Charge 5 - screen not responsive, red light

[Melissa1703]

Hello,

I took off my fitbit Charge 5 a few days ago to shower (which means it has not been damaged by water because I always take it off when showering) and when I went to put it on again after showering, it wouldn't respond to touch anymore. It stayed black.

I have tried restarting the device with the button on the cable. It vibrates, momentarily, turns on (I see the blue Fitbit logo) and then it's back to a black screen. 

I have seen that some people change their clock face from the app to solve the problem, but I sadly can't try that, because I had the (bad) idea of "forgetting" my Fitbit device from my app before I had the chance to try other method. And now my app can't find my device anymore when I try to sync it back. So I can't do anything from my phone/Fitbit app.

There's a little red light at the back of the device too, if that's an indicator of anything. 

It was bought for me as a gift less than a year ago. 

I wonder if there's anything else I can do about it / to save it.

[Nviolette]

I did all those things. I then got in touch with customer service. They
are sending me a replacement.

[Sscanne]

how old is your Fitbit?

[DavideFitbit]

@Nviolette Thanks for your reply!

I'm sorry to see that it wasn't possible to resolve the problem, but it's good to know that you'll be receiving a replacement device.  

[KWChan]

I have similar experience as Fitbit replaced me with a new Charge 5 after long discussion with the customer service guy last year, but now the newly replaced one gone with no screen and cannot response at all just after using it for 8 months …. Very bad and unreliable product! I won’t buy any Fitbit products anymore!

[SunsetRunner]

I had the same issue. Update the App on your phone through Google Play or Apple Store, Login to your account and update the Firmware for the tracker. Be sure to have a full charge the device and keep it near the phone. They could all be plugged in to ensure you don't lose power. Good luck!

[Weebs813]

I am having the same trouble. Red light on back of charge 5 won't go off and draining battery. Please help. Just got this 3 months ago. 

Thank you

Melissa

[Energyguy]

Same here, chat support is less than helpful, trying to tell me it’s a charging issue.

[Cyazvac]

I too am having a very similar issue.  My fitbit just stopped working.  I get the fitbit logo for like a second after doing the reset but then back to a black screen.  I also read about unpairing the device and did that. I have talked to support chat and no resolution. Very disappointing.

[Getmoresoon]

Add me as another Red light of death Charge 5 owner. Mine started doing this after charging yesterday (and I was at 50% or so charge when I connected for the recharge). 4 hours later and I discovered my Fitbit was completely dead. Recharge overnight and red light on solid. No amount of resets, clock face changes make a difference. Will be contacting support shortly as it's less than a year old.

[KJFB-NYC]

Exactly the same as the last poster:

Red light of death Charge 5 owner. Was working at 7am, died at 8am.  Reset doesn't work.   Cannot change the clock face, because the App cannot "find" the device"  (Keeps scrolling saying "Looking" - and that is now draining my phone.)

And you guys certainly don't make it easy to find how to contact support.  Very disappointing.

[Jaccohelmink]

Im having the same issue and I have only had my fitbit for 2 weeks

[Debbz02]

This seems to be a serious problem that is happening frequently now. 

I too just had the same weird thing happen. Logo flashing on screen several times, and then about 20 minutes later the red light came on. And then.. it's dead.

Considering this is happening to so many of us, there has to be something wrong. 

[tpcdelisle]

I agree. I'm not sure what can be done. I'm on my third Charge 5 and it
will be my last. I think Fitbit has it figured in to sell replacements at a
discount. We pay and they still profit. I hope someone can figure out the
problem and that something will be done. Good luck with your Fitbit.

[DaVinciUA]

The sad thing is, that the Charge 5 is such a nice tracker, when it works. I really enjoyed it every day.

It is probably time to look at different brands.

[tpcdelisle]

I agree. I do really like mine. That's why I'm on number three, but
definitely my last. 👍

[DaVinciUA]

I am also on my third Charge 5 and the fourth one is on its way as a replacement. But I will probably not use it anymore.

Looking at many other brands right now.

But with 120 Million fitbits sold, the company probably will not care about our complains.

[tpcdelisle]

You are right. We are just insignificants. Maybe others will see this and
some change will occur someday. Best to you and your search. I may have
fork out for an Apple. 😇👍

[SunsetRunner]

Me too! Red light stays on and screen is unresponsive. I’ve tried all the reboot suggestions and I get the Fitbit logo quickly but it goes back to a black screen… 

@Fitbit, please help! 

I posted below but am having the same issue with my charge 5. I’m disappointed as I love my tracker but it is completely unresponsive. I also find it alarming that so many people are having this issue… 

anything you can do? Thanks!

[Energyguy]

I used the online chat to go through their troubleshooting, they replaced my tracker at no charge

Sent from my iPad

[tpcdelisle]

I wish I could help but I haven't found a solution yet.

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I eventually had to buy a new one from them at a discount. I won't buy
anymore since this is my 4th one. When this dies, I'm switching brands.

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That's what I'm expecting. We shall see. 👍