Charge 3 continually flickering between screen

[MAK2822]

My Charge 3 just started to go ballistic. It is literally having a fit. It just started flashing and changing screens for no reason, won't stay on any screen for more that 1-2 seconds and won't stop doing this - even to charge. Because it is doing this constantly, there is no way to stop it or charge it. Just a little over 12 months old - never dropped or put in water. I have ordered a new charger - cheapest way to try something.

Can anyone enlighten me ?

Thanks

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @MAK2822, welcome to the Community Forums. I apologize for delayed response. I'm sorry to hear about your Charge 3's screen odd behavior. Thanks for making sure you haven't dropped it or put in water, I'm here to help you.

If you haven't done so yet, I suggest restarting your Charge 3 by following the steps provided here: How do I restart my Fitbit device? 

If the restart doesn't work, let's try restarting your Charge 3 using the 15-second method: 

1. Connect the device to the charging cable. 
2. While the device is plugged into the charging cable, press and hold the button down for 15 seconds. 
3. The device turns on and shows a battery icon. Two vibrations occur: first a short vibration, then a medium vibration. 
4. The device turns off.
5. The device turns on and shows a progress bar and short vibrations occur. The progress bar completes. Note: A total of 7 short vibrations occur. 
6. Remove the device from the charging cable. The device shuts down.
7. Important: Plug the device into the charging cable again. 

In case that neither of the restarts work, please check in your Fitbit app if your Charge 3 is still syncing. If so, change the clock face to a different one to see if this brings back the display. Don't worry if you cannot do anything with the display now, this process is done through the Fitbit app. 

Give this a go and let me know the outcome. 

[MAK2822]

I have tried all the things mentioned on the forum. I have just tried to
turn the Charge 3 on by plugging the charging cord into a USB and placing
the Charge 3 into the charging cradle.

Nothing works at all.

So I have pushed the button on the side.

When pressing it, the Charge 3 vibrates - if I let it go, it stops
vibrating.

Did this for 15 seconds - NOTHING on the screen.

Did longer and shorter at different time - NOTHING on the screen.

It is like a teenager who has the s#its with you and won't acknowledge you
🙂



I reckon it is bin material.

I ordered a new charger just in case it is faulty, so I won't throw out
until it arrives.



Basically, after reading all of the forums about the charge 3 - I do not
hold out hopes of getting it working at all.



I am looking at other brands after reading reviews of the Charge 4. It
scares me to think it is Au$100 dearer and very few upgrades to the 3.

I reckon that there is a fault with the 3 and will probably carry it over to
the 4. I have lost confidence in this fit bit range.



I have a Blaze and it has not failed me. But this charge 3 which my wife
likes - bin it.



If you still want me to try stuff, I am happy to do so until the other
charger arrives.



Thanks anyhow

[MarreFitbit]

Hello @MAK2822, thanks for getting back and for the update. Sorry for my delayed response.

Please note that our main purpose is to avoid negative experiences to our customers, we're always willing to help and provide troubleshooting steps. Then, if the tracker is deemed defective we review eligibility using the one year warranty option.

Additionally, our products are indeed designed and made to last (this goes for each product component) however, there is not an infallible way to ensure that no issues will be present in the long run. Because of this, our Warranty Policy is set into providing as much coverage as we can.

Since you've ordered a new charger, I'd recommend waiting until it arrives to test your Charge 3 and see where the issue is coming from. If the new charger does nothing to bring your Charge 3's display back, do not hesitate to contact me back and I will be more than glad to move to the next step. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[MAK2822]

Marre



The plan was to wait for the charger - that will eliminate this.

The tracker must be working OK because after I removed the Charge 3 from the
phone, and later added it, it took time, but the tracker was found, it set
up (despite the screen continually changing and the vibrating), and
eventually I could move the Charge 3 up and down to simulate steps, and I
could see the phone count going up.



Therefore, if the screen stopped playing up, then the Charge 3 would work
(well, that's from a logical point of view).



I will be in contact once the charger arrives - could take a few weeks with
this pandemic on.



Thanks again





Kym and Merridee Lawrence