Never ending flashing screen on Charge 5

[MMCAMPBELL1]

Today, after working generally fine for many years, my Fitbit Charge 5 screen is continuously flashing the Fitbit logo, like it is stuck on a firmware update. The app doesn’t see the device. Have tried all conventional fixes (leave plugged in, turn phone Bluetooth off and on, the 5 presses on the flat side of the charger cord, etc.), but to no avail. Can’t help but think this has to do with the migration of Fitbit to Google (which I did a week ago). Any ideas?

Moderator edit: clarified subject.

[ManuFitbit · Accepted solution]

A warm welcome to the community forums @MMCAMPBELL1. 

Thank you for sharing these details about your Charge 5. We truly appreciate the time and effort you put into troubleshooting this on your own.

1. Sync the device in the Fitbit app.

• From the Today tab in the Fitbit app, tap Devices.
• Chooose the Charge 5.
• Tap Sync Now.

2. Check for available Firmware updates.

• With the Fitbit device nearby, open the Fitbit app (make sure the Fitbit device is charged).
• Tap the Today Tab > Devices > your device.
• Tap Update (This option only appears if an update is available).

Follow the on-screen instructions: Keep the Fitbit device close to your phone during the update. When the update starts, a progress bar appears on the device and in the Fitbit app until the update is complete.

3. Charge the device:

Double-check the connection: Ensure secure connection to the charging cable and that the cable is plugged into a working USB port (computer or UL-certified wall charger).

If these steps don't work:

4. Restart the device: Keep in mind that your data won't be deleted: How do I restart my Fitbit device?

5. Changing the clock face via the Fitbit app can sometimes resolve a black screen issue:

• Open the Fitbit app.
• Choose Device Settings.
• Navigate to the clock face options and try selecting a different clock face.

[MMCAMPBELL1]

Thank you for the follow up, @ManuFitbit.

Unfortunately, none of these recommendations work.

Syncing no longer is possible as the Fitbit Charge is no longer visible by Bluetooth. I’ve done everything to try to get it to reappear after unlinking it, including rebooting the phone, as well as attempting to find it with an iPad with which it had worked previously. It’s simply not seen as a Bluetooth-linkable object. This despite being charged for six hours and still continuously flashing the Fitbit logo. 

So, options 1, 2 and 5 are ruled out, and option 3 is done.

I’ve attempted a restart (option 4) many, many times to no avail. I had to do a restart about 6 months ago, and did so successfully, so I believe I know what I’m doing. For whatever reason, it won’t restart this time. Just the logo going on and off continuously.

Recommendations now?