Left button keeps thinking it's held

[LeechManMose]

My Fitbit ionic has gone haywire. The watch keeps thinking that the left button is held and opens up the setting shortcut (where you can turn on and off the screen wake and the notification) and vibrates every time it goes in and out of that screen.

It happened after I went swimming and pressed the button couple of times while in the water to open the display. Obviously this should not happen as it claims to be water proof for way more than the 1 meter I was in.

I've tried to reset it (holding the left and the button right buttons), I've tried washing it and drying (given the fact that our community pool is salt water pool) but nothing worked.

This makes my watch completely unusable as it keeps vibrating on my arm when it goes in and out of that screen.

Help!!!

[NellyG]

Have a look and see if there is any grit around the button. If there is use a fine tooth pick tomtry and get it out.

[DanHIonic]

I had the same exact problem with my new replacement Ionic. Call Support but be prepared to go through a factory reset if you can even get to it. Don't bother trying it before you call though as they will just make you do it again.

[LeechManMose]

@NellyG

It doesn't. I think the problem is that it's on the inside. I only happened after I swam with it and clicked the button (as apposed to just swimming with it).

[LeechManMose]

@DanHIonic

What did they offer after the factory reset didn't work? (in case it didn't, or if it did, let me know 🙂 )

[LeechManMose · Accepted solution]

Update -- time "healed" it.

I think the hardware just tired itself with all the vibration. After about a week of non-stop vibration it just stopped. I do feel like the button is now less responsive but I'm ok with that.

[Kingly]

I’ve just bought a new Fitbit and mine is doing this too. What arm do you wear yours on? I wear mine on my right arm but am right handed which I’m told by people is weird haha!

but it’s happening when I bend my wrist I think it thinks I’m pressing the button which would be further down your arm if worn on the other side! 

[LeechManMose]

The issue was mine was mechanical. I didn't press it but it thought it was pressed.

Since then the button just stopped worked all together and I basically stopped using the fitbit. Seems like a very common thing in this community (watch breaks down, people just stop using it).

[asiayeah]

Thanks. I think I am going through the same. And today is my first day. I hope the left / back button will work again in 7 days. Thanks. 

[asiayeah]

Same issue. I let my fitbit dry and idle for 10+ days. Now the left button feels less clickable than the other buttons. But it is still NOT working. 

I can reboot my Ionic by just holding the bottom right buttons. The watch seems to think the left button is always being held 

I am not sure what to do next. Perhaps I may soak it in clear water for 10 min and then try it dry 1 more time. 

[LeechManMose]

I ended up calling them and they sent me a new one.

--
Thanks,
- Moshe

[crrz88]

I swam today for an hour during the daytime and the same problem is happening to my Ionic during the night time.   I wonder if water got inside it but it doesn't seem like it. 

[SilviaFitbit]

@crrz88 It's nice to see you on the Community. Thanks for getting in touch about this. 

You may be able to remove dust or dirt by gently using a toothpick around the button. If this does not improve the button performance, you can try to clear debris using canned air. Hold the tracker at arm's length and spray once to loosen any dirt or dust that may have accumulated around the button. 

Let me know the outcome. I'll be around if you have any additional questions. 

[crrz88]

That doesn't work the space is too small to put something in it.  The button is unresponsive I am still using my ionic but the back button was really helpful and sorely missed.  After my ionic stops working I will get another sportswatch that supports open water swimming which is not supported by any of the Fitbit watches.   I will miss the Fitbit community. 

[SilviaFitbit]

@crrz88 Thanks for getting back.  I appreciate the troubleshooting tried. 

I've shared your post with our Support team and they mentioned, you already have a resolved case with them. If you have any questions about the option you were given reply back to the case that you have. 

I'll be around if you have any additional questions.