Charge 3 powers off when unplugged

[AmyLamb86]

Hi,

My charge 3 isn't staying powered on once disconnected from the charger.  I do not believe it is an issue with not getting a connection as it shows it as 89% charged. It also will sync with my phone as long as it is connected to the charger.  Once disconnected it immediately shuts off. I have already tried the steps below found from a previous post. Any further suggestions?

Have you tried to restart your tracker? If you haven't, I recommend restarting it by doing the following:

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:
   • 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.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @AmyLamb86. It's nice to see a new member around.

Thanks for sharing detailed information about your Charge 3 behavior, as well for trying the restart process. You did a fantastic job! I'd like to recommend performing a long restart with the following steps:

1. Plug your device back into the charging cable and hold the button down for 15 seconds.
2. The device turns on and shows a battery icon. Two vibrations occur: first a short vibration, then a medium vibration. 
3. The device turns off.
4. 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. 
5. Remove the device from the charging cable. The device shuts down.
6. Important: Plug the device into the charging cable again.

Keep me posted. 

[janetmcm]

I have the problem as noted above.   Fitbit stopped syncing a few hours ago, even though it says 86%charged.   When I plug it into the computer the battery icon does not show, I get a smiley face.   When I hold down the restart button it vibrates, I see the progress bar with 7 short vibrations and the data comes back on.  But when I unplug it, the thing goes blank.

What to do next? 

[mesmith68]

I have the same problem. Mine worked fine until after a week I needed to recharge it. There's definitely a design flaw causing this problem due to the amount of people having similar issues. It's so frustrating to see the same solution provided that does not work. Sorry I even bought this device. 

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @janetmcm and @mesmith68. It's good that the community is growing! I'm sorry for my delayed response.

Thanks for letting me know about your Charge 3 devices, as well for the steps that you've tried prior posting. You did a fantastic job and I've been informed that you already have a case created with our Support team and they're providing you assistance with this.

If you need anything else, feel free to reply back.

[brittybaum]

Mine is doing this as well, even though I've followed the restart advice. What can I do now?

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @brittybaum. It's nice to see a new face around the Community.

Thanks for letting me know that your Charge 3 is having the same behavior. You did a good job with the troubleshooting steps! I've checked with our Support team and apparently they already took your case under their wings. Please continue working with them as I'm sure they'll provide you with assistance.

Catch you later!

[PCBC]

Same exact issue.  It has made the charge 3 a complete waste of money.   It has sat, unused for 4 months because it just powers off.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @PCBC. Welcome to the Forums.

Thanks for taking the time to share that your Charge 3 is having this behavior. I understand how you're feeling as your tracker should be working well and I'm sorry that you've had his experience. I've checked with our Support team  and apparently they already took your case under their wings. They'll continue helping you via email.

If you need anything else, don't hesitate to let me know.

[Rkitzig]

Same exact problem. Is the solution to have a support ticket, since that seems to be the only response here? I assume you all received a new Fitbit then? I had a problem before that I ignored because I didn't want to wait to receive a new one. Now a new problem that I can't ignore.  This is so frustrating.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @Rkitzig. Welcome to the Forums and I'm sorry for the delayed response.

Thanks for reporting that your Charge 3 has the same behavior after unplugging it. Before anything else, may I know if you've tried to troubleshoot your tracker prior posting? If not, I'd recommend the following steps:

1. Clean the gold contacts on your tracker and charging cable.
2. Try a different USB port or a UL-certified wall charger.
3. Check the alignment and try reconnecting your device to the charging cable.
4. Restart your Charge 3 to refresh its performance.

If the issue persists, try performing a long restart with the steps described above.

Keep me posted.

[Miketv21]

Same problem. I have tried reboot several times.  Only got this in December.   It us daughters and she is bummed it's not working. 

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @Miketv21. Welcome on board! I'm sorry for the delayed response.

Thanks for letting me know that your Charge 3 isn't working correctly as well for the steps tried prior posting. I'm sorry that you're having this experience. I've got in touch with our Support team to request a case but I noticed that you already have a case created with them. I'm glad that your case is on good hands and let me suggest to keep working with them so you can receive further assistance.

I'll be around if you have another question.

[Lewiswcjc95]

Hi, 

I’m having issues with my charge 3, it was a warranty replacement already as my old one was not counting steps. 

This one was working fine but I hve no tried to charge and it will not hold any, it will turn off after 5secs when the charger is unplugged. I have followed all the reset instructions and made no difference. 

I have also bought multiple chargers. 

please advise on what to do next 

Kind regards, 

[Agreen17]

Hi i have done the following but still will not come on after disconnected. I get the smiley face when plugged in. It is charged to 100%. 

1. Plug your device back into the charging cable and hold the button down for 15 seconds.
2. The device turns on and shows a battery icon. Two vibrations occur: first a short vibration, then a medium vibration. 
3. The device turns off.
4. 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. 
5. Remove the device from the charging cable. The device shuts down.
6. Important: Plug the device into the charging cable again.