Firmware update basically bricked the Charge 5

[Leah_303]

On Friday 5/5/23, my Charge 5 started buzzing at me with the Fitbit logo. On my iPhone, the Fitbit app told me that there was a firmware update. The Charge 5 continuously bugged out during the firmware update, buzzing and displaying the Fitbit logo but not moving past that to the normal display screen. I have no idea whether the firmware update ever went through or not. I could not access the Restart option from the Settings menu on the Charge 5, as I couldn't get past the Fitbit logo. I tried restarting the device using the "press the button on the power cable 3 times" method, many times, but this accomplished nothing. With the Charge 5 totally bricked and unable to synch to the app, I decided to let the power on the device run down, in the hopes that the Charge 5 would eventually totally die and then be able to restart. 

Today, Wednesday 5/10/23, with the power down to 0%, I put the Charge 5 on the charger. After charging up, it did display the normal display screen – progress! However, it was no longer tracking my steps, displaying my heartbeat, etc. So basically it’s just a watch, not a fitness tracker. I have restarted it several times from the device’s Settings menu, to no avail. Based on advice in this forum, I tried the “Set Up a Device” method through the app, which took several tries (it kept hanging on “searching for your device”) – I finally completed this process, but it’s still not tracking steps or heartbeat. I have also restarted the device (from the device's Settings menu) after doing the "Set up a Device" process. Still nothing.

At this point, I have spent FAR too many hours trying to coddle and coach this thing into functionality. Fitbit, I need a QUICK fix here, or else for you to send me a replacement.

[Talahthas]

Welcome to the Fitbit commuinity, @Leah_303!

Sad to hear that you're having issues with your Charge 5! Thanks for having tried all those possibilities you've mentioned to get your device up and running again on your own.
As none of those has worked, I'd suggest contacting Fitbit support to get further assistance:

Fitbit Support Contact 

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[Noxnoctis1976]

had battery problem was draining in 10 minutes. Support asked me to update. Did so- now bricked. They then said batter showing abnormalities will expedite to warranty group. They will email. Haven't gotten a thing. I think I'm at 14months of use so probably screwed there. Oh and have premium so there is more money thrown away as I don't have a device now. Yes I am very annoyed.

[Denz773]

Same here and all they could do is offer a 35% coupon for a new one. Ridiculous. 

[Kattan]

please sync your Charge 5 to your phone.
Once done, try changing the clock face.
Hope this helps.