Charge 3 blank screen but still vibrating

[MrsB68]

My Charge vibrates but the screen is black.  I've tried restarting it but still nothing happens.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[TSnowden]

I’m having the same issue. Green light works, it vibrates, and is fully charged, according to the app. It is still tracking but the screen is completely black.

i found a response from a Fitbit rep, on another comment, suggesting to put the device on the charger, press the button for 15 seconds, remove your finger from the button and take it off the charger. Then, put it back on the charger, and the smiley face is supposed to appear.

i have been through that sequence several times, and it has not worked for me.

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @MrsB68 and @MrsB68, welcome to the Community Forums. I'm sorry to hear that the screen of your Charge 3 trackers have gone blank. Thanks for the details provided in your post and for taking the time to troubleshoot them prior to posting here.

In order for me to better assist you with this, please confirm if you've followed the steps below:

1. If your Charge 3 is indeed syncing, try changing the clock face to a different one by following these steps : How do I change the clock face on my Fitbit device?. The steps are done through the Fitbit app, do not worry if you cannot see anything on the screen for this process. 
2. Please confirm if you've restarted your device by following the steps from this help article: How do I restart my Fitbit device?

I'm looking forward to your response, keep me in the loop. 

[vlhundley]

I am having the same issue with my charge 3.  I have tried both those things and I still have a blank screen.  Just like the others it vibrates and is still connected to my app and recording everything.  What else can we do to try and fix the blank screen?  I would appreciate any help I can get.

[jdoboski]

Mine is doing the same thing.  I did find if I put in on the charger and pressed the button for 15 seconds, I got the smiley face and it appeared to charge.  However, once "charged" the screen was half lit and the date was not current.   Once charged I put it on my wrist.   It went blank again (no green light in the back) at some point in the day.  But the charge did not appear to last.  

Funny how it seems to "die" in time for the next release of the Charge .. hummmm?

[sz514n]

@MarreFitbit    Please look at the community list for all Charge 3 discussions on this sudden blank screen problem.  This is a HUGE issue.  It's not a one or two people issue.   There are hundreds of us have this same issue and it all just started within the last week.   I tried all the trouble shooting options and NONE work!    Additionally I contacted Customer Support directly and after going through all the suggestions again, I was told there was nothing that can be done and referred to the warranty folks.  Who in turn only offered me a measly 35% discount off the purchase of an OLD model, not any model that includes the more up to date versions.    That is unacceptable seeing how this is a defect issued in the Charge 3, not a wear and tear issue caused by those of us using the Charge 3.    We should all be offered a replacement Charge 3 or a credit of at least 35% of the original MSRP price of the Charge 3 towards ANY new Fitbit.   Why would any of use want to only buy a older model?  Let only buy an older model that might have similar defects after having it for a little over a year.      I know you're just the support person here, but seriously, we need someone to go to bat for us back at headquarters that this is not just user error, reset issue or wear and tear issue.  When it effects 100s of us all at the same time, then its a product defect issue that Fitbit needs to do more to correct or compensate us fairly for. 

[cshaw12]

Amazing how many people have this problem! I have tried restarting with both 8 and 15 seconds to no avail. Last week when had blank screen, the 8 seconds did work - but a few days ago when blank screen AGAIN I tried following those steps, briefly got a white screen with menus scrolling, and now absolutely nothing. Through my app it says 99% charged, i can see my steps  register on my fitbit app on phone. Absolutely nothing on my watchface. ???? We have spent a lot of money, time and frustration for these trackers not to work!

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @cshaw12, @jdoboski, and @vlhundley, welcome on board. I'm sorry to hear that your Charge 3 trackers are also having issues with the screen. We acknowledge the limitation we have on our part particularly on what you have experienced. We‘re taking into consideration your comments and sentiments with regards to our products and services.

I appreciate you had followed the tips and recommendations provided above. Since this sounds a bit more serious, I've created a support case on your behalf - you should receive an email from Customer Support at the email you used to register with the Community forums. Note that we may take a bit long to get back to you since due to recent events affecting our operations, support options are limited and wait times are longer than usual. 

Hi there @sz514n, welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for your question about why we offered a discount towards a new Fitbit product instead of a replacement of your existing Fitbit product. Our limited warranty provides repair or replacement of products that have a defect while still in the warranty period. Your device is out of the warranty period, and therefore is not eligible for repair or replacement, but we want to offer you a discount to thank you for your loyalty to Fitbit.

For more information about our warranty, see fitbit.com/legal/returns-and-warranty.

We thank you for being a customer and hope that the discount will help keep you in the Fitbit family. If you have any other questions, please let us know.

[CarloMP]

Hi, I'm in the same situation.
After several tests I noticed that it is not possible to reset correctly every time. Instead of the 6 beeps I sometimes have 1,2 or 3 and it doesn't seem to do a correct reset.
I suggest modifying the mobile application so that it includes a reset command.
I also noticed that the screen turned black when the battery level dropped below 20%. Is there a low battery consumption routine that reduces the screen brightness? Is it possible to modify the mobile application so that we can deactivate this option in the phone?
I prefer to consume the battery faster than to be left with an unusable product.
I managed to reset the device correctly after 10-20 attempts and only after an OK reset with 6 beeps.
But when the battery reached below 20% I had a black screen again.

[NicH1512]

I am having exact same issue! Tried all the trouble shooting ... rebooting, holding whist on charge then removing and re attaching to charger..nothing. Changed the clock face...nothing! Very frustrating!!! 😣

[NicH1512]

I am having the same issue Marre. I have tried the reboot holding it whilst on charge then reattaching. And also changed the clock face. Still nothing. 

[Gene55]

I did all the checks and resets also. This is a big problem with Fitbit charge 3. A lot of watches with the same problem.

These are throw away watches.  Will NOT buy another one this is the second one for me to go out.

I have a Casio that is 20 years old , new battery and keeps perfect time.

Maybe  Fitbit needs a watch lesson from  Casio.

[MegGriffin]

Hi. I have the same issue - my device is less than 6 months old and after an update has suddenly lost the ability to display anything. It is still synced and works as normal other than a permanently black screen. Have tried all suggested restart / clock change steps but to no avail. Help greatly appreciated - seems more than a coincidence this has suddenly started impacted a significant number of people. Has anything been rolled out that might have caused this? Thanks in advance

[cshaw12]

I have been offered a "generous" coupon of 35% off new fitbit since my fitbit is out of warranty. this is my 3rd fitbit, All just die within 1 1/2 years. I am very frustrated that is the most they will do. I will not be buying another fitbit. I supposed since the dashboard on my phone still works I can just look at that since my watch still functions --- but with a black screen cannot see it! Good luck, hope you guys have more luck.