Charge 3 erratically vibrating and not charging

[Mollymo99]

My charge 3 hasn’t been used now in about a month, as I took a break from wearing it. 

I just put it on the charger and it doesn’t seem to be charging, there is just a blank screen, but it is continuously and erratically vibrating non-stop. Like it will not stop buzzing. 

Why is this? It’s unresponsive and the touch button at the side isn’t responding (as it isn’t charging or turning on) 

Moderator edit: format

[tohbeats]

This happened to mine as well... about 3 days ago.

[AlvaroFitbit]

@Mollymo99 @tohbeats Thanks for joining us! 

Let me help you with your Charge 3 being unresponsive. Try cleaning the contacts using cotton swab with rubbing alcohol, then charge it by plugging it for a couple of hours directly to your computer's USB port (try different ports) or use an UL-certified USB adapter. After this, restart your device for the continues vibration and see how it behaves. You can follow these instructions to help your device charge. 

Let me know how it goes.

[GEQ]

Mine, too, and the screen is flipping to screens I've never seen on it before and flipping back and forth, vibrating each time, and then wearing out the battery.

[GEQ]

I did all that yesterday only to have it do all that again today.  I'm on help chat now, but seriously, something is wrong.

[Islabear]

Hi Molly,

I appreciate this was some time ago but I am experiencing exactly the same issue. Did you get an resolution? Thanks, Peter

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello everyone. @Islabear Welcome to the community forums! 

Thank you for the detailed information. At this time, I'd like to let you know that if the suggested tips in this thread didn't help, I recommend contacting our Support Team for further assistance. Note that you can contact them through chat or over the phone, but phone wait times have been longer than normal, so I recommend initiating a chat. Click here to get connected.

Also, please note that you can provide a brief explanation of the inconvenience and mention the steps you've followed, this way they can assist you from there. 

See you around. 

[SashaS99]

Had the same problem yesterday. My Charge 3 won't stay charged for more than a couple of hours and the screen keeps going dark and vibrating. It looks like other folks seem to be having a similar issue. 

Try plugging it into the charger and holding to side button to reboot it. It'll at least get the device screen working again. 

I also got through to a customer service rep who said they were going to forward my case for more research and to wait for an email. Got an email about 2 hours later with a discount code for a new device. I've only had this device for about 5 months and it's already malfunctioning and it's apparently not covered by a warranty because it's replacement device I got for my original device that didn't last a year. 

It's very interesting how the immediate solution was to ask me to spend more money on a new device instead of trying to give me tips to fix it. 

[Islabear]

Hi Sasha,

Thanks for replying. Yes, was persuaded by my wife to go back to Fitbit following two separate problems with other Fitbits. I am sorry I took her advice now. 

I will go the generic brand route as I have found them to be excellent reliability wise and much cheaper. Sad to say it but that is my experience. 

Best of luck with your next purchase. 

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @SashaS99. Welcome to the community forums. @Islabear Thank you for your reply. 

@SashaS99 I'm very sorry for the experience and thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. Please note that any feedback posted in the forums is always welcome as it helps to improve our products, services and overall environment.

At this time, I'd like to let you know that since all troubleshooting steps were exhausted, our Support Team reviewed your tracker's warranty status. Please note that replacement devices are provided for products that are within the warranty period. If your original Charge 3 is no longer under warranty a discount could be an available option but some conditions and requirements should be met.

For more information about our warranty policy, I recommend visiting the following link: https://www.fitbit.com/global/us/legal/returns-and-warranty. 

@Islabear I also appreciate your comments and feedback. If you haven't contacted our Support Team, I recommend reaching out to them through chat or over the phone and please make sure to explain your experience, this way they can further assist you. Note that you can contact them through chat or over the phone, but phone wait times have been longer than normal. 

See you around. 

[DevinC]

I'm experiencing this issue, my Charge 3 is about 1.5 years old. A couple days ago while wearing it, it cycled through random menus and had erratic responses while not touching the device in any way. It did this randomly throughout the day. I also noticed a dead line through the screen where pixels wouldn't light up. I let the device die, charged it up to full. Now the device vibrates erratically and acts as if I'm cycling through menus and touching it. This is all happening while not wearing or touching the device at all. It's very broken. Tried a factory reset, still acts the same way. It vibrates on a table continuously without any physical touch.

Customer support would be helpful, but this thing is now not working. 

Moderator edit: word choice/format 

[Ellyaf]

Exactly the same thing happened to my charge 3, 3 weeks ago. The pixelated line followed by the erratic vibrating then failing to hold charge and constant vibration again once charged up. I haven't used it since. This is clearly a malfunction which has affected many devices.

Help please?!

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @DevinC, @Ellyaf. Welcome to the community forums. 

Thank you very much for the detailed information and for the troubleshooting steps you've followed. I also appreciate your feedback and please note that our team is always working to enhance your experience and your feedback is a big part of that process.

Since the inconveniences have persisted after following the suggested tips, my best recommendation is that you please contact our Support Team. Your understanding is very appreciated, but I’ve reached the limits of what I can do for you here on the public community forums. 

Note that you can contact them through chat or over the phone, but phone wait times have been longer than normal, so I recommend initiating a chat. Click here to get connected. 

See you around.