Charge 3 problems with brightness

[Wout.G]

Hi, I have purchased my Charge 3 four months ago. I had no problems with the screen and the brightness as I left it on auto, it has always been clear regardless of the surroundings. However, after 4 months, it is now very dim that I can barely see anything when there is some light in my surroundings.

I have tried to restarting my Charge 3 several times but the screen still remains dim. How do I fix it?

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[WilsonFitbit]

Hello @Bfarr97. Welcome to the community forums. 

Thanks for the great suggestion. Currently, we don't have information available about releasing a new Firmware update for the Charge 3, but if a new one is released in the future, information will be shared through the Other Charge Trackers board or through this link: What's changed in the latest Fitbit device update?

See you around. 

[Scubabass]

If it wasn’t firmware, then I can’t explain what the update was. The process was the same, keep the charge 3 close to the updating device, it took nearly 30 minutes. When it was done, the brightness level was even more subdued than it was before the “update”. To me, that means whatever was done caused the problem to be more severe. Aka, fitbit software is the issue.

[Scubabass]

Thank-you. I would say they are offering a replacement, they are offering a discount if I buy a replacement. Nice, but not quite the same. I didn’t expect fitbit to replace the unit, it’s not in warranty. My expectation was limited to a fix to get the brightness back, a software update to drive the display voltage harder so the light was al least visible. I guess there’s no fix and charge 3 is end of life.

just as a forward looking customer feedback: a fitness tool that has a unreadable display is a fashion bracelet with no utility. I hope other units are readable in daylight, otherwise there’s very limited value in owning one for anyone that wants a tool to help coach their workouts. 

thanks for the coupon.

[WilsonFitbit]

@Scubabass Thank you very much for taking the time to provide your feedback. 

I'm sorry for any inconvenience caused and please note that your comments are very important and they haven't gone unnoticed and be sure they are taken into consideration.

At this time, I was able to see that you reached out to our Support Team and they have provided assistance and information. If you still have questions about the outcome of your case or if you have any other questions, please reply back to your case and our team will be glad to continue assisting you. 

See you around. 

[Nicsar]

Hi, I gave up and bought a new Inspire 2 HR.

[Bfarr97]

Tell me about the inspire…

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[kmbh]

It looks like the CHARGE 3 has a systemic problem with brightness.  I have the same problem as many others.  Is there a software update that could fix this problem?  It doesn’t seem practical for the FitBit company to replace every Charge 3 only to have the same problem occur repeatedly.  Not very attractive to stay with FitBit if they are repeatedly defective!  I got this model because it can be used when swimming laps.  

[Char3boo]

I Have the same issue, even with brightness in Normal mode is still much less compared to my Charge2...

Outside is quite impossible to see the display

[WilsonFitbit]

@Nicsar, @Bfarr97 Thanks for your reply. @kmbh, @Char3boo. Welcome to the community forums. 

@Nicsar Thank you for letting me know that you got an Inspire. @kmbh For your question, I recommend taking a look at this link to get more information about the different Fitbit devices. 

@kmbh I'm sorry for any inconvenience and thank you very much for your feedback. Please note that our team is always working to enhance your experience and your feedback is a big part of that process. Regarding your question, I'd like to let you know that we don't have information about releasing a Firmware update for the Charge 3. If there is an update in the future, please note that it will be shared through the Other Charge Trackers board. 

@Char3boo I appreciate the detailed information. Make sure that your Charge 3 hasn't gone into Sleep or DND. When any of these settings are activated: 

• Notifications don't cause the tracker to vibrate or the screen to turn on.
• The screen's brightness is set to dim.
• Turning your wrist won't cause the tracker’s screen to turn on.

To change this, press and hold the button, and swipe left to access the quick settings screen. Tap a setting to turn it on or off. When you turn off the setting, the icon appears dim with a line through it. For more information, see How do I navigate my Fitbit device?. You can also refer to this thread for tips and suggestions. 

On a side note, this thread is now closed. If you have a different inquiry, please post it in a new thread.

See you around.