to 0 in less than a day.   I am trying out a different watch, brand is Kuizil, that I got off Amazon for about $30.  It works with a software package that you need to install on your phone (I have an iPhone, but it does Android as well).   The software is called GloryFit.   It is NOT a Fitbit and the software is not as extensive.  But, if you want a smartwatch with a larger screen, color, changeable clock faces and basic steps, distance and heart rate tracking it may be worth considering.   My wife got a similar one from Amzhero off of Amazon which uses the same software and she loves it.   So far I am not impressed with the accuracy of the heart rate or sleep tracking- so I may switch to her vendor.   

Again- it is not a Fitbit.  I really like their software package that supports their product and my Charge 5, when working, had excellent accuracy.   But, I am not sure it is worth spending $160 every 2 years to replace when I can get basic functions from a $40 watch.  Also, that watch has some neat watch faces and you can customize it with pictures from your phone.   I may move back, but enjoying the trial for now.   I use Strava on my phone for runs and it serves its purpose.   

Mark 

[nx6]

I've been fighting with my Charge 5 for a bit now. After several reboots with the power cord button I got it back up and working on Bluetooth, but the screen would not come on. I was able to fix this by changing to another clock face. So it seems reinstalling the clock face might be something to try.

Note: The auto-activate on the device is not working. I have to double-tap the screen to wake it up.

[Markcw98]

Sadly, as stated in my first post, changing clock face worked once but the screen blanked shortly after and never came back.   My charge 5 is sitting with my wife's charge 5 in the recycle bin.   I am still evaluating "non-Fitbit" options that sell for around $40 off of Amazon.  So far, the Amzhero watch is looking good...much better option than another Fitbit charge for $160...