Charge 3 broken wristband

[Kayceem]

The band on my almost-year old Charge 3 broke  The Fitbit was a gift, and the donnor gave me 2 extra, stylish bands.  Neither will snap completely in, making them impossible to use.  If I spend the $30 it will cost for a new Fitbit brand strap, will that be guaranteed to work?  I have no idea why the others don't work.  The left side locks in fine.  Could therre be damage to the right side that I am not seeing? Or, does Fitbit do better using its own brand od replacement band?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[LZeeW · Accepted solution]

Hello @Kayceem and a warm welcome.  You might be able to make a warranty claim for your band.  Here is a link to Support .  I am not in a position to speak about a "guaranteed" fit, but Fitbit does stand by its own products.

Are the "stylish" bands third party bands?  So sorry you had this experience.  I haven't had your experience with third party bands.

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @Kayceem, welcome to the Community Forums. I am sorry to hear what happened to your Charge 3 band. 

I followed @LZeeW's advice and I went ahead and created a case for you with our Support Team. Someone will reach out to you soon to offer their assistance. Please keep a lookout in your inbox to the email address associated with this account. 

Let me know if there's anything else I may do to help you in the meantime. 

[Fruss2]

I have had exactly the same experience. My wristband broke whilst I was on holiday - I bought a new fitbit own brand one thinking it would fit, it doesn't. I came back home, where I had a spare stylish wristband which I bought when I purchased it a year ago, that doesn't fit either.

[Fruss2]

And the update is Fitbit help will not do anything about it. So bye bye Fitbit, your product is rubbish, it's only good for a year and despite your so called warranty, you do not honour it. You have just lost a customer and there are plenty of others out there. 

[Fruss2]

Don't bother asking Fitbit for a replacement, even if you are within warranty. They won't replace it. The product is rubbish, buy something else. 

[Cammiy11]

Hi I have had the same problem I only got mine in April. Would you be able to help ? 

[Fruss2]

I can’t help you mate, I can’t get anything out of Fitbit myself. But if you only bought in April, you should be in warranty and they should replace it. Don’t take no for an answer, it’s what you paid for in the first place! These people are just ducking out of their responsibilities. 

[Canadiansenior]

The wristband on my Charge 3 started to fall off the watch about one month before I had owned the watch.

I had received the watch as a birthday gift from my family. I thought it was just a fluke...a one time occurrence.  Unfortunately I waited until about one year after receiving it to contact Fitbit.  They rejected my claim.  No suggestion from them as to how to resolve the issue...e.g. new watch, new wristband, wristband at a discounted price.

Now it falls off randomly at the drop of a hat.  I certainly don’t want to wear it when I am running. I would end up losing it on the street.  A cheap Timex would do the same job of timing my run.

i am considering purchasing a new wristband but I am wondering if it is a lost cause.

I have spoken to several people who have had the same experience at right about the same point of one year ownership.

i have come to the conclusion that Fitbit doesn’t care about quality or customer service.

it appears that Fitbit products are a “throw away” item.  But it is an expensive “throw away”.  

I am debating just saving my money and purchasing a Garmin or an Apple Watch (if I want this type of tracking watch) or just buying a cheap Timex, rather than waste my money with a new wristband.

[Fruss2]

Hi jogger, I had the same problem and the same response from Fitbit. I bought another strap and that didn’t work either. There is a design fault which they don’t acknowledge or do anything about. I’m afraid their reaction did it for me and I won’t touch their stuff until they sort out the problem.

I have now bought an Apple Watch. Still getting used to it, it’s different but initial impressions good. Like all Apple stuff it’s well made and works out of the box. I’m not sure I find the software layout as good but maybe that’s because I was used to Fitbit.



Sent from my iPhone

[Cammiy11]

Hi I had the same problem luckily mine was still in the warranty so they replace it fairly quickly and everything seems to be fine I also had a problem with the Fitbit it’s self a while later but again they replaced it fairly quickly. I love my fit bit and does exactly what I need it for I have family with apple watches and I just find them to be too bulky and very expensive but they were they only issues that stopped me going for one in the first place hope you find a fix soon x

[Kayceem]

I apologize for just answering this now. I totally missed it.

I think you are right about Fitbit doesn't do its customers justice when it
comes to their products. If you google "problems with Fitbit bands" you
will see that this seems to happen often.

I had an Apple Watch but I just didn't like the format. I have small
wrists, and it felt huge on my arm. I gave it to my granddaughter.

I actually looked into the Fitbit Charge 4, but, like you, I am worried
about buying something that is not backed by Fitbit. You would think that
R&D would realize that there is a definite glitch with the straps! There
is one style of Fitbit 4 that has a different looking strap, and it may
even connect differently. But guess what? It's more expensive!!

It was hard to break the habit of wearing that Fitbit! I used it as my
watch, and of course, I liked knowing how many steps I walked.

Lucky you to be able to run! I did for about 20 years until about 6 years
ago. I miss it so much, but now my knee is not in good shape.

I hope this helps you. Good luck with all of your Fitbit issues!

[backshoregirl]

I have the same problem. My original band   and  I have tried 2 of their replacement bands . Colors black Grey and blue all have the same issue.  I have been patient and did not call until I tried the fitbit replacement bands.  I called support tonight, the rep could care less that 1) I Have been a fitbit purchaser for 6 years now had several and gave many as presents, 2) that i have had the problem with 3 fitbit watchbands and that this is clearly a design default on FitBit'S part 3) the community forum here speaks of the same design issue.  Very poor customer service.  LEO the rep told me to buy a new one !! Fitbit seriously you think I m going to buy another one of your products when you take absolutely no responsibility for the design flaw.  Your loosing a good customer, is that really okay with you ?

[backshoregirl]

They certainly are... denying they have a design flaw

[backshoregirl]

ME too Poor customer service 

[backshoregirl]

Should not need a warranty, its a design flaw

[Sueby]

Hey there, the wristband on my Charge 3 broke within 12 months of purchase, and Fitbit replaced the band for me. I had to jump through multiple hoops though, to get a replacement band - then they sent the wrong colour (grey/blue) instead of black! That has actually worked in my favour, however, because they also sent me a black one. I've been wearing the black one and here we are again, less than 12 months of use and the replacement one is also broken - at least I have the grey/blue one I can wear now - until it dies, which I am absolutely 100% confident it will, based on previous experience. Fitbit like all other big companies really don't give a rat's arse about their customers, they are only in it for the almighty dollar. Once this band breaks, I won't be buying a Fitbit product again. The best Fitbit I ever had was one of their original ones, Fitbit One. But like so many companies, they just want to keep bringing out new products to flog to their customers, instead of staying with what has worked. TBH, my Charge 3 isn't that accurate anyway with so many things so it really is a waste of time wearing it. I should just go back to wearing a normal watch and be done with it!