Charge 5: won't charge & has redbox with red lighting bolt on charge screen

[mjb40]

Tried reset many times, cleaning contacts, a different charging cable, and multiple AC/DC converter cubes, nothing is fixing the issue and allowing charging.  Anyone else have this issue? It just happened, the battery charge lifetime was fine and then this happened. 

 

[Cocotte7]

Same issue here. We connect the Charge 5 to the charger and slowy charges to 99% but as soon as we unplug it, the watch goes dark and doesn't do anything. We reconnect the Charge 5 right after and it shows 1% charge. Tried all the possible reset steps but nothing fixes the problem. While connected to the charger, we can scroll through the different screens and options. but as soon as we unplug it, BLANK. Anyone has any tips or fixes before I try my luck with the Chat support.

[Lindy4009]

I have the identical issue and it just occurred this morning. Will not charge, remains at 1 or 2% and I have tried all the options I can think of. So.. no magic solution but simply commiserating at this point and looking for other tips and fixes. 

[Charleyquant]

I have a similar issue - will not hold charge 100% drains to 0% within a matter of 1 hr.

Clearly this is an issue that must be related to firmware update or software if so many people are having the same problem! 

[mjb40]

Any luck with Chat Support?

[Charleyquant]

Somewhat - they told me it is NOT a firmware/software issue but a battery issue ( seems hard to believe). Said mine will need replacing.... not happy!

[mjb40]

Hmmmm... Yes, it's hard to believe that it's a battery issue.  The battery was 100% fine before this happened; this is not normal battery-issue behavior based on my experiences with other phones and devices. 

[EDB05]

Mine has been like this for maybe a month or two. Happened suddenly after working just fine. I haven't done anything about it yet because this is already a replacement from a battery issue prior to. I keep debating about getting a new watch or requesting a replacement, again.

[Sinaj3075]

Mine is doing the exact same thing.  This is Fitbit's planned obsolescence. Please tell me how so many devices across the country can all have the same issue with the exact same time? The company denies there's an issue and they of course are going to deny how stopping everyone's device from working to force them to buy a new one. Mine was perfectly fine and the same thing happened. one of the emails I had received from, they implied I probably didn't take care of my device.

[mjb40]

Well, we're done with FitBit.  They said that the tracker was 3 months out of warranty so not their problem, and then directed us to the purchase page to buy a new device. 

Bye FitBit, never again.