Charge 5 not waterproof?

[mefyandell]

I had a Charge 3 for years. No issues with showering or swimming. I treated myself to an upgrade 6 months ago with a Charge 5. After 6 months of regular wear, it shorted out. I could see moisture bubbles when I flipped it over on the inside. I was sent a replacement. The first time I wore the replacement in the shower, same thing happened. By the time I was done getting ready, my brand new less replacement was completely fried with moisture bubbles on the inside the first time I wore it in the shower. I never had this issue with the old Charge 3 and I don't understand how this is happening on a device marketed to be worn while swimming? 

Moderator edit: format 

[DavideFitbit]

Hi, it's good to see you around the Community forums for the first time, @mefyandell.  

Thank you for sharing all these details about the inconvenience you've been having with your Charge 5. 

I've been informed that you already contacted the Customer Support team for further assistance with this. In this case, they will let you know how to proceed. 

Thank you for the information provided; our team is always working to enhance your experience and your feedback is a big part of that process. 

See you around. 

[gwade]

Just something to consider. Showering with a fitbit or any waterproofed device is generally a bad idea. Showers and baths tend to have water on the warm to hot side and this may cause some waterproofing to leak due to thermal expansion. Also many manufactures will mention how soaps, shampoos and body wash are very bad for a devices waterproofing, again things we encounter quite a bit in the shower
If you do get another fitbit maybe only wear it in the pool or open water and avoid wearing it in the shower/bath

[DavideFitbit]

It's good to see you visiting the Community forums for the first time, @gwade. 

Thanks for sharing these suggestions! 

Have a good day. 

[Monik66]

I can’t find the way to start my own thread, so I’ll try as a reply to a similar situation.  I had an Inspire for a few years and loved it so much I decided to upgrade to Charge 5.  Everything was OK until I went in the pool with it.  And I’m talking wading, not even lap swimming.  I sat in the water for maybe 15 minutes and my watch just died.  All it does is flash the Fitbit logo on the screen, and the moment I try to reset it, it goes dark.  No response whatsoever.  I must say it happened about three months ago (I have had it for less than half a year) after showering, but back then I was able to restart it no prob.  I am so, so frustrated, because otherwise it was working just fine and I really loved it.  What can I do? Sadly, I don’t have proof of purchase anymore 😞

[Ikemay]

Went swimming with my charge 5 yesterday now I can’t get the screen to display. The watch is syncing and functioning but no display. Went through all the steps to correct also contacted fit bit but nothing has resolved the issue. Got an email offering a discount on a new product as I’m am past warranty. Frustrating as the watch is supposedly waterproof and I have worn it in the water in the past. Probably through with Fitbit as this is my second malfunctioning product.

[Cobbeez]

Hello, My Charge 5 has also stopped working. I have cleaned the connection contacts on the back, tried to do a reset, and nothing works. I played in the water with my grandkids yesterday, initiated the water lock feature, but since then it has stopped working. The screen is blank and there is not any vibration or indication that the charge has any life in it at all. It will not charge either. This is my 3rd for it and it was purchased in December 2022. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you! Jules 

[alexT66]

I wore mine in the pool for the first time today and it is dead now despite of following Fitbit instructions of water locking the device.

[FitfitAly]

Same issue, just from apparent sweat - I don't own a pool and never wear it in water or the shower

[RyanGuy]

Same. Gone through three Charge 5s in two years. Each time water got in. Sad. 

[DavideFitbit]

Hi everyone, thank you for all the details that you've shared about the Charge 5 and for all the feedback. 

As some of you mentioned earlier, the Charge 5 is designed to  be swimproof and is water-resistant to 50 meters. If you experience any problem during or after your swimming activity, I do recommend that you get in touch with the Customer Support team so they can let you know about the options available for you. You can contact them even if you don't have the receipt and they'll let you know how to proceed. 

[0Thomas0]

Fit bit should Check the design of the device. I had the same problem too with my Charge-5. I found out on my old broken device that the back metal frame was not fitted any more and under that frame, there are two llittle holes were water can get inside. In my opinion this is the Problem where it starts. 

[Watchuserbill]

I have the same issue. I went swimming with my Fitbit and had it on water lock mode. Later that day, all I could get was the Fitbit logo and now I get nothing. My Fitbit is only six months old.

[seandunderdale]

I recently started using mine more around water, even showering with it on, and Ive started to have really bad battery drain issues. A full charge lasts on 10mins now. Perhaps this is my issue. I thought modern devices were fine in and out of water. I had even used it in swimming pools in the past, and it had been fine. 

The fitbit was bought as a gateway drug to a galaxy watch anyway, so Ill probably make the switch now the fitbit has died. 

[MisterR]

On to third charge 5 in 8 months. Bought as wanted to be able to swim with it.  Other watches owned previously that were rated to 1ATM lasted years without ever leaking.   This rated at 5ATM but fails in less than 1 meter of water.  Fitbit you need to come clean on this, there is too much evidence of an issue with the claim of being waterproof to 5ATM.  Real shame as otherwise v good device.

[DavideFitbit]

Hi everyone, I appreciate the information provided so far. Thanks for sharing that you're having the same problem with Charge 5. 

If you're new to this thread, please keep in mind the water lock feature is not a measure of protection. It is designed to lock the screen and avoid unwanted taps on the display during your swimming activity.

In addition, please know that Charge 5 is designed to  be swimproof and is water-resistant to 50 meters and if you experience any problem with it after your activity, make sure to get in touch with the Customer Support team so they can provide you with the next steps.