Charge 3 display is dimmer since firmware update

[SunsetRunner]

Since the update to the 1.63.5 firmware, the display has been noticeably dimmer that it used to be.  Now with the brightness level set to normal, reading the display when outside in regular daylight requires I cup my hand over the display to read it.  I tried changing the brightness in the settings on the device, but it didn't help.  When cycling through the brightness levels (normal, auto, dim), the dim setting is so dim that the display can't be read in normal indoor light.  When in a very dark room, faint text can be seen on the display, but it's so dim that the text really isn't readable.

Even with the brightness level set to normal, the battery level is barely visible when pressing the button then swiping up once.  The battery percentage value can barely be read at the top of the screen (it's much dimmer than the rest of the screen), and the battery icon to the left of the percentage value can barely be made out.

After reading some other posts where people were complaining about dim screens, I have tried the following:

* Reset the brightness in the settings.  This didn't help, so it's back to "normal" now.  At one point when I selected Dim, it was so dim I could no longer read (even indoors) the display and had to fumble with it to get back to the screen and change it back to normal.

* Rebooting device from settings / about menu.  This did not help.

* The long reset (plug into charger and hold button down for 15 seconds).  I got the smiley face eventually, but the display brightness didn't change.

* Change to a different click face.  The new face downloaded to the device, but the brightness level didn't change.  Changing back to the original clock face also didn't help.

but the display is still too dim to be readable in most outside light conditions.  Is there anything that can be done to make the display as bright as it was before the 1.63.5 firmware update?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[KG66]

I bought my Charge 3 in December 2018. My display was corrupted enough that I was sent a new one under warranty last February/March. Then since the July firmware update, my screen has been so dim that it's completely useless in the summer time (dim is unreadable except in a darkened room, "normal" and "auto" are slightly brighter, but still only visible after sunset and in a low-lit room). I tried an online chat with Fitbit help, and they talked me through various "resets" back in August, but nothing helped.
They said this was due to a known bug that would be resolved with the next firmware update ... which has yet to happen. I'm now up against my warranty expiring and still no resolution. Would someone from Fitbit please respond with information about when this fabled firmware update with a bug fix for the dim screen will be happening? I am regretting buying this device which seems to be flawed from the start given my experience with two devices in less than 6 months failing to operate properly. 

[SunsetRunner]

Unfortunately, my warranty expired last month. 

I have tried all the remedies listed.  The only change is that the bottom of the screen is brighter but the top row is still dim.  Doesn't matter if I set it to Normal or Auto it remain dim. I upgraded from a Charge 2 which never had an issue with brightness.  Would not expect FitBit to have a known issue but not implement a fix as quickly as possible.  The FitBit community is too large to permit such a glitch to continue for so long and to think I purchased the limited edition at full price.

HELP!

[Lorrainewarner]

I am having the exact same problem. I have tried all of the fixes recommended thru this whole thread and nothing is working 😡 My Fitbit is almost useless as I can barely see anything on the screen. 

[Tjohnstonjr]

Same problem, I called customer support and they said the same thing.  I call BS. I use this device for more things other than a step tracker. My tracker is up to date, charges fine, still tracks but I can't see the display.  I've tried changing clock faces, cuz this isn't the 1st time it's happened.  So frustrated! 

[susanjp517]

I am having the same issue. I have completed all the suggested “fixes” and even contacted support.  My Charge 3 was purchased in late October 2018, so needless to say, it is just out of warranty. All customer service would do is offer me a 25% discount on a new one, but only if I ordered it through Fitbit.com. I could get is cheaper through Amazon Prime, even if I added the extended warranty.  I am not happy with the lack of support on a relatively new device. My screen keeps getting dimmer and dimmer and now the left side is barely visible with the top(where it show steps) routinely is missing a number.  I have been a Fitbit user for years and now I am wondering if their stuff Is now garbage. Not impressed at all.

Update: Fitbit is now selling Charge 3 on website for less than the so called 25% discount they gave me for my defective product.  Something is not right here. Either fix the software issue or provide me with a new Charge 3.

[duf82]

I am having the same issues of not being able to see my display at all on my Fitbit Charge 3. I have tried the troubleshooting and it did not help. Please help me fix this.

[DaanD]

Dear,

I have the same issue: the screen is barely readable outside, and it is getting worse over time.

I tried the reset procedure, also changed between 'auto' and 'normal' ('dim' is completely dark) but the behavior is still the same.

There also is a spot up left in the screen that is darker than the rest of the screen.

[ctrckalee]

Hi, I updated mine as well.  I have tried all the suggestions.  It is still too dim to read outside and it has slowly been getting lines through the TIME numbers and it is growing down the screen.  For instance:

12:00 is displayed by not solidly - lines go through it horizontally.  Can you help with that.  I have had it just over a year.

[waynecz]

I have the same issue.  Since the firmware update my display is far too dim and at times its impossible to even see the display.  I couldn't see the power option display at all after the update as it is so dim.  If I would have known how poorly the firmware update would enable the display I would have never done the update.  Right now it won't even show a display its so dim. 

[waynecz]

In addition to the dimness which I partially corrected by changing the setting back to normal (why did the firmware update change settings?) I now have visible black horizontal lines going thru the display settings.  Naturally they are well placed to go thru some settings, like power, which makes the setting unreadable. How do you get rid of the horizontal black lines reducing display visibility? 

[ScooterFerguson]

I have no new solutions for this issue.  I finally gave up.  My thinking is:

1:  Fitbit is aware of the issue and has made a business decision to ignore those customers experiencing the issue.

2: My thinking is that is only a software issue:

a.  They don't see a business case in tying up capital and an investigation for a (now) obsolete product.

b.  This could be a business case called planned obsolescence where the company utilizes product failure to drive new sales (and avoid warranty obligations)

3: If it is a hardware issue

a:  The cost associated with admitting to product design not robust enough would drive large redesign  effort and associated warranty costs

4:  This all seemed to occur when Fitbit was in the process of being purchased by Google.  Perhaps full disclosure was not related during the process and Google has chosen to ignore the issue outside the financial disclosure.

At any rate, I think pressure back toward Fitbit may be the only option .. and a weak one at that.

[waynecz]

I contacted customer support and I was under warranty still so they are sending a replacement.   

[damfg]

I would also like the fix to be able to see the screen display on my Charge 3. It dimmed immediately after the firmware update and I cannot find any way to be able to see it. It is not at all useful if I cannot see it. 

[ctrckalee]

I found if you swipe four times to left, you get to setting screen, tap on
it and there is the Brightness setting. Tap on the that and switch to
normal or Auto.

[Dvorah]

Where is this referenced “settings app” I don’t see one on the device or on the iPhone app.  

[damfg]

Thank you!

[waynecz]

There is a settings app on your dashboard if you hit your profile. Also, the last item typically as you scroll thru your device is a settings app. 

[waynecz]

Received my replacement 9/1 have not set it up yet but pretty quick shipment.  It actually sat at the local Fed Ex office for like 3 days.  Unfortunately the reality has been for me that I have relinquished to the reality that these only last a year, so I buy a new one every year on Black Friday.  About every other year, like this year, I have an issue typically still under warranty.  That's why I try to buy a discounted one  usually not top of the line. 

Moderator edit: format

[PSPR]

I have the same issue (dim screen after the last update). Tried all your suggestions and it does not work!!!

[RoxanaG]

 I have exactly the same brightness issue since the last firmware update (a few months back). Please help.