Can you read your Charge 3 in direct sunlight?

[Jaseph]

One of my big questions is how easy can you read your Charge 3 in direct sunlight. I don’t need a watch/tracker that I need to cup my hands over to read.

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[Wearher]

Pretty much any activity outdoors where you are in direct sun light, no you cannot read the Charge 3, I can’t and most of my activities are outdoors.
Please check wire Fitbit to determine if they have any solution.

[Wearher]

Scott, can the replacement any better?

[Scott355]

Replacement works fine but it has only been a month since I got it

[Wearher]

Scott355,
So the new replacement Charge 3 data (stats) in direct sunlight can be seen no problem? That’s great! What was the process for getting the new Fitbit? Thanks in advance.

[Scott355]

Works well in sunlight. Did a chat with Fitbit in Aug, they said they were aware of the problem and there would likely be a fix soon. As my warranty ended in Dec, I chatted again, they made me go through a couple of resets and then said they would send me a new one. I think key was that it was the second time I had brought this up. 

[Wearher]

Thanks for your info. Although I am out of my warranty, I will call fit bit as well. I just wonder why Fitbit does not acknowledge publicly the issue and a “solution” is being sought.
Thanks again!

[Rik181]

• Hej Scott and Weahrer, thank you very much for your info! I will contact FitBit myself and aim for a replacement for my failing October 2019 FitBit Charge 3. Will keep you posted...

[StubbysMum]

I got the smiley face but no difference in the brightness of the screen. I’m sure it used to be much brighter 

[Gail-E]

Can’t read time In Bright light or step info.  
got into setting but brightness won’t move off auto

[StubbysMum]

No I could not. It's been replaced now

[Wearher]

Even with the replacement, you still cannot see the time or any information outside in the sun, not even in a shaded area. In the gym the face lighting works nicely. But unfortunately I live in AZ and 95% of my activities are out doors. 
Does anyone know if Fitbit is going to make ANY adjustments to the Fitbit 3 ? Why would anyone now buy it knowing it’s unresolved issues? 
In good faith Customer Service has tried, but again it’s the Senior Leadership that needs to step up and make the decision and communicate the issue whether or not there will be a solution forthcoming. 

Frustrating....

[CavapooMom]

I don’t think there are any plans to fix this problem. This product is useless in sunlight.

Ginny

[SarahLD]

I have been told to wait for an update... I am also waiting for an update to fix the lack of auto detecting swimming... I'm not sure quite how an update is going to fix either... wish I'd kept my flex 2 and a watch... feeling very disappointed and fobbed off... have bought Fitbit ever since they started and have upgraded a few times, but not going to bother again unless these issues are fixed... not sure how some people have managed to get replacements when I've been told more than once to wait for the update...  

[Wearher]

SarahLD,
I also had had the Fitbit 2 but unfortunately for me twice the face of the watch split down the middle. That replaced without question nor explanation, but it was a very good watch. Then the 3 came out and those people who do their exercising indoors, don’t have any issue. Its those of us who do outdoor sports that use the watch is rendered useless until you go inside.
What and who articulated anything about a fix. Customer Service? They can help you reboot your watch and reset your watch as they did mine (3) to no avail.. but give it a shot. No venture, no gain. Not certain if they are brand new or refurbished.
Should ask...

[SarahLD]

Wearher

It was Fitbit support who have told me to wait for an update to fix both issues.  I have been through the reboot numerous times with them, and today they suggested changing the clock face, but it made no difference.

I'm assuming mone is new and not refurbished as I bought it as soon as they were released as I wanted to wear it for tracking my swimming.... another fix needed!

[Wearher]

Hi,
Thank for your reply. In regards to the new/refurbished I was referring to the replacement. My misunderstanding. I’m not certain if what they sent me was refurbished or not.
Anyway... can’t read it in the sunlight anyway...And when I asked Customer Support, they were uncertain of a fix but were eager to try to fix what I had.

Ted

[Gail-E]

Is the replacement better?

Sent from my iPhone

[Gail-E]

Maybe we all need to post this problem on a social media blitz

Sent from my iPhone

[TGilbert]

I've come to the conclusion that this problem will never be resolved by Fitbit.  I now have a Garmin Vivoactive 3 Music and find that I like it more. (I still use the C3 because it links to heath program at work...you get used wearing one on each wrist)

[Wearher]

Gail,
Quick answer nope can’t see anything on the face in the sun - funny how only only person can. Only one. And no one else chimes in to say they either do or don’t have a problem...rather bazaar..situation. Thoughts. Obviously Fitbit does not and will not care about such a small amount of issues...sorry..think the only resolve is to go to the Garmin product. I seem it, you can see it clear as day in direct sunlight- all data...

Ted