Charge 3 readability in sunlight

[DAK1989]

I received my Charge 3 for Christmas so it's fairly new.  I can barely see the screen outside when I am in the shade, can't see it at all in the sun.  I had even changed the brightness settings back and forth from Auto to Bright.   When I recently purchased a Charge 3 for my husband, I realized something was wrong with mine.  His is bright enough to see in the outdoors/sun.      I came to this forum before for a runaway HR issue and had learned how to "reset".   So I tried a reset, but unfortunately I still can't see my screen during my outdoor sports activities.    Is there any other solution available that I am unaware of?  Thanks for the help. 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[christinemacdon]

I have the same issue when I'm running or biking ousdie and the watch is useless because I can't see the screen in sunlight or shade. I'm extremely frustrated!

[MarreFitbit]

Welcome to the Community Forums @DAK1989! Thanks for much for already switching between the brightness options and restarting your Charge 3 prior to contacting us. 

I've created a support case on your behalf - you should soon receive an email from Customer Support at the email you used to register with the Community Forums. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know.

Hello @christinemacdon! I totally understand how you feel. I was about to create a support case on your behalf, but I've seen you contacted our Chat Team after posting here, but your chat got disconnected. I was wondering if you could reconnect with them again?

Let me know, I'll be more than glad to continue assisting you. 

[christinemacdon]

so after 30 min. with Joel on fitbit chat, he  told me the update fixed the issue and gosh the update didn't work and then gosh the troubleshooting didn't work the watch still just doesn't read outside. they are sending me a replacement but i just want a watch that works outdoors!! i don;t care how many glasses of water or my sleep pattern, just let me track my heart rate, distance, pace etc as I'm running swimming and biking. WARNING :don't buy this watch if your an outdoor exerciser!

[DAK1989]

Thank you Marre!  I will watch for their email. 

[DAK1989]

Hi Marre,  I received an firmware update (no other communication yet) and installed it this morning before heading to the courts.  I still cannot see my screen in the daylight and I did compare it again to my husband's - and even though his isn't the greatest, you could still see it.

Another annoying issue arose.  In the past, since I can't see the screen to start any activities, the fitbit would at least pick up my play time as a sport.   Today, I didn't even get a Sport tracked and I played several games in hot temps and know I should have registered activity.  

Is there something else that I need to do?    Thanks!

[DAK1989]

SOLUTION was to text Customer Service.  

[armygirl_fsga]

I have the same issue, I have restarted, updated, and switched the brightness to Auto.  When I switch it to auto, I can't see ANYTHING!   I had to go into the darkest room in the house to see the screen so I could change the settings for brightness back to Normal.  My husband's Charge 3 screen lights up much brighter than mine.  please help!  This issue started about a month ago and I am on the verge of switching to another type of tracker because I can't even see my steps on my long walks.

[DAK1989]

Solution is to call or chat with Customer Service - they were very helpful for my issue. 

[BuddyY]

What do customer service tell you to do that fixed the problem?  Calling them is not a solution, just the step taken to get the solution;   whatever they told you to do is the solution.

[DAK1989]

They do try a few different things, which have helped some people.  In my case I qualified for a replacement.

[Rianne4]

I am experiencing the same issues. I've gone through the settings and restarted as suggested, without a resolution.

I've been unable to start tracking running and biking when outside, due to being unable to see the display.

Are there any fixes to this??

Thank you.

[BuddyY]

I never saw a useful solution posted via this community forum  ("calling fitbit support" is not a 'solution', but rather an approach to obtain a solution).   I did also follow the advice posted here to contact fitbit support and got nothing useful there either.   Frankly, fitbit support is effectively unreachable - unclear to me that they actually employ more than one person in that role.  I did eventually reach their apparently one employee who them bumbled around on the topic for a while before giving up.

[Rianne4]

I did get through on twitter direct messaging. Unfortunately they are not supportive of resolving this issue. I was offered a very limited discount to purchase another product.

So the Fitbit I have received as a gift is unusable outdoors. I’m not even able to see the time, let alone start tracking a run or bike ride, since I can’t read the display. I’ll be sure to caution others who may be considering purchasing a Fitbit Charge 3. 

Non-readable display in the sun.

I’m looking into other Brands of trackers. 

Buyer beware.

[Havasu]

Update on November 23, 2020: After much research, I’m going with the Apple Watch Series 3 and leaving FitBit. 

i have the same exact issue and have done everything suggested without resolution. So frustrating. I’m really bummed because I’ve recently gotten more active with outdoor sports and the Charge 3 is useless. I can’t even tell what time it is when I’m outside. I’m looking at purchasing a new fitness watch. I love the FitBit App so I wanted to stay with this brand. I was particularly looking at the Versa 3 , but I’m worried about this having the same issue and that’s a lot of money to spend to have something disappoint especially when my Charge 3 isn’t quite a year old.  My husband has the Apple Watch and that display is nice and bright. I may have to with Apple. 🤔😩.  Have you resolved the issue or did you have to get a new watch? 

[Rianne4]

I reached out to customer service. My device was past the one year period of warranty. You may be able to get an improved replacement. They offered me a % off of another device. I have sent a lot on FitBits over the years, so I didn't use the discount to spend additional dollars. Haven't decided on which brand I'll go with, but considering Garmin. 

If you're still before the one year, reach out to customer service on Twitter ASAP; hopefully they will be able to replace your device with one you can read. Good luck!

[Joemacky]

Absolutely useless in daylight.  I need to get something else.  Total junk!

[Joemacky]

Horrible fitness watch