Charge 3 band latch stuck pressed in

[hahamm]

My charge 3 belt was broken, and still within one year warranty. Therefore, I contacted support and get the replaced belt. However, when I tried to install new the belt, I found that one side of the fitbit is easy to take off from charge3, but the other side cannot take off, even I use my fingers, and also try a pen to push the button, but cannot take if off. The button just cannot press in. I even tried press the button and twisted the belt, still cannot take the belt off. 

Two days ago, I contacted the fitbit support with an image to explain. An agent called Alvin quickly responded me ( I appreciate it)  and asked for a video to prove myself. Then I sent a video to support. But I did not get any reply. This morning I reminded the support team again, but still no any response.  I believe that fitbit support just intentionally ignore me.  

Can anybody help me?  Thanks in advance! 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[cchamb4]

Backofthenet: Unfortunately your band will break, probably at the holes,
sooner or later. Hopefully when that happens you can somehow get that
superglue off. Maybe soak in vinegar or something like that.

[rrkpradeep]

I had the same issue. Here are the steps I followed.

• The latch pin is held by two #2 Star Screws. I purchased a Royace precision multifunction Screwdriver set 119 pieces on Amazon as I didn't have a #2 Screwdriver.
• Removed the screws.
• There will be two plastic pieces and a small spring. Be careful not to loose the spring.
• Take the plastic parts and cleaning to remove and dust,soap n gunk that is on these pieces.
• Clean the side of fitbit.
• Once everything is clean and the latch that is freely moving . Put the spring and assemble the parts.
• Put the #2 screws back.
• Tools you need: #2 Star Screwdriver, Tweezers to hold spring and screws, brush and a sharp blade to thoroughly clean the plastic parts.

[Karenstraffordm]

Same iisue here. Actually my band broke ao i was going to use my husbands band as he does not wear it anymore and cant get one side of his off! Of course its the same side that broke on mine😞

[rrkpradeep]

Put that side of the band that is stuck in simple green solution for a few hours to dissolve the dust, sweat n gunk that is making the band latch rigid.  Once it's free, the band should come off easily. 

[sbrentin]

That vinegar suggestion was perfect. I just used it to clean mine, then depressed the button a couple times while wet and it works like a dream. Now, to get my broken band off with that "dirt and sweat glue".... 😞

This also makes a point that I ought to clean these connectors once a month, especially working with saltwater.

[cchamb4]

Good idea. Preventive maintenance. Did mine today.

[Ocean168]

Tks rrkpradeep for this info (re: post time-stamped ‎05-20-2020 11:12)! With this I figured out how to remove the plastic pieces and cleaned away all the gunk/dirt that got stuck within the parts.  I applied a bit of silicon grease to the plastic contacts before putting all back into their places. Added some photos to help others who may want to do the same thing:

Note - Vinegar didn't do the trick for me, my watch the plastic piece was stucked solid and couldn't be depressed at all after soaking it in vinegar for 3 hrs. Tried alcohol and WD40 type lubricant as well. I gave up and had to use long-nose pliers to force it down (do it at your own risk though, you might damage the plastic piece - I did it as a last resort).

[Ocean168]

deleted - managed to edit my post above.

[rrkpradeep]

Awesome.  Thanks for the photos.  Makes it easier for others. I'm cleaning mine every 2 weeks as a preventative maintenance.  Cheers!!

[CCer]

 Just happened to me too. Aggravated to no end. If it cat be fixed I’m done with Fitbit and will switch brands. Hope there’s a response from Fitbit to this. If anyone has an update, it wil be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[cchamb4]

Hello CCer. There have been quite a few posts about this issue, some even
with pictures. I was able to solve my problem after reading a post that
described cleaning the buttons that you press to remove the band with
alcohol or vinegar (alcohol worked better for me) and spraying them lightly
with a lubricant like WD40 silicone spray until the buttons move up and
down. Then the very small latches connected to the buttons will work to
hold the bands on. Once you learn how to do this you might do it
occasionally for preventive maintenance.

[CCer]

Thank you so much for responding. I will definitely try!
🙂🤗
--
*Claire*

[CCer]

OMG!! That worked instantly! Thank you SOOOO much!🥰😍😘😀

[RCWil]

Have the same problem.  Did get both sides off finally, but now I cannot get one side to stay on.  The fitbit looks almost corroded.  Cleaned it off but the one side of the new band will not stay on

[CCer]

I cleaned it with alcohol and then the straps locked into place. Perhaps
try removing the corrosion with an emery board or very fine sandpaper?

Strangely enough, 5 days later the fitbit stopped working completely 15
months old!)
I don't know if it was coincidence or not to the strap issue. I upgraded to
Versa 2. Although the straps are a pain to change, the pin system seems a
lot better than the snap in system. The Versa has a larger screen and I
like this much better than the Charge. Still aggravated abou

*Claire*

[RCWil]

Thanks will give it a try and also thanks for the info on the Versa. Much appreciated.

RCWil



Sent electronically via the magic of the Internet

[CCer]

You're welcome
🙂
*Claire*

[Salthorse]

Had similar issue. Its just that dirt and grime have jammed the latch. Soak the tracker in soap water or diluted vinegar for a while and then try and depress the latch. Should work. It worked for me. All the best.

[SunsetRunner]

I had the same problem. It is only where your wrist has sweated. Use a pin to gently get between watch and strap. Takes awhile but I managed it. 😁

[David1304]

I have just had to replace my Charge 3 ( blank screen issues) so had to remove the straps from the old unit so as to attach them to the new unit. One strap came off pretty easily but the other strap would not budge. Came straight on here and followed the helpful advice. In my case I dabbed the press button with a cotton bud dipped in white spirit and worked the but around the button and where the strap attaches. I then gave a short squirt of WD40 PTFE over the button area and wiped of residue. Gave it a couple of minutes then got a screwdriver and pressed the tip into the button and carefully pressed down. After a couple of goes and a quick pull of the strap and the strap was released. Success!  When you look at the connection it is not difficult to see how they can get jammed with the gunk that builds up from just daily. I can recommend the above procedure as long as you are careful.