Charge 5 stuck on reboot loop

[Denigor777]

After less than 2 weeks of use, and on the second time charging, the Fitbit Charge 5 entered an unrecoverable reboot loop (see https://youtu.be/gt9jPQJOTHg).  Whether charging or not, it cycled between Fitbit logo, black screen, a default clock face and sometimes a red-error/white cross error circle.   

Fitbit support chatted with me about it, which was a weird conversation because they instructed me to reboot in the settings menu.  I can't get to the settings menu.  They said change the clock face.  The app cannot change the clock face, because the app cannot sync, because the Charge 5 keeps rebooting.  You get the idea: they are probably following a well intended but poorly planned script.

Conclusion: It's being picked-up and I'm getting a full refund.  It was my first ever Fitbit, and I am going direct to a competitor next.

Moderator edit: subject updated for clarity

[DavideFitbit]

@iblamesummers Thank you for confirming that you've been experiencing the same problem and that you already contacted the Customer Support team. 

Could you please also confirm if you already tried all the steps suggested here previously? These are usually helpful with any display related issues. 

[mcmeyer]

Acknowledged. I have previously tried these steps. Each day progressively
the Fitbit Charge 5 gets worse. I cannot rely on it for stable connection
or results.

[Jgjfj]

I have the same issue now: Charge 5 suddenly enters boot loop (logo ↔ black screen ↔ logo ↔ ...).

Unable to sync, unable to enter menu to reset (obviously because the device keeps boot looping every 3sec, but I explicitly write down here just to deter useless suggestions).

The device is 1month over the warranty period, but I'm going to contact Fitbit support to see what they say.

For the record, I bought Charge 5 in Oct 2019, and in Jan 2022 it's dead so I had to send it back for replacement (for a different critical hardware issue). I've used Polar & Garmin before this, and my evaluation is Fitbit is the worst in terms of hardware reliability and practical usability.

I swear this Charge 5 is my first and also last Fitbit device that I spend money for.

EDIT: I've just finished the chat session with Fitbit support agent. After the usual (compulsory?) troubleshooting steps (restart Charge 5, restart bluetooth, clear app data, reinstall app, restart phone, etc.) the support agent told me to wait 24 to 48hrs for the team to review the warranty (duh?)

In the meantime I'll look for a new tracker, probably from Garmin.

[Kevlar1]

Same issue here!  My Fitbit charge 5 went into that reset loop, which terminates in the white X, red circle!!  I tried going through additional steps with customer service, and nothing worked.  I’m now stuck waiting for an email (24 to 48 hrs) regarding warranty status.  How sad would it be if the Fitbit product (Charge 5) won’t even last until the next product release (Charge 6)??  

[mcmeyer]

I found a workaround to this issue. First I get the logo then a white X
with a red circle. I let the battery drain to zero. Then I recharge the
Fitbit. The Fitbit comes back to life at the incorrect time. I synchronize
Fitbit to my phone for the correct time. This issue has been routine for
several months. I debate if I should change to a competitor.

[mjaudon]

I'm having the exact same issue as everyone else and I don't see a solution from anyone other than a replacement or purchase a competitor's brand.