Battery not charging

[Annettepc520]

Has anyone had an issue with the battery not charging on the Flex?

[emckenny]

FitBit sent me an email with tracking number when they shipped my replacement. Haven't received it yet but it should be here any day now. Sounds like we had the same problem. Either bad design or, more likely, manufacturing defect with tolerances too loose so battery is not held tightly enough against terminals while in charging compartment.

Good luck

[suzyque32]

Hi Emckenny,

Support was very nice.  They have sent me a replacement as well - however they didn't put my address in correctly, so usps returned it to sender.  I guess I have to wait til they recieve it then send it again. This is so frustrating. It's amazing how much I rely on the dang thing... I don't feel as motivated to work out without it

[gohlson]

I think I have a fix for my flex not charging. Whenever I need to charge it, I just clean the three contacts on the bottom of the flex with a toothbrush, wipe it off and it charges everytime time without a problem. It worked for both mine and my wife's flex.

I hope this helps.

[Msszzbee]

Thanks for the post. I have to manipulate my charger and move it until the lights  come on. 50/50  chance that it charges.

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@SunsetRunner wrote:

I purchased mine 9/13. I have had the same problem and have had it replaced after owning it 2 months.  I am now calling to get it replaced again for the same reason (almost 1 year).   I call Square Trade.  Square Trade tried to call them but of course it's after hrs for FB.

Here's what I know for sure:

1. If you let the battery in the Fitbit discharge too low, it can't recover from a discharged or critical low battery state..

2. I did manage to keep it "alive" after 1st replacement from 11/13 to now.  It still doesn't fit mechanically in the new charger adapter to make contact again without my using a plastic clip to hold it.

3. When I remember to not let it fully discharge (up until this point I managed to watch it and not let it get too low, it can recharge.  as long as I use the plastic clip, affix it against my counter with paper towel holder and it is sticking straight up so it won't slip out of the contacts.

Fustrated.  Either a firmware problem or battery issue w/FW.  Whatever it needs to be fixed.

I don't have time to call them from 8-5 in the daytime.  I work 18 hrs/day, so when is this going to get resolved?  I recommended this to my friends and have advised all of them to not let the charge get too low otherwise they too will have this issue.  1 friend already has had her's replaced for the same reason.

I love new technology but am less patient with such a fundamental flaw.  If they don't know what's wrong, say that and ask us to trial/error some things, maybe they'll get to the repro like I did and can fix it.

Off to run w/o my Fitbit 😞

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[GraceFitbit]

Hi @Msszzbee,

I would definitely try what @gohlson said about cleaning your tracker's contacts. You can find detailed instructions on how to do this here. You should also check out this help article for additional troubleshoots. 

If you continue to have issues with charging, you should message Support here. 

[Msszzbee]

Thanks for the advice, but I have cleaned the contacts as directed, but does not  help my problem.  

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@Grace429 wrote:

Hi @Msszzbee,

I would definitely try what @gohlson said about cleaning your tracker's contacts. You can find detailed instructions on how to do this here. You should also check out this help article for additional troubleshoots. 

If you continue to have issues with charging, you should message Support here. 

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[GraceFitbit]

@Msszzbee - Thanks for giving that a try! Per my previous post, you should get in touch with Support to see what your options are.

[Msszzbee]

From reading the other posts,customer service sounds llike a big frustration. Also, I do not have my receipt to even prove that I purchased a fitbit. I think it would be a waste of time for me and for customer service.

[GraceFitbit]

Hi @Msszzbee - If you'd prefer to call, you can reach them at (877)623-4997 between the hours of 4am-8pm PST Mon-Fri, and 6am-5pm PST on weekends. I don't think it would hurt to message or call them, and they might be able to work with you if you don't have a receipt. 

[betty12]

My flex battery will not hold it's charge for 8 hours; sometimes not 4 hours.  I've cleaned the contacts as directed; I've used a paperclip to reboot the system.  It is extremely frustration to say the least to be 1/3 of the way through your routine and realize that nothing is being recorded.  I've started charging it every night but that doesn't work either.

 I've had this problem since mid July.  Since I bought a fit bit on 1/17/14---the problem developed after about 6 months and I do try to walk 10,000 steps a day.  Do I need a new battery?  What is a solution to my problem?  Thank you.

[Craig]

did you clean contacts on both the flex and charger useing toothbrush and alcohol drying good and then Chargeing.  Just making sure

[betty12]

Yes I have done that multiply times.  I'm about ready to post a very nasty post on the internet.  I'm very upset with fitbit right now.  I feel I shouldn't be having these types of problems with their product!!!!

[lauragal]

I am also having the same problem - I had it fully charged last night, put it on and went to bed.  By the time I work up in the morning, it was dead.  And I've only had my FitBit for a little over a week....

[dianehara]

I have also had the same problem.  I have cleaned the charger, I have replaced both the charger and the fitbit flex.  I was able to charge my battery but it took almost 5 days and it lasted 2 days.

Ive asked for help, but continue to get the same response.  I'm very tired of this.

[backsam]

I contacted customer service and they send me a new usb charging cord.

It works.

Give Customer service a call, you may be surprised. They were very pleasant with me and I had the charging cord within about two weeks.

Sam

[tigermcm]

im having the same issue with both my and my girlfriend's tracker that we just bought last week. the battery would show full on the app and online. when i try and sync my phone and computer could not find our trackers. finally afterputting it in the charger it synced and said the battery was low. not a good way to start a relationship

[Kax]

If I have done all of the steps to charge my Flex battery (restart, clean contacts, change USB port) prescribed in the forum, what is next? I love the concept, but would really appreciate fitbit putting less effort into design (new bracelets, colors, etc.) and more into hardware.

[NanaL]

I had trouble charging my Flex, wrote to Fitbit, cleaned it & no luck, then I cleaned it two more times & it finally took the charge!!! Would changing the wrist band help, mine is getting loose from putting the battery in & out....I no longer shower with it on, it was getting wet inside from the looseness....didn't think thaT was good. I have only had it 6 mo., love it, but want it to last longer than 6 mo. Bought it on line from Fitbit.com for $100.00

[NanaL]

I agree with Kex, bracelets are crappy....new design needed in my humble opinion.

[Msszzbee]

Thanks for your idea, I'lll do that!