Can’t see display when outside with Charge 3

[Mtcurtis0971]

No matter what  display brightness setting i can’t see the charge 3 display while outside.  What can be done to fix this.  My current display brightness is Normal,  that seems to be the brightest, but it’s totally useless while outside.  Help!!!

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[LynnGrundy]

I’m just want to see the time when I’m outside. This watch was a gift from my daughter it’s useless as a watch pedometer etc is ok. But I don’t know the time when I’m outside. 

[Mpanywhere]

I am having the same problem restarted twice no change

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello everyone. Welcome to the community forums! 

If the brightness hasn't improved despite of restarting the device and changing the settings, the best way is to contact our Support Team. You can contact them through chat or over the phone. Click here to get connected. 

Please make sure to explain the situation and the troubleshooting steps you've tried. This way our team can help you from there. 

Have a great day!

[Kulin]

I have the same problem. When running outside I can see my pace!! Where you able to get a refund?

[Gin-Meopham]

No.
Screen visibility in the sunlight is a real issue. A nice sunny day and you struggle to view anything in the screen.

Sent from my iPhone

[Mpanywhere]

It's a flaw in the charge 3 was out of warranty they gave me a discount I
just bought a versa 3 since I am android and apple watch is not compatible

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @Kulin, @Gin-Meopham, @Mpanywhere, welcome to the community forums! 

I'm very sorry for the experience! @Kulin, if your Fitbit device was purchased within 45 days and directly from fitbit.com, you're eligible for a refund. For more information, please contact our Support Team. 

@Gin-Meopham, as mentioned on my post above, if the brightness hasn't improved despite of restarting the device and changing the settings, the best way is to contact our Support Team. You can contact them through chat or over the phone. Click here to get connected.

@Mpanywhere, thank you very much for the feedback and for being part of our Fitbit family! Please note that the Fitbit App works well with any mobile device that meets the requirements listed in this link: https://www.fitbit.com/global/us/technology/compatible-devices 

See you around. 

[Coldzone]

No they offered a discount on a new version Fitbit

[WilsonFitbit]

Hi @Coldzone, it's great to see you around!

Our limited warranty provides repair or replacement of products that have a defect while still in the warranty period. It's possible that your device is out of the warranty period, and therefore is not eligible for replacement but a discount is provided. For more information about our warranty, see fitbit.com/legal/returns-and-warranty. Thank you for your understanding!

Have a great day! 

[Fruc]

I am so frustrated with not being able to see outside. I’m thinking about going to a different option... Apple Watch or something. Anyone have advice? Thanks!

[GooseKS]

My kids replaced my old Charge with an Inspire 2 for Christmas. Sadly I’m just as frustrated with this one. If I sleep with it, it turns on DND and sleep mode all the time on its own and then I don’t get notifications until I scroll through to see why not. When I track an exercise I can’t get it to “finish” until many tries later with the weird side buttons. I’m probably going with Apple next since I have those products. Too many issues with Fitbit products. 

[SunsetRunner]

I am about to do the same thing/switch to apple.  What kind of fitness tracker is unviewable outside.  I have to set it to the exercise I want before I go outside as you can not see the screen at all with any amount of daylight.  Come on fitbit.  Fix this issue.  I had bought all of my family devices Inspire2 inspire HR charge 3 they all have the same problem.  I am going to pay more but need a tracker to work without having to constantly use the phone app

[Timkid]

I can't see my Charge 3 outside at all. It doesn't have to be sunny.  I also have great difficulty inside.  I can vaguely see the time,  but none of the details.  I can see it in a dark room,  if its set to normal.  If I set it to auto,  I can't see it in a dark room. I use my phone to see information from the fitbit.  I use a Garmin for outside use. 

The sleep quality is an interesting item and steps,  stairs, etc are good.  When cycling,  the heart rate under reads by 20 to 50bpm, so I use a chest belt and the Garmin.  In normal activity,  it seems quite good. Despite the problems,  I still enjoy the fitbit.  The only problem is that I can't see anything on the watch itself. 

I have tried the fixes suggested in this news group.  They have made no difference. 

[yogiofsuburbia]

Has anyone switched Fitbit models that doesn't have this problem? I, too, am frustrated with the lack of visibility and thinking about the Apple Watch but prefer the Fitbit app.

[tlambsd]

Affects me too!

[Pbaillie]

I can not see it outside, blank screen. I tried auto, but it was so dark I had trouble finding the setting to change it back to normal.

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello everyone. @Pbaillie It's great to see you around. 

Thank you very much for the detailed information and for the steps you've followed. At this time, I'd recommend taking a look at this thread for tips and suggestions about screen inconveniences. 

Hope this helps. 

[Pbaillie]

I have tried all the suggestions and the screen is still blank outdoors, my tracker is out of warranty, but this issue started after an update on the product. Why can it not be fixed by another update?

[Pbaillie]

It doesn't even need to be sunny for me

[WilsonFitbit]

@Pbaillie Thank you for your reply. 

I'm sorry for the experience and thank you for following the suggested tips. I also appreciate your feedback, but at this time, we don't have information about a possible firmware update for the Charge 3.

Since the inconvenience has persisted, my best recommendation is that you please contact our Support Team for further assistance. Note that you can get in touch with them through chat or over the phone, but phone wait times have been longer than normal. Click here to get connected. 

Although your Charge 3 is out of warranty, take into consideration that our Support Team will be able to review your case and provide more information about it. 

See you around.