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!

Moderator edit: format. 

[40cent]

My Charge 3 is not even 2 years old and the screen has gotten progressively dim in the last two months. It's so hard to read the notifications. If I can't use this for even 2 years it's totally not worth buying a Fitbit.

[ozlinie]

Hi 40cent,
I can totally understand your situation. My replacement has been working well, but not sure if I have jinxed that by ordering 3 more bands. Not sure what the life span of a Fitbit is meant to be, but you should expect more than 2 years.

Moderator edit: personal information removed. 

[Woodsdweller]

They replaced mine after a struggle. Haven't had any problems since.

from Sylvia Gmail

[Mom2Jacob]

Hey I got the versa3 too Because the charge3 was getting kind a hard to read. I boxed away the charge three and when I pulled it out for my husband it was way worse. My friend had a charge3 too And a while ago she had a problem with her screen and it went like gray. It was terrible at the time but now she can see her screen clearly. She doesn’t know why it happened I wish she did

[sallyjm]

I’m wondering how old your Charge 3 was when you managed to get a replacement? We’ll done for pushing for it. 

My screen display’s been rubbish for ages and like many others on this thread I’ve tried all of the above. I can’t even read my screen under the duvet now! It still records activity so I review everything on my phone but as a wrist ‘watch’ or device it’s useless. And less than 2 years old! 

[ozlinie]

HI Sally's,
I think mine was close to a year old. The original Charge 3 had stripes through the screen. The replacement one had the display fade to nothing. I think like yours, the monitoring worked perfectly- only problem was you had to sync to something else to see what was happening. My current one is starting to fade out now too- can no longer read the display outside. There have been a couple of times where somehow the display brightness level has changed to auto, which seems to make it duller

Moderator edit: personal information removed. 

[SunsetRunner]

Same here.  My Charge 3 has a blank/black screen.  I have tried every reboot suggested, for months I have tried everything (I'll drag out the watch every week or so and stupidly try again).  Started out with just lines running thru the numbers, making it impossible to read.  Then blank screen. 

Being told to scroll to change an option is a NO GO since the screen is blank!

I explain the problem in online chat that tells me 'you will see Charging on the screen...' or that I will see something on the screen...NO I won't...the screen is blank/black.  

I have changed watch/time face multiple times.  I have let the battery run out.  I have deleted the account and re-added it.  If I have read any tip, I have done it.

So much money for a watch that seems to quit as warranty runs out?  My Charge 3 with 12 interchangeable bands is shoved in a drawer.  I have read so many negative things about the lifetime of these watches, pitiful, just sorry I didn't know about this before.  I am now patiently (??) waiting for that promised email from Customer Service, sigh.  

[patmcmill]

I had the same problem. I just shoved it away and decided not to get another fitbit now.

[ozlinie]

Sounds like you have had a really bad experience with yours. I think once the lines start it is cactus. I fortunately had good customer service, and they have replaced both. The last time they did offer a discount on an upgraded model.

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[ozlinie]

Probably the best option. The cost, and size were a factor for me because I don't want to smash an expensive one.

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[SunsetRunner]

Thanks for reading about my troubles.  My problem is I waited too long, I spent all that time trying to fix it per recommendations here (sigh) and the warranty is expired.  I did get an offer for a 35% discount that I will not be using.  No way am I investing that kind of money in something with a 1 yr warranty.  I did buy a $20 watch from a well-known department store (not sure if I can say the name here) that does about everything the Charge 3 did.  And it has a 1 yr warranty for $20 purchase.  I don't think I'll be buying another Fitbit, too expensive for the short life-span.  Thanks.

[SunsetRunner]

I don't blame you, may as well smash it once the warranty ends coz it is gonna die anyway lol.

[SunsetRunner]

I've decided to not invest in another FitBit as well, I hate that I spent more in additional wristbands than the cost of the watch that are now useless (maybe I'll see if I can sell them online or something coz most are still new).  I bought a $20 watch that has a 1 yr warranty from a popular SuperStore and it does almost everything my FitBit did.  I am not paying this much money for a name.  I did get an email and was offered $35% off next purchase, still too much money to spend for a short lifetime IMO.  Thanks for reading.

[ozlinie]

Unfortunate that your experience was so bad. I was impressed with the customer service throughout the forums, but I think we just had a bad model. Good luck with your latest purchase.

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[ozlinie]

I think I jinxed things by buying 3 new bands. I think it went downhill rapidly once I paid for them.

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[SunsetRunner]

Sorry I hate to smile at what you wrote about jinx and buying bands but I swear, you probably are onto something lol.  I have been exploring other FITBIT watches this morning and seeing what issues the newer watches are having and wow, I am seeing so many similar problems in the newer watches as well.

[ozlinie]

Feel free to smile- seems to be the way things roll.
I am a bit conflicted. I lost a lot of weight, got fitter, and was able to see how much my resting heart rate changed, and I credit my Fitbits ( note the plural) with aiding that.
I think my lifestyle now doesn't really warrant a flash smart watch, but I am just a bit curious about how I am tracking.

Moderator edit: personal information removed. 

[SunsetRunner]

Still smiling, thinking GMTA coz I have lost 10 lbs and inches off of my pre-virus weight (yes I packed on 16 lbs during the 2 years of staying home) and the FITBIT watch really helped me want to move more, so more toned, as well as the weight loss.  Even tho I just finished cutting, splitting, and stacking 3 cords of oak wood, I mow my own yard, wash both vehicles, and do my own house work (I am 67), the FITBIT was an encouragement for me.  I just hate how the watch failed shortly after the warranty expired <s> 

YAY for you, way to go! on your weight loss and becoming more fit, especially that resting heart rate, this is awesome!  I  also have to credit FITBIT for making me more aware and making me want to see those numbers/steps/stairs climbed. 

PS.  I joke <??> and say  if FITBIT can install a self-destruct button when the warranty expires, this means that FITBIT can make a watch that lasts longer, lol. 

[ozlinie]

Well done with your achievements! Sounds like you have the active lifestyle working nicely for you. I think the $20 investment should suit your needs. Excellent observation regarding the self destruct technology 👍

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[GamerMummeh]

Yes from reading this thread a lot of people including myself have been suffering from the same issues … looks like it’s a fault on fitbits side with one of the last updates it seems just like you said… considering they are also up in court with their fitbits being dangerous and burning people … if my Fitbit doesn’t get sorted with a firmware update I’m going to Apple. I love Fitbit my 7yr old daughter even has one and I was considering buying one for my 74yr old dad who’s just started the gym with me but definitely against it now.