Charge 3 screen is getting dimmer

[greggsanders1]

My Charge 3 screen is dim. I called customer support, they walked me through checking the screen settings and restarting the device. Then I was told this is a known issue, and it would be fixed in the next software update. When I look at the online postings this has been going on for over 6 months. Some people got new devices, and now all we get is wait for a fix, that nobody can tell you when it is coming. This is my 3rd Fitbit, and probably my final Fitbit.

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[SunsetRunner]

It's quite clear they are not going to fix this problem. Also, as they think it's just a software problem, they don't accept that the Fitbit is broken and so won't give any refunds or replacements. As I result of which I have bought an Apple Watch, which though more expensive, works, and has great online  support. I have ditched Fitbit, deleted the App and will probably close my account with this useless company.

[Clb5606]

Can't see too dim

[SunsetRunner]

I’ve basically given up with Fitbit, dumped the Charge 3 and App. Bought Apple Watch and though more expensive, you get a much better product and in particular service. Had a free half-hour online tutorial on all the health features - very helpful. Suggest you cut your losses and look at alternatives, Fitbit are not interested in retaining customers. 

[Tabori]

Have the same issue - just get palmed off by support.

My Charge 3 was still in guarantee and they won't accept a return.

Extremely poor service and attitiude by Fitbit - will never buy again.

[jeff_in_MI]

I appreciate your continued posting on this message board. I'm super frustrated with fitbit as it appears they just expect us to buy a new one each year. My Charge 3 screen is dim and getting worse each week. This is my second fitbit and my last. Can't believe they are aware of the issue and just ignore it. No resolution and no responses.... shameful business practices.

[IHandfull]

Thanks everyone for this thread and the other one that's at least 23 pages long regarding the Charge 3 screen going dim. I've had my Charge 3 since late 2018 and it just started going dim in the last few weeks. Sounds like there's no fix so I'll hunt down a different brand.

Appreciate the discussion!

[Kimbobs]

IHandfull,

I'm having the same experience as you.  Got my Charge 3 late 2018 and recently thought my eyes were going bad, but then decided it was the tracker display getting dimmer.  I then found this thread and it confirmed it wasn't my eyes.

Oh and by the way I've tried all the suggested fixes but no luck.

[Waznypaw]

Makes no difference on mine.

My fitbit was purchased in 1/19 and mine was fine until about the end of January of 2020.  I've been waiting for some type of fix or replacement since.  I have tried to do all the fixes suggested on this forum and nothing has worked.  I'm tired of not being able to see my screen and it looks as though this has been a problem for over a year per other posts.  Wish I would have known this and I would have chosen something else.  I feel it is irresponsible to have known about this issue and not to have pulled the remaining stock after even 3 months of no resolution. Instead, I thought I was getting a great device that and for the price should be devoid of issues or at least have some resolve.  I would appreciate some sort of resolution in a timely manor.

Moderator edit: merged reply

[RJMarce1]

Why in the world would you by a "new and improved" model. The Charge 3 is a disaster. I've never spent as much time tring to get a product to work the way it is supposed to. How can such a simple devcie have so many problems. I had my Charge 2 for two solid years. Know how many times there was actually a problem, and not user error. 0, zero, 0, zero. With the Charge 3, it's something new every month. This time, it's the brightness level. Then on further isnpection when it was dark enough, I'm missing the top horizontal rater line on the display. Today I flip my wrist and the HR is missing from the display. FFS, it's like they built random failure into the code. Am I going to buy another Fitbit product? Heck no. I have yet to see the code losers at Fitbit resolve one single issue in two years. Absolutely pathetic. 

[btsuperman]

I phoned FitBit,  877-623-4997.  I was told this person is not associated with FitBit and the information here is not correct.  They will only replace the Charge 3 (if under warranty) or give 25% off purchase of another unit.

[classteacher]

Same problem here.  I fell for their "Oh dear.  It's out of warranty.  But we can give you a discount" with my last Fitbit.  Not doing it again this time.  I'll be finding a new device.  I don't need to spend more money on this company.  No more loyalty from this customer since there's no loyalty towards this customer.  

And by the way, the question is not answered.  

[classteacher]

Thank you for the new product suggestion.  I'm headed there right now! 

[Sunnygirl629]

Does this really work?!swiping left doesn’t work on my Charge 3. What kind of lemon do I have?

[btsuperman]

I'm sorry you are having this problem and very much understand your frustration.  Personally, I prefer the Charge 3 over other brands and models so I used the discount and purchased a new Charge 3.  To this day, it is working perfectly.  I will not argue that Fitbit probably had a bad production run and should have replaced the bad units even though they were out of warranty.  

Note: if within warranty call immediately for a replacement.

[Sunnygirl629]

So interesting that you say this. This is a replacement Charge 3 that I bought after my first, out of warranty, went black screen and nothing helped. This one worked almost perfectly until the recent update. I now regret doing the update. I believe I will request a replacement.

Sent from my iPhone

[btsuperman]

Let me know your experience.  I will be interested in how you are treated.

I don't know if this has any effect, but give me some votes to up the visibility of this thread for FitBit.

[Beevo]

Go to settings on the Fitbit Charge 3. Tap the bars there and there you go! Normal, dim and off. Amazing. Back to normal.

No waiting for a band aid.  

Go to settings on the Fitbit Charge 3. Tap the bars there and there you go! Normal, dim and off. Amazing. Back to normal.

No waiting for a band aid.

Moderator edit: merged reply

[BobRT]

So when is the fix? I can barely see the screen inside, in the dark and outside it is impossible to read.

[btsuperman]

Hello BobRT:
I was told by Fitbit that this cannot be fixed. If still under warranty, this will replace. If out of warranty as mine was, they sold me a new Charge 3 at a discounted price.
I like the Charge 3 and have no interest in the 'new' features of the Charge 4, so I accepted their offer and purchased a new Charge 3. This was over a year ago and I've had no problems since.

Update 09/26/2021:  I continue to use my Charge 3 without any problems except that the bands only last about a year before breaking.  I suggest everyone checks their original band annually before it breaks.  New 'original style' bands are not expensive.

[nini505]

It worked! still wont turn on when I twist my wrist to check it.. but I will take it. Thank you