Charge 3 screen is dark

[Lancebes]

I can't see  thing on my Charge 3.  It appears to be working, but as the screen is completely dark I can't see enough to change the light settings.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity. 

[RichieMo]

Had the same issue.  My brightness setting changed somehow to Low.  If you go in a very dark room, you can see the faint screen.  Swipe across until you sete settings.  Then tap and touch Brightness for Bright or Normal.

[Lancebes]

It now appears to be dead.  Not even pining for the fjords.  Oh well.  Thanks for your suggestion.

[AndreaFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @Lancebes and @RichieMo. I'm sorry to hear about your Charge 3 screen @Lancebes and thank you for your advise @RichieMo.

Please try restarting your device in order to brighten it:

Open the Settings app  on your device and tap About > Reboot Device.

If your tracker is unresponsive:

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 for 8 seconds. Release the button. When you see a smile icon and the tracker vibrates, the tracker restarted.

Keep on visiting the forums. 

[CUTiger]

That does not work.  And, there are too many people  complaining for this to be a lemon.  Mine is about 3 yrs old and completely dark in the middle of the screen, even after all suggestions.   I have a watch from the late 80s that still works.  3 yrs is bogus.

[Andyskipper]

I have done reboot both ways and still my charge 3 screen is very dim. I can only see indoor. Once I go out to normal day light I can't see anything at all. How to resolve this ???

[CJBH]

I am having the same issues.  Not sure how to fix this.

[RichieMo]

I had the same issue.  I went into a very dark room and I could see the faint screen.  I swiped across 4 time until I hit SETTINGS, then tapped on SETTINGS, the tapped on BRIGHTNESS until it hit normal.  

[BaileyAnn]

This does not work.
The shutdown does not work.

Too many people are complaining about this. It must be something else.

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us and for your feedback. 

You can also try a long restart: 

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

Keep on visiting the forums. 

[Andyskipper]

Hi There.

I tried long restarting today to no avail.
It does not go beyond step 4 .

Kindly advice.

tnx /Andy

Sent from my iPhone

[AndreaFitbit]

Thanks for getting back to us and for following advised troubleshooting steps @Andyskipper. 

Please try changing your trackers clock face. Follow the instructions of: How do I change the clock face on my Fitbit device?

Keep on visiting the forums.

[Jim1545]

Thanks for your help Andrea, but you know there is more of a problem here. I've done short reset, long reset, changed the clock face and brightness and nothing works to resolve the dark screen issue. My FitBit is completely unusable outdoors and the right side of my screen fades to black indoors. The screen is faulty. Will FitBit stand behind their product, or should I just return it to Costco for my refund? Thanks.

[sherrykthompson]

I followed your instructions and this seemed to bring back all of the
options I was missing from my screen, including settings where I could
lighten the screen.

[BaileyAnn]

Nothing has changed with my Fitbit. Still to dark to see and now it’s not buzzing when I get a text or phone call.

[BaileyAnn]

Mine didn't even go that far.

[Jim1545]

Not the same issue. My screen is faulty. FitBit just doesn't want to admit this. Back to Costco I go. They will refund my money and I can buy something reliable.

[Ladyh25]

Me too

I was given my charge 3 in Aug 2019 the screen went permanently dark in Mar 2020, it didn’t have Covid. I’ve contacted support many times but they only offer a discount on a new Fitbit …. As if I want another one. I’ve asked for a replacement pebble also to no avail. As you say you’re now using a 1980’s watch which still works, I’m now using my watch from the 80’s on my other wrist just to tell the time. Bad product & bad customer service 

[RichieMo]

Agree, they are built to fail. Lousy customer service. 

[Ladyh25]

Totally agree Andrea gives out the same useless info.

we all need a new pebble or total refund 

recognise it’s a faulty product