Charge 3 screen so dark it cannot be read at all

[Declan1967]

My Charge 3 screen was getting dim but now it is so dark it is totally unreadable - even in total darkness.

I have tried all reset processes but nothing changes. I tried the online support process - what a joke! After 20 minutes no response to my query at all.

I have already had a Charge 3 change as the first screen went dim - now I have to spend money because a faulty product??

hopefully this will get some response from Fitbit

[map57]

I’m having exactly same problem and resetting has not solved problem 

[Tongo]

Mine started dimming, now the only visible part of the display is the center and in very dark environments.

[Chris2022]

The same happened to mine. I don’t see anyone saying that was fixable 

[kimberlychee]

Same thing with my Charge 3.  Mine is also fully charged.  I've done the reset, and the setting is on normal brightness.  I cannot read the screen when outdoors.  So useless.  So frustrating.

[Moniker2]

I have the same problem 

[Rob_InCO]

I have the same problem too. I think the screen is failing as I have tried reset and have a full charge as well.

[TinTin8]

On the same boat, all the "best answer" solution did nothing, it is so dim that it's unusable unless you're in a very dark environment. Starting to think the "BEST" solution is to go ahead and buy a new fitness tracker...maybe another brand that's more dependable....unfortunate but it seems like Fitbit product has a self life of like 2 years max. 😒

[sporkster]

Just to shortcut this for others, if you're out of warranty, Fitbit is not offering much to make good on this manufacturing defect.

If you contact them, you will be asked to do all the things in that pinned thread. After all that time spent with the support folks, you might think "oh, well they're going to make this good", but you'd be wrong. They'll formally validate the warranty status, and if out of warranty, you'll get a 35% discount code, which has a number of caveats:

• It's only good on the fitbit-run store
• It can't be combined with other discounts (for example, the Charge 5 is now on sale, so if you apply the coupon to that, you'll get the discount, but it's 35% off the non-sale price)
• Ace2 and Ace3 are not eligible
• Does not apply to shipping costs or accessories

35% is probably an OK deal on some of the pricier smartwatches, but if you're coming from a Charge 3 (especially one that failed prematurely), you're probably looking for more of an "in-kind" replacement, and you can get a better price elsewhere without this coupon.

Just sharing, as it was annoying to waste a half hour or so yesterday in the chat just to get the above info.

I'm looking at other options if I'm spending more than $100. Once bitten, twice shy, etc.

[Swamymn]

It may be correct 👍🏻

[SammiJxx]

Don't hold your breath - I have tried countless times and keep getting the same response.

They tell you to swipe your screen to settings but no point if you can't see the screen and then they offer you a discount to buy something else from them !!

There is clearly an issue with this product and shouldn't matter if it is still under warranty or not

[ABrown223]

I highly recommend the online customer service chat. I have this same issue and they tried troubleshooting and nothing worked. They asked me to send it back to them and they would send me a replacement.

[sporkster]

FWIW, I did go through the chat.

How old was your fitbit?

[map57]

It’s at least three years old

Sent from my iPad

[NameWithheld]

Thanks for the info.  I’ve been a Fitbit user since 2013, and since Fitbits apparently only last a year or two each, I’ve purchased a lot of them.  I think I’ve reached the end of my rope with this though.  Not much good to have a tracker when I can’t read the screen, even if I go into my closet, turn out the light, and close the door!  Walks are fun, I just “guesstimate” or look at my phone.  I wonder what brand I should try now?  

[SammiJxx]

I fee the same - I love my Fitbit and this is my 4th device but really disappointed with the way they are just fobbing everyone off that has complained about this device. 

Offering a discount on another device isn't enough as i am now wary of what device will work how it should - also the discount can't be used against items on sale, which means there is a limited choice.

Going to look at other devices and spend my money elsewhere !!!

[SammiJxx]

Did Fitbit replace your device even though it was out of their warranty period?

[NameWithheld]

I tried live chat yesterday and they had me restart the Fitbit (which I do the steps and never get the seven vibrations or whatever they say).  Then go to the app and change the clock face (which did nothing except give me my second choice of clock face).  Then turn off DND (which I couldn’t see the screen to do, but DND wasn’t on anyway).  Then the chat disconnected and that was it.  So, I’m looking at Garmins now.  I think this Fitbit will be three years old in July, which is positively geriatric for a Fitbit for me, but I am tired of the same cycle.  

[SammiJxx]

I have just had 2 live chats - first one kept repeating herself about warranty periods and that I have been offered a discount  - which didn't work - and then she just ended the chat

2nd one was more helpful and has said she will escalate my case. I still don't have any faith that they will do anything. I sent screens shots from the community page that shows there are over 1000 posts about the same problem and other customers posts saying they are looking at using a different device due to lack of customer care

[SammiJxx]

I have now received another e-mail from Fitbit with a 35% discount -  still waffling about their 1 year warranty

The code can only be used against full price items so not many options unless i want to spend a lot of money

What an absolute joke !!!