Charge 3 display is very dim

[LHall66]

My Charge 3 display is so dim that I can’t read anything unless I’m in a dark room. I can’t see anything on the display while outside in the sunlight. I’ve tried the normal setting and the auto setting. And today my display is going completely blank. I reset it and changed the clock face. The display came back temporarily for 10 minutes then went blank again. 

[MalaBala]

I did an online chat with them the other day and was only offered a 25% off discount to buy another one. I said no thank you, I just want mine fixed since it seems to be an extremely common problem that also seems to have happened to a lot of us after the last update. I hope they fix this in the next update!

[lynnUnger]

Mine went totally blank the other day. It miraculously came back in again. This is the second time this happened. I’m worried this is going to happen again and become permanent. This one was replaced on warranty less than a year ago. I like the charge 3 but I need something that is reliable and works well for a long time. The other item that is gone is the notifications. This is not an important function for me but it is something that should work. No attempts I have made have been successful.

Sent from my iPhone

[TDH1]

Same issue. This is my 6th Fitbit and my last.  I have tried everything, then finally called FitBit to understand if there is an update, or another trick I did know about.  No luck.  Out of warranty, they offered me a discount on another piece of junk, so will just throw this one in the trash and move on to Garmin.   

[BBhushan]

I got a Garmin fore runner as gift from my  son. It's working even after 5 years. Setting  it is a bit complicated. That's why I patronized Fitbit and purchased two charge 3 the same day for myself and my wife. It is sad experience  as their products have a poor quality. Under pressure  Customer  support  just tries to tire you out so that  in disgust you just trash it. Those who persist are given discount for replacing with their product. Even that exchange  may not be satisfactory.

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[BBhushan]

I would  add that keep your fingers  crossed. Wish you good luck.

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[FitlessBit]

Same problem as everyone else. Sudden dim display.  Tried the resets, no help.  My fit**ahem** is over a year old, so replacement option.

This could be fixed with an update by adding an additional brightness option "High". So options would be Dim, Normal, Auto, High.  I am a software programmer and this would not be a difficult addition for them to do.  I can't figure out why they don't add a simple feature.  Unless, they feel people with take advantage of the 25% offer and they make more money.  Seems like they lose a lot of buyers as well.

Really sucks because I like the watch!  It the most accurate tracker on the market.  Worthless if you can't read the display!

Come on FITBIT...give use the update for the brightness!!

[Zuka]

My Fitbit Charge 3 is so dim in the day that cannot read . Have tried various settings no good . Can only read in dark or shade. Thx 

[mhasman]

Same issue here. Display is dim, it is impossible to see even the time at day time. Bright mode, in dim mode it is completely black 

I called to Support (30 min waiting to be connected), and they only offering me 25% discount to purchase another Charge 3. Device is about 2 month as warrant expired, a bit longer that a year for me - and the only solution I've got to spend another $100 for old model. Seems like FitBit Support does not care to offer me any other options, repair, replacement, etc. 

So bad. I'm long time loyal customer. I had Charge HR, then Charge 2, now Charge 3, but buying new device once a year is not an option

Seems like there is a time for me to look around for another platform with devices staying longer alive - and with better support and customer service

[Ufoxprt]

Understand having had new Fitbits many different models with issues. Some were within warranty and this one and some others out of warranty.

In my case, the dimming led to bigger issues like the screen went completely dead and it came back after a reset briefly to a smiley face that won’t go off. I let the battery go dead and tried again and it booted but only halfway and back to a smiley face.

I just bought my last Fitbit, a Charge 4 and got the extended warranty. If this fails, no more Fitbits.

Get Outlook for iOS

[BBhushan]

This is a very common problem. Fitbit does not have a fix for this. Now they offer you to buy any other product and enjoy 25 percent discount. In my opinion it’s like getting trapped in a web. It’s no solution to customer complaints .


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

[MissyMona]

Hello Marrefitbit

i have the same issue with my screen. Can you please help me as well?

Thank you xox 

[lynnUnger]

I just called the contact number at Fitbit and had my Fitbit replaced. Back then it seemed like it was easier than it is now. My experience was quite good. I hear since then that people are having issues getting a replacement. Mine was still under warranty. If yours is not, you may not have success getting a replacement.

Sent from my iPhone

[mhasman]

>Now they offer you to buy any other product and enjoy 25 percent discount

Wrong, The 25% discount works for Charge 3 only, and does not cover any other new products. 

[Ufoxprt]

Completely agree. A never ending bunch of 25% discounts so you become a
repeat buyer. Sad.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Zuka]

Another brand will hopefully capitalize on these Fitbit shortcomings. I know what to look out for with my next purchase. For now I’ll sweat it out till my Birthday . 😅
Customer lost for life Mr. Fitbit !

[boots911]

Mine is a year and a half old and just started doing this in the sunlight.  Very frustrating.  It has worked great until now.

[TDH1]

Next step:  Sync with your recycling bin.  SORRY!  Fitbit won't resolve these issues, and wont replace out of warranty.  And a small credit toward another likely problematic product isnt a good fit for most reasonable people.

[Lu69]

Display broken letters and dim

[DrSamCarter]

I know this is going to seem weird, but these instructions (which were given to me a year ago by Fitbit for another problem I was having) seem to have resolved my dim screen problem:

Try changing your clock face in the Fitbit app:

• With your device nearby, from the Fitbit app dashboard, tap the Account icon User (top left of the home screen in the iOS app)
• Click on Charge 3
• Tap Clock Faces  
• Select All Clocks from the tab at the top.
• Browse the available clock faces. Tap the clock face you want and tap Select to install it.
• Sync your device to see the change
• Set screen brightness to Auto (in Settings -> Brightness on the Fitbit device).

No guarantees that it will work for you (or for how long) but it seems to have worked for me (and you can change your clock-face back to what you had originally if you don't like the one you changed to!).

[boots911]

Thank you for the tip.  It did not work.  The top and middle are dim and the lower part is more visible.  Strange situation and sad that such a new item is failing.  I spent an hour in chat and on the phone with fitbit.  I had to ask for how to try and fix it blind, they don't seem to care to help at all.  Their "help" center does not give details of how to adjust brightness (pictures or directions).  If the device failing so early didn't seal the deal, the customer service not being helpful did.  No more fitbits here.