Can’t read Fitbit Charge 3 display

[Eli3]

Hi,

I can barely read my Fitbit Charge 3 display in a dark room. It’s got progressively worse to the point the screen is near enough black constantly. I’ve tried going via the settings App to change the screen brightness but it’s made no difference. Is there anything else I can do? None of the discussion so far seem to have provided an answer and mine is at the point I can’t even read it indoors!

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[Robert73]

Hi Mom2Jacob,

Keep in mind that I did this a year ago and gave the Charge 3 away so I'm going from memory.  Also, firmware updates and fitbit app updates may have changed things from when i did it.  

The reset is done on the tracker itself. I believe you will need to have it attached to the charger. They hide the option pretty well.  Find Settings. Within Settings, find the About tab. Within About, scroll down to the reset option. Fitbit isn't particularly consistent from device to device.  On my Versa 3 it's called "factory reset" but on the Charge 3 I it's called "clear user data". Either way, it's the same thing and it resets the tracker to "out of box".  It will prompt for a confirmation.

Be sure to sync the tracker to the Fitbit app before resetting.  Any data not synced will be lost.

Your tracker will still be defined to your account.  But, you will need to go through device setup again.  You would use the Fitbit app for this.  Have the phone forget the bluetooth pairing for the device and reboot the phone. It will be paired in the fitbit app during setup. Login to the Fitbit app and go to your account (click account icon upper left corner)  Select setup a device and chose your fitbit model.  It will ask if you want to replace the old one. Say yes. Follow the prompts.  

If unsure, check the Charge 3 user guide regarding setup. Or, contact Fitbit support.

[Mom2Jacob]

Thank you so much.  I'll let you know if you, and others, if it works.  It's probably going to be a long shot  because I absolutely can't see watch anymore.  I do have a Galaxy phone I might be able to try it on.

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks, Robert.  If I could see the FITBIT screen, I'd try this for sure.  I have officially given up on trying to fix this Charge 3.  

[SunsetRunner]

I want to thank everyone for all their tips, hints, suggestions on how to restore my fading/then irregular lines/then finally blank Charge 3 screen.  Nothing worked.  After over 9 months of trying, I admit defeat and will delete my account.  I have spent way too much time trying to fix this unreliable watch that has been taking up space in a drawer, along with 12 watch bands (sigh at the cost!).  I appreciate all the support from all of you.  One criticism, I feel is noteworthy, is when I contacted Customer Service about the blank screen, they immediately tell me to 'go to your screen and scroll to this or that' lol.  I was 'kindly' offered a 35% discount on a future purchase <s>.  I hope your problems get resolved. Never again, folks, once burned...KalaW tapping out on her final post.

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[ValerieD.]

Same here. 

[Duffbit]

I have experienced the same problem with my Charge 3. Judging by the number of other users with the same issue it is clearly a known 'problem' to Fitbit. Given the lack of a resolution to the problem ( "try restarting it"  , the help desk standard response to any problem) , one could be forgiven for believing that it is simply inbuilt obsolescence designed to induce the user to upgrade to the latest model.  I even had that suggestion to upgrade from the help desk when I ordered a new strap! 

As Andre Bocelli would sing , " Con te partiro"  

[ozlinie]

Obviously a problem with them, but the inbuilt obsolescence would tend to steer customers towards a more reliable brand. I have recently had my latest one go blank again. After numerous resets (holding the button down for 15 seconds whilst on charge etc) over a couple of weeks I did finally have some degree of success. Unfortunately there is now some random "interference" on the right side of the display that has pushed all screens to the left by approx 3mm.

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[imalsonothappy]

I can't see my screen to reboot my tracker

[Jginter]

I have the same problem......

[ozlinie]

Try holding the button on the side down whilst on charge. When you feel a "thump" at about the 15 second mark, remove your finger and device from the charger, then plug it in again. Took me a few tries.

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[ozlinie]

Think it stuffed then. I haven't googled the offset screen problem yet, but it looks nasty

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[imalsonothappy]

I've tried this several times, when I could see it, in the dark, I hold the button and it shows me my end or sleep mode screen, on a battery type icon showing progress, please help

[ozlinie]

Don't think I have had this same problem, but will try to help. Is the battery icon the same as the one you get when it is on regular charge? If you are able to see the screen, that is a huge bonus. Are able to navigate from that screen to the settings screen? If you can, try toggling brightness to "normal". Some people have had some screen issues resolved by changing the clock face in the app.

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[imalsonothappy]

I changed clock faces twice, I did 2 reboots, in the light I can't see my screen at all, in the dark I can see only the right side, if made sure sleep mode is off and brightness is normal. I don't think there is anything else I can do

[VIRunner]

Thanks possibly that is it. Still a very light screen with indoor lighting but I will check again when I am in full sunlight. Much appreciated all. 

[ozlinie]

Unfortunately it does sound like it is on its way out.

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[ozlinie]

Hope it works for you. Mine is now dull (not readable outside) even though I have set it to normal brightness

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[EPizedmore]

Same same same and same…. Goodbye Fitbit!!!!!

[ozlinie]

Can't blame you. They are great when they work, but the reliability is obviously a huge issue.

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[kathb1120]

I have the same problem & did everything I was told & still nothing.....how can you reboot if you can't see the screen?