Charge 5 stopped working after swimming with it

[SunsetRunner]

Just wanted to share my disappointment with the fitbit community.  I am on my second Charge 5. I went on vacation and wore my fitbit in the ocean. I went on the fitbit site and read that you can swim in the ocean up to 50 meters. My Charge 5 and a family member's Charge 5  died. We did not swim 50 meters. I feel that fitbit is falsely advertising their product.  I would not have worn my watch in the ocean had I not been told under "ware and care" that this was acceptable.  Both my mother-in-law and I are without fitness trackers because we followed the watch's (charge 5) guidelines. Just wanted to inform the community that you cannot swim with this watch (Charge 5) and Fitbit does not stand by their product.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Hulio]

Bummer. I was thinking of upgrading now that my Charge 4 band broke.

BTW, I go DIVING to 20 meters with my Charge 4.  No problems.  No leaks.  Keeps on tickin'.  Great watch.

[Talahthas]

Fitbit states Charge 5 being water resistant up to 50 meters (5 ATM). That's an industry usual term for describing such devices being suited for swimming. That, however does not mean that you can dive with it. Charge 4 and Charge 5 by no means are scuba diving watches, as the water pressure in deep water is a lot higher as it is while swimming.

Even swimming in open water might result in much higher water pressure than swimming in a lake or a pool.

[Talahthas]

@SunsetRunner Welcome in the Fitbit community!

Sad to hear about you having issues with your Charge 5. Charge 5 indeed is usable to track swimming devices. If you're device went broke doing just that, please contact Fitbit support to get further assistance:

Fitbit Support Contact 

[SunsetRunner]

I followed the guidelines.  I did NOT go diving at ALL. As discussed,  I went swimming in open water for a short period of time (as Fitbit documents is allowed- or I wouldn't have done it.) Both my Charge 5 and my mother-in-law's Charge 5 both died. I called customer support and they are giving a minimal discount.  Again,  should Fitbit not have advertised that you can go swimming in open water upto 50 meters I would not have done it or told my mother-in-law it was okay to wear. For 2x Charge 5 trackers to die following Fitbit's directions, this would be considered false advertising because the devices DO NOT hold up in under 50 meters of water. The pitiful discount is Fitbit not standing by their product. 

[Happycamper46]

My Fitbit charge 5 has died twice while in a swimming pool with my kids. I assure you there was no deep water or intense swimming occurring either time. First time it was able to be brought back to life by fitbit support, but this most recent time it was toast. I agree with the original poster that the charge 5 should not be advertised as water safe.

[Happycamper46]

I had the same experience. Leisurely swimming in a pool and it died, on two separate occasions. First time was able to get it working with the help of fitbit support, but this most recent time, it has truly died. I’m frustrated they advertise this as water resistant at all.