Fitbit Charge 5 Display went blank

[rathiv]

Hi, I am a very happy Fitbit user. I started with Fitbit Charge 2 and then end of 2021, I changed to Fitbit Charge 5.

This morning the Fitbit was working fine and suddenly the display stopped working in the afternoon. I did a restart thru the charge cable. I can sync to my phone but there is still no display. What do I do? I am so dependent on my Fitbit for all tracking and even sleep with it to review my sleeping pattern. Please help

Moderator edit: format

[shutterpig]

It's a shame. $140 and just over a year later, my FitBit charger 5 has gone dark. Like everyone else has already mentioned, it seems like a known, common problem and all FitBit has to offer is a 35% discount for new device. Why would anyone pay $100 for a device that barely lasts a year (and was glitchy even when it was "working")? No thank you

[jessieh3527]

It seems that after the last update, a lot of people are having the same issue with the Charge 5.  Is Fitbit working on a fix. or is this Planned Obsolescence kind of thing.  Or is this something Google is building into the update to brick a lot of Fitbit items to force you into the new Google Tracker watch?

[Loriinohio]

I tried all that. It seems there is a manufacturing defect or else all of us wouldn't have the same problem. I haven't even had my Charge 5 for a full year yet. I tried all those suggested steps and the screen just doesn't work. Please advise on how to get a replacement.

[ryran]

Agreed. This happened to me just two days ago after having my new Charge 5 for six months. While I'm lucky enough to get a free replacement, I won't be purchasing another device unless Fitbit addresses this issue more directly.

[AngryUser19]

My daughter’s watch did this a few days ago and now mine.  Fitbit refuses to replace because it’s just barely a year old.  I shouldn’t have to buy a new watch because they brick it with a firmware update… I guess a good tactic to get people to buy new…

[Loriinohio]

Yes. I agree with you. I will be going to apple after this. If I'm going to
spend more money, I'm paying for something more reliable.

[Ninner]

Same here.  It's fully charged, no vibration, no screen.  When I check the dashboard, it has been counting my steps.

I don't have anything on my app that says gallery.  What is going on?  Google needs to get its act together

I have not updated, and it did the same thing.  It is counting steps, but not much help when wanting to know time, etc.  Blank and blank

[ryran]

Ninner, that's how mine was for a couple days, then it started rapidly losing battery and shutting off. Couldn't hold enough charge for a run.

[CoreyMS]

Settings gear, then charge 5.  Should be gallery, wallet, how to use, accessories inside that....

[HankFi]

Yes, their firmware update caused the issue, and now they want you to purchase a new device because of their issue.  Typical Fitbit crap.

[AAAWrekng]

My screen went black yesterday, none of these steps listed helps, it doesn't even vibrate when the charger is hooked up, I've had it for 1.5 years, I hope they will replace it.

[DanGood]

Yeah. Another Charge 5 with this issue. Had it about a year didn't update the software because the battery life was sooooo good. Then last night, the screen went black. So I tried all the resets, able to synch, decided to try the update to see if that helped, tried to change the clock face..... no problem with any of those actions -- EXCEPT still a black screen. 

This is the second Fitbit that has done this kind of thing. VERY disappointed. If Google want me to subscribe to a new watch every year they should say that. There is no way *I* am buying a replacement, Fitbit should take care of this.

[JMagMc]

Update:  I contacted Fitbit about the issue and as expected, was only offered a 35% discount on a new one.  This is my second one in 4 years so I told them that discount was not acceptable for a product with so many know issues and could they offer a better discount?  This is their reply:

Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer the discount you requested at this time.

We have to balance our pricing with the costs of providing high-quality products and services, and we’re confident that you’ll still find great value in our offerings.

Are you kidding me???

I told them - I could definitely understand if the product was indeed high quality.  Unfortunately, that is not the case or we wouldn’t be having this conversation. 

I have now ordered a different brand and I’m done with Fitbit.

My screen just went black on my walk today. Still vibrates, counts steps and charges.  Tried all the troubleshooting suggestions and nothing helps. Obviously this is a known issue and Fitbit needs to do something about it.  I contacted them recently with just a question about another problem and just got their stock answer about my Charge 5 being out of warranty and here’s 35% off your next one.  As if I’m really going to purchase another one?  I’ll spend a little more and get an Apple Watch. Not impressed with Fitbit and their lack of customer service. 

[sporkster]

Worth a read:

https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2023/07/08/fitbit-charge-5-bricked-device-firmware-update/

Maybe in another week or so support will be informed by the developers how to actually resolve this...

[TamieB61]

Yes, yes.  I told Fitbit I tried all this and this was their reply.

Thanks for your reply and for the information provided.
We apologize for the delay in our response.
We will be happy to provide a replacement for your device. Before we proceed, please ship your product to our warehouse. We sent you an additional email with a prepaid shipping label to return your Charge 5. After we receive your package, we’ll process your replacement. For details about processing and shipping times, see help.fitbit.com/articles/enUS/Helparticle/1130.htm#expect.
Return only the device. Keep the bands and charging cable. To remove the band from your device, see: help.fitbit.com/articles/enUS/Helparticle/1988.htm. 
 IMPORTANT: In the package, include a note identifying:
-Your name: .
-Case: .
After you ship the package, reply to this email message with the tracking number. Note that Fitbit isn’t responsible for shipping costs or lost-in-transit packages that were shipped without a tracking number.
We look forward to your response. In the meantime, if you have any other questions, please visit help.fitbit.com.
Sincerely,

Byron O and the Fitbit Team

I sent it back around June 10th.  Haven't heard anything or seen it since.  What's up?

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

I just want to add "Let alone I'm still being charged for my subscription. Gee Thanks Fitbit. 

[Scottay]

This is terrible of Fitbit. Mine did the firmware update and blank screen. Still synchs, vibrates, and charges but display is dead. I guess I could still use it and just have the app be my interface but what a bunch of horse poop. FIX THIS FITBIT!!! Or I will never buy one of your devices again.

[Barrydog]

I've just had this very issue, with a Charge 5 which was purchased June 2022, so out of warranty.

I contacted Fitbit customer services on a webchat, they ran through a few procedures which didn't work, then confirmed I am eligible for an FOC replacement, a link was emailed to me offering either 50% off an alternative or an FOC like for like replacement, I've ordered like for like, it will be with me in about 2 days, I'm very impressed with their customer service 

[CPepoon]

I'm on my second Charge 5.  First one failed with these exact failure modes probably in March or April this year.  It was beyond the one year warranty, so I thought maybe it was damaged via salt water, etc (I live on the beach).  The second one, I bought on May 7th of 2023.  Two days ago... same thing.  Rapidly decreased battery charge shown on phone app, and display on watch died.  Appears to take a charge, but cannot get a display, despite pulse reset with the charge cable.  I tried disconnecting and reconnecting from phone, but now I need 4 digit code, which I cannot see (if it even connects with phone, which is only periodically).  I'm with most people in this thread... if Fitbit cannot resolve this issue, they will not get another purchase from our household.  I expect Fitbit to contact their loyal users and owners with a solution, not vice versa.  Very poor business model.

Please let us know when Fitbit has a genuine and proven solution.  

[AAAWrekng]

I had the same problem, ran through all the troubleshooting, including
pushing the button on the end of the USB cable (never seen a button there
before). NOTHING worked, got me to thinking though. I played around with
connecting, disconnecting the magnetic charge cable, at random intervals,
dozens and dozens of times, this eventually breathed life back into my
fitbit

[rachdogg67]

Nothing is working, iPhone can’t even find my Fitbit