Charge 3 screen is black, so I can't get my 4 digit pairing code

[Dan122]

Hi, I spent good money on this Fibit Charge 3 and just my luck, the screen quit working, which is apparently a common problem.

I went through support and tried everything and we concluded that my device is screwed.  For my trouble - I was offered a discount code to buy a new one from fitbit.com - unfortunately it was a terrible discount that doesn't even come close to the discounts from 3rd party vendors.

Besides - I am not in a financial position to buy a new fitbit.  I spent good money on the broken one I have, and I will use it anyway with a black screen.  

So I used it with a broken screen for the past 2 months.  It sucks but at least I could use the app to see my heart rate.

Flash forward to today - I accidentally unpaired my device from the app and now I can't pair it back because I can't see the screen which would have my 4 digit code for BT pairing.  How crappy!  

Is there anyway I can continue to use my crummy broken fitbit that I spent good money on?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity. 

[Dan122]

Tldr:. How can I connect to the Android app if I can't read the 4 digit pairing code on the fitbit charge 3 due to it being completely dim?

[AlvaroFitbit]

@Dan122 Welcome to the Community. 

Sorry to hear about this. You can't setup the tracker without the 4 digit code. Support does follow the guidelines described in the warranty so if your device is outside the warranty period they won't be able to replace it. This is why they offer a discount to help customers in this situation. Still thank you for sharing your feedback. 

I'll be around.

[Saul123]

If your display break don't listen to tech support they want you to un-pair it as part of troubleshooting and then it is a brick since it can't be pair again. No display, but still talks to phone was my situation before tech support now no data, no collection, just a brick until i get the new one they are shipping (7-10 days) - don't listen to service about unregistering the device, then at least you can still use it without a display until it is replaced

[AndreaFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @Saul123 and thank you for your advise. If display doesn't work you won't be able to pair your device again. Good catch.

Keep on visiting the forums. 

[Zapjeni]

Why can’t you email the pairing code so people and still use the device?? 

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us and for your question @Zapjeni. 

The pairing code is not permanent and can not be sent through an email.

Have a nice day. 

[Zapjeni]

You could text it like loads of other companies do for authorisation codes - just ask for a mobile when new users set up??

Jeni

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us and for your feedback @Zapjeni. 

You´ll also need your mobile or a compatible device to sync  your tracker. 

I hope this information helps. 

[Zapjeni]

Exactly so you could text the pairing code rather than only display it on the Fitbit with a screen that’s not working

Jeni

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us and for your feedback @Zapjeni . 

Currently, the only way to pair the devices is with the code that appears on them. I understand how frustrating this could be and you could add your idea to our Feature Suggestions.

[willjoe]

Plug the device into the charging cable. While the device is plugged into the charging cable, hold the button down for 15 seconds. Remove your finger from button.

Regards,

Will

[LuluMorgan]

Has anyone tried this?

Moderator edit: format. 

[AndreaFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @LuluMorgan. Thank you for sharing your question.

Please let me know if you have tried restarting your device in order to make the display work. 

[maverick2036]

I agree with Saul123. I have a charge3 and a versa lite that have done the same thing. I went thru the steps with tech support and they had me un-pair and reset the device to factory setting. Now I have 2 devices that are worthless. The versa lite screen still has the back light but no characters are displayed. The moral of this story is do not un-pair in hopes that tech support can get you going unless it is under warranty. It is almost like they have a planned obsolescence timer built into the devices.

[Spinchick58]

I made the same mistake by listening to customer support! My Versa stopped working all of a sudden but I had my old Charge 2 as a back up even though it had no display. I could at least wear it and sync it with the app to see my step counts, HR, sleep results, etc. Customer Support insisted that the issues with my Versa were due to having the Charge 2 also set up so they told me to remove the device from my account. Bad move, Fitbit, and I’ve been beating myself up ever since because now I have two non-functioning devices. It’s ridiculous that there’s no other way to receive the pairing code. My track record with Fitbit has been patchy at best and I can say with confidence that I will not purchase another of their devices. When I read all of the problems and issues in these forums it makes me shake my head and wonder how they stay in business. 

[Spinchick58]

That’s my plan as well. No more Fitbits for me! 

[Spinchick58]

I don’t mind paying a little more for a device that is more reliable! 

[Ette70]

This is my third Charge 3 that has developed a black/blank screen. All only lasted about 12 months.  It will be the last Fitbit I'm ever going to buy!!!! 

[M4martha]

It is SO ANNOYING! I really like the size of the charge 3 and I have 2 spare leather straps that are also wasted.  Grrrrrrr