Charge 3 black screen and gets hot when charging it

[Delbridge]

My Charge 3 was working perfectly one minute then I look down and it was a blank screen. It was at 75% charge last time I checked on it which was half an hour before it turned off. I went to plug it in and nothing happened, it didn't vibrate, the screen just stayed black. I thought maybe the battery died so I kept it plugged in for 2 hours, nothing happened, it just got really warm. I tried to press the button on the side in hopes to restart it, but again nothing happens, just a black screen. I don't know what to do. Should I keep it on the charger and wait to see if It'll turn on? Should I just send it back for a new one? Am I just wasting my time on this product? 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[Lexy3]

How do you like the Series 5 Apple watch?  Are there similarities with the Fitbit?

[Lexy3]

You can say it again!  Worse customer service ever!!!

[VSNY]

I have not purchased a watch yet. Currently using an app on my iPhone to track steps.

[Lexy3]

Not sure what return policy is but will contact retailer.  I'm not sure if the fitbit 4 will bring better luck!

[VSNY]

I will not buy a Fitbit and depend on luck. Probably iWatch or Garmin.

[Newmomma6810]

That’s good to have. I still have the app but I don’t always carry my phone
with me, so a watch is good to have. I wish Apple would work with Fitbit.

[tayenew]

My Charge 3 was on its last leg and instead of a full week of charge, it was barely able to function for 7 hrs on one charge.  I kept using it and just charging it 2X per day.  So, Fitbit Charge 3 made it 7 months before it went black screen.  Fitbit gave me a replacement.  Second Fitbit went also exact 7 months before it can no longer go even one day on a charge.  I held on to it.  As of yesterday it is black screen and gets hot when I charge it.  Officially dead.  And in my case, no replacement or refund is possible.  So, I am dead.

[Lexy3]

Sorry, but unfortunately this is the norm (is seemingly seen as normal by the company).  The most frustrating aspect of this continued debacle is not having a recourse when the warranty expires.  You lose on both fronts as you noted and Fitbit ultimately wins.  There is no way that the device should last a mere 7 months.  I had problems with every Fitbit I ever owned.  I purchased the Fitbit 4 a month or so ago and I am waiting for it to start acting up because I know it will (it will be a miracle if I own it for two years and it doesn't malfunction.  Prayers needed and welcomed).  A few days ago the screen went blank and I almost lost it--it eventually returned to normal.

[tayenew]

Obviously I don't learn from my mistakes because today I went out and bought a Charge 4.  You won't believe it, it went screen black during setup.  I tried a bunch of resets and finally it came back alive but it really leaves you with very little confidence.  You fool me once, shame on you, you fool me twice, shame on me.  I am giving it one last try.  If this one dies, I am done.  Off to Apple Watch.

[Lisa_fsmith]

My Fitbit did the same thing. Last I looked it was over 80% charged and then it just died. I tried to recharge but the screen stayed blank and the device got really hot. I am really disappointed as my Fitbit is just over one year old. I would not recommend this device. Anyone try an Apple Watch?

[VSNY]

My next purchase will be Apple.

[Lexy3]

I feel the same way; I've been holding out purchasing an Apple Watch because I really like the slenderness of the fitbit and the available options.  

[Newmomma6810]

I won’t buy another Fitbit. I have an Apple 5 watch and even though I miss
my Fitbit group, this watch is much better all around.

[Lexy3]

Newmomma6810, does it have all the features of the fitbit, including the various exercises?  I explored it a little, but wasn't that convinced to switch yet.  What compelled you to make the switch?

[Lexy3]

I found an online that compares the two watches.  Thanks.  

[Newmomma6810]

Indoor/Outdoor walk, indoor/outdoor run, indoor/ outdoor cycle, elliptical,
rowing, stair stepper, hiking, yoga, pool, etc. Your can also add workouts.

[ryscar13]

Back on this thread again because I my Fitbit just fried for the second time (this time outside of warranty)! Brought out my old Pebble watch and am having the same debate as you all about where to go next. 

Customer support is a joke. I requested expedited shipping on my warranty replacement when my first one died just a few weeks into owning it and was baffled with they asked for an explanation of why I wanted that. It wasn't even the fact that they didn't want to do it; it was more that they didn't seem to understand the problem. Lot's of red flags with this company and I'll definitely be sending anyone that asks me about Fitbit to these message boards.

[Susan45013]

My fitbit charge 3 just started doing the same thing. Not sure what to do. 

[VSNY]

Is it still under warranty? I was still under warranty, so they replaced it.

[Newmomma6810]

When did you buy it? If it’s over a year old, Fitbit May not replace it.
They didn’t mine.