Charge 3 display very dim

[WhippetLady]

My display is really unreadable now. Tried adjusting brightness, tried reboot and a long reset and nothing helped. When you look at the screen most of the text is missing and what is there is really faint and hard to see. EG  time 09:35 shows part of the 0 all of 9: part of 3 and 5 is missing. 

You're all caught up - can only see 'caught' the rest is so faint but even caught is hard to see. As I scroll through the screens the last row is the brightest but even that is faint on the right-hand side.

Can't see the screen at all in a bright place or outside so I can't use it unless it can be fixed.

Is it broken?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi @WhippetLady, welcome to the Community Forums. We apologize for the late response, due to recent events affecting our operations, we're taking longer to respond.

I'm sorry to hear that your Charge 3 screen went dim, thanks for restarting it prior to contacting us.

Since the screen is still not working fine, I went ahead and created a case for you with our Support Team. Keep in mind that we may need more than 7 business days to respond, due to recent events affecting our operations. Stay tuned of 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.

[JackJ80]

I have also been experiencing this problem for weeks now. I have tried all of the resets and scoured through the community posts to no avail. I cannot read my display unless in a dark room.

[Kel-Mo]

I am having this exact same issue. It just started over the last few weeks. I can't read my watch outside regardless of the weather, nor in bright rooms. I also have an unreadable number in the upper right and I have some minor lines and fading in the first number of the clock. I've tried a restart multiple times and tried changing the clock face with no results. Please advise. Thanks!

[tl4lp]

This is also happening to my Charge 3. I chatted to support and was told that the only thing they can offer is a discount on another fitbit. Since this is clearly happening to so many people, I am hoping that another solution is provided. Thank you for taking the time to support. 

[WhippetLady]

Support asked me to try the following - which I had already tried before logging the fault. However, my screen is now completely black so I am unable to do anything with it.

1. Plug the charging cable into the USB port on your computer or any UL-certified USB wall charger.
2. Clip the other end of the charging cable to the port on the back of the tracker. The pins on the charging cable must lock securely with the port.
3. Make sure the button on your tracker is aligned with the button opening on the charging cable. You’ll know the connection is secure when the tracker vibrates and you see a battery icon on your tracker’s display. 
4. Press and hold the button to restart your tracker:
• For Charge 3—press and hold the button on your tracker for 8 seconds. Release the button. When you see a smile icon and the tracker vibrates, the tracker restarted.
5. Unplug your tracker from the charging cable.

Hopefully, this will get you back on track. However, if the issue persists, try the following long restart: 

1. Connected the device to the charging cable.
2. Press and hold the button to long restart your tracker:
• For Charge 3—press and hold the button on your tracker for 15 seconds. The device turns on and shows a progress bar and short vibrations occur. 
• When the progress bar completes, remove the device from the charging cable. The device will shut down.
3.  Plug the device into the charging cable again. 

[BexHerbs]

I’m experiencing the same issues. I have tried different clock faces, changing the brightness level, carried out a restart and am still struggling to see my watch face, it’s so dim! 

[JackJ80]

I've done this around 30 times

[tl4lp]

I have also restarted multiple times. I’ve been told that due to warranty they can’t do anything about it. I am still shocked that so many of us are experiencing this and nothing is being done. They offer a discount on a new product. That doesn’t make me feel like a valued customer at all, just an opportunity for more business. 

[JackJ80]

I've had nothing but problems with my original fitbit charge hr and now the charge 3. I don't know why I keep investing in these but I think it's time for another brand.

[Kel-Mo]

I have tried all the support recommended fixes that folks have posted about in the various threads about this issue. I have not chatted with support directly yet though. I am noticing that this seems to be a pervasive issue and am disappointed that they seem to have no real fix for the issue. Coincidentally, for me at least, the issue appeared right around the time the charge 4 rolled out. These watches are awfully expensive to have such early planned obsolescence. 

I am currently looking into other makers such as Garmin to meet my needs. A discount on a faulty product just doesn't do it for me. It's extra disappointing because I really liked the charge until this point and love the phone app. 

[BJL53]

Same problem for me, started at the same time when the charge 4 came out. 

[dbhas27]

same issue happening with me. very disappointed with fitbit. have tried restarting (all ways noted) at least 25 times with no avail. 

[tl4lp]

Exciting update, I called customer support and received excellent customer service. A replacement tracker for my Charge 3 is on the way. I did have to call (after sending a couple emails and chats), but from there the process was painless. I am excited with this outcome. I wanted to share and hope others can get this response too. 

[bknight77]

I have the same problem. Was working great now too dark to see.

[WhippetLady]

That's good news.

[CaptSandbox]

Tried 8 second smiley reset - no joy.

Tried 15 second long reset, no progress bar visible no short vibrations - no joy.

Firmware up to date.

Any ideas???

[BJL53]

No, mine quit too so I am using my charge 2 which works great
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[LD58]

I have the same issue and have been struggling for the last 4-6 weeks to try to fix the issue and I certainly agree about feeling undervalued as a Charge 3 customer. 
It almost seems like many of us started having this issue around the end of April and it is no accident, especially since the remedy is just a discount on a new devise. Where’s Ralph Nader when ya need him?