Charge 5 dead after swimming

[Mbi2022]

I swam on 2 consecutive days.

The screen went blank after 2nd day, decided to let it dry out before recharging.

Connected it to the   charger started flashing a light green screen & now its dead as a dodo.

Help?!!

[WER1958]

Mine stopped working after a short dip in the ocean. Was able to have it
replaced. I don’t wear it swimming though.

WR

[annie212]

I contacted customer support through social media (Twitter). My Fitbit was
replaced without any issues.

[BananaMuffins]

I’m super disappointed that the charge 5 can’t seem to handle being in the water. I wore my charge 5 to a p/t appt in the pool where my wrist wasn’t even in the water the whole time and I had the water lock on and by the next morning it wouldn’t hold a charge longer than 30 minutes.  I’ve sent it back but it has already been 18 days and I haven’t received any communication or my replacement. I used to really like Fitbit but I’m feeling very disappointed that a product can’t actually perform what it is supposed to do.  

[Lachyweb]

In the past year i have had 5 (yes you read that right 5!)  replacement charge 5's under warrantee because of water ingress from swimming in a pool that was less than 2m deep! As my warrantee was about to end, rather than accepting another replacement I pushed Amazon for a full refund. If you don't swim the charge 5 is an amazing watch. Sadly, though in my experience it has been a disaster for swimming. 

[Godthelp]

I think I drowned my watch yesterday.... I really liked it that the watch was counting my laps. Reading this I am not sure if I will try it again with a replacement (if that will happen). Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Lachyweb]

Quit while you can and get a different model or make!

[ideathinker]

Exactly what happend to mine, taking it back to the store tomorrow. 

[SunsetRunner]

I am on my 2nd replacement (so 3rd pebble) for a Charge 5 in a year. Both times dead after a quick swim session in a pool (not ocean/sea/whatever).  I got this watch specifically to track my swimming, so this will be my last fitbit.

BTW: I see a lot of people mention activating water lock... you know that is just to disable the touchscreen while in the water and can do nothing to waterproof a physical object, right ?

[WER1958]

I was able to negotiate a replacement online. Didn't deal with the
retailer at all.
All the best.

[Noka]

I am very disappointed to hear how many people have this same problem. I only swim seasonally in the lake. I went a couple times after receiving my replacement but luckily it survived. However, since so many people have had multiple replacements, I likely won’t use it for swimming next season as it will no longer be under warranty. Disappointing. I will need to research the water resistance of other watches before a future purchase

Online is definitely the best way to deal with Fitbit issues. It is always efficient service. No need to bother with the retailer unless you purchased an extended warranty which might be a good idea given Fitbit’s track record!

[RaphL]

Same here, first time swimming with my charge 5 today. Now the screen is black and the unit is unresponsive. Tried charging, nothing.

[Noka]

Sadly that seems to be most people’s experience. It should not be advertised for swimming. Contact Fitbit Customer Service. They are really helpful and will replace it if under warranty still. Otherwise they will likely give you a good discount on a new one. Very disappointing though.

Sent from my iPad

[GeneValgene]

Mine died after swimming too. Complete false advertising in regards to it's water resistance.

[SunsetRunner]

Since having replaced 3 of them, I have now switched to a Garmin Fenix 6. Not only is it light years ahead in actually tracking and displaying info while you're swimming, but it has other basic features that I can't believe fitbit doesn't, and also is actually waterproof to 10 atm (instead of fitbit 5s CLAIMED ... whatever it is ... And it isn't even that either). Never going back to fitbit. 

[Mbi2022]

Thanks. Also had 2 replacements but yes, I'm also moving away from Fitbit.

[GeneValgene]

Thanks. Was recently on a 5 day hike, and a few of my mates had Garmins which they swore by. I'll probably switch as well

[EmilyBronte]

I wore the Charge5 in the shower all the time over the last 14 months - with no issues.

Today, for the first time I had an ocean swim (not diving), twice for 10 minutes each, now the Charge5 is dead - black screen, no signs of life, no re-start.

It was a pain from the beginning, battery regularly lost a full charge overnight; I managed so long only after un-installing all 3rd party apps, and re-starting device once a day.

Now with the warranty just expired, the device is dead, and my loyalty to Fitbit as well

------------------

Had two 45-minute chats with customer support - they made me jump through all the hoops again (clean, dry, charge, restart) and after nothing worked I was offered a replacement (the device was 14 month old).

I told them I was over the Charge 5 and wanted an Inspire 3 instead -  but "they only do like for like replacements".

However, the replacement link had 2 options: like for like, or buy any new one at a 50% discount - so I have ordered the Inspire 3 for NZD 85 - fingers crossed, one last chance for Fitbit to deliver without frustration

[hsuangie]

Me too. Wore that to the beach, and it's dead after that. Is there anything I can do? Were you able to get a replacement?

[RachBuck]

OK, so my Charge 5 died after a short swim last week. It was disappointing given I purchased it on the understanding it was water resistant, but….. 

I have to say I was really impressed with the professionalism, speed and ease of the warranty return process. I have already received my new Charge 5 and it’s doing it’s setup now.

Thanks and special kudos to Wenjoy Christine G for your help over chat and email. Greatly appreciated. 

[jalaw70]

I have the same story. Bought my Charge 5 last February because they said it could be used for swimming. Swam with it a couple times this summer without issues but this last week I went a couple days in a row and it stopped working. The face went black but the green light would flicker briefly. Battery said 70 percent bit dropped down to zero and would not charge. Customer service was great and is sending a replacement but am sad I couldn't monitor my movements or dlt for the last few days of 2022. I'm now using a MyZone Switch for swimming. Wouldn't get the new Charge 5 wet after reading all these posts. Thanks for the information.