Charge 3 Bluetooth keeps disconnecting and the Firmware update won't complete

[prufrock]

Every morning, I wake up to find that my Charge 3 has disconnected from my phones' Bluetooth, so it's not syncing.  I have a Google Pixel and a Samsung Galaxy S8 (one's personal and one's work), and I have the same issue with both phones.  And I can't get it to reconnect to Bluetooth manually - Bluetooth won't "find it" as an available device.  Then, later in the morning, somehow it connects back.  Have no idea how.  I've also tried multiple times to download the Firmware update, and it quits halfway through the update.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

It's nice to see you around here @prufrock! If your phone is managing multiple Bluetooth connections simultaneously:

• Your Fitbit device might stop syncing or stop receiving notifications.
• You can experience interruptions with any consistently streaming Bluetooth connection such as headsets, car kits, stereo audio, tethering, and file transfers.

These interruptions are typically caused by operating system and Bluetooth limitations. It's also possible that an app on your phone is causing the issue.

If you have an Android phone, try these steps:

1. Turn off the Always Connected option in the Fitbit app.
2. Disable other Bluetooth connections when not in use.
3. Check to see if your phone has an app compatible with Ford Motor Company's voice control system. If so, disable Bluetooth on the app if possible or uninstall it.

   The API used in these apps makes it difficult for Fitbit to communicate reliably with your phone. Ford provides a list of apps but note that other companies may use the API as well.

Which Google Pixel are you using? Please check if it's included in the article: Which phones and tablets can I use with my Fitbit watch or tracker?. Additionally, it'd be great if you can follow the tips and recommendations at: Why won't my Fitbit device sync?

If the firmware update won't complete after the suggestions above, see: Why can't I update my Fitbit device?

Hope this helps, let me know if you need further assistance! 

[prufrock]

Hi there -

Yes, I'd already followed the instructions in the help articles "Why won't
my Fitbit device sync" and "Why can't I update my Fitbit device. I
confirmed that both my phones are compatible with my Charge 3.

There are no other devices linked via Bluetooth to my Pixel, and I still
had the issue. I had one portable speaker linked to my Samsung, but
disconnected it - no help. I don't have a Ford, so that is not the issue.

I tried your suggestion to "Turn off the Always Connected option in the
Fitbit app. "
Which contradicts the instructions in the help article:
Depending your phone, these tips might make syncing easier:

- Turn on the Always Connected option in the Fitbit app. This setting
improves the Bluetooth connection between your phone and Fitbit device.
Note that turning on this feature may cause the battery on your Fitbit
device to drain more quickly than normal.

Still not syncing, even though it's showing as connected. And still can't
get the firmware update to download.

[MarreFitbit]

Thanks for getting back and for following my recommendations @prufrock! I have reached out to our support team and created a case regarding your inquiry. Someone will be reaching out to you within the next 24-72 hours with next steps. 

Point me out if there's anything else I can do for you in the meantime. 

[Bongle]

Did this get resolved?

Have had a Charge 3 since Christmas.  In the last month or two it loses sync with Galaxy S8 and is a bit of a headache to reconnect (but by the sound of it, it seems a common problem), and is sometimes diconnected for days before I realise.

Current Settings:

All Day Sync: On

Always Connected: On

Other Bluetooth devices occasionally used from the Galaxy: Handsfree in car (Kia Carnival).

Found lots of workarounds, but can't seem to find a permanent fix to the problem...

[MarreFitbit]

Welcome on board @Bongle, it's nice to see you here! Sorry to hear about the syncing difficulties you've been having between your Charge 3 and your Galaxy S8. Thanks for taking the time to troubleshoot this!

Please go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone and remove the tracker. In the list of Bluetooth devices you'll see the Charge 3 and next to it, this symbol "!". Hit the symbol and it will take you to the next step, once you're there select the option that says "Forget this device" or "Unpair".

Once you've made sure about that, go back to the Fitbit app, go to the "Account" option in the upper right corner and select "Set up a Device". This should start the setup process for your device. 

If the issue persists, make sure you've followed the steps at: Why won't my Fitbit device sync? 

I'll be around, keep me posted! 

[Emmslou]

Hey im having the same problem it wint sync and cant find my device i have checked my Bluetooth setting i have carried out the forget device instructions and now it cant find my fitbit charge 3 at all 

is the tracker faulty ? 

[lauri8]

And I'm having the same problem now, too. It started happening a few weeks ago  and now it happens constantly. I have already tried ALL the fixes suggested above. This is already my second Charge 3--the screen stopped working on the first one. I'm starting to think the whole device is a disaster.

[D10s]

I am having the same issue. Every morning I must reboot the Fitbit in order to get it to sync with my phone or iPad. This is a Fitbit issue. Nothing has changed with my iPad or phone. So many issue of late with my Fitbit. Every update I have more issues.

Fitbit does what so many products do. Make a good product, but then they have to change and update things just for the sake of change. Then they have issues. I’ve had a Fitbit Charge for three models. Each one starts out great and then slowly gets worse with each update. Very dissatisfied and disappointed.

[Clairelc]

My charge 3 kept dropping the connection to my iPhone 11.   I have tried everything mentioned on here, nothing else  is currently connected to Bluetooth,  I have reinstalled the app  ( and lost all my data) reset charge 3 - it won’t sinc at all now can’t seem to find it.  I have had the charge 3 less than 6 months