Charge 3 screen too dim

[747pilot]

My Charge 3 screen is excessively dim, even with a full charge.  I've tried restarting it with no result. It will occasionally come on bright but after a few seconds it's dim again and I can't get it back. This is indoors and is still difficult to read. Outside with any amount of sunlight, it's impossible to read.

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[Crichton58]

They just give everyone the run around and the issue is still not fixed! You’re right, their customer service sucks!

Sent from my iPhone

[Crichton58]

If this is an on going software issue, then how can they still be selling them? Huh... unbelievable! This company is the worst. They should at least replace it with another one of their styles or give you $$ off towards another of their watches. Charge 3’s should be taken off the market and no longer sold if this is an ongoing problem!!!

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[SunsetRunner]

I'm taking this to the retail ombudsman now, they have just responded today that they don't think they need to do anything as they don't repair, and stated that since its not hardware they won't replace. They also said they believe that fitbit are still adhering to the consumer rights act 2015... But they definitely aren't. The CRA 2015 includes digital software and anything considered not fit for purpose is protected. 

[timmy1263]

I don’t think it even fair to give money off. Replace the **ahem** thing. You pay 129 bucks for a unit that is only good for a few months. All they have to do is provide a software downgrade to solve the issue. I myself reported this 6 months ago and was told they are working on fixing the software. Yet here we are no update and still dark screen and not really usable other than for steps which sync through phone. I for one will no longer be purchasing a Fitbit branded product and suggest everyone else follows. A company that doesn't get business will go under and will no longer give bad customer service.

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[BusterG]

Unfortunately in about 6 days it will be totally blank if it is the same issue that I have, It works great if you can live without the display, which sort of defeats the whole purpose. A firmware fix was promised so I am hopeful Fitbit will follow through.

[Squirrelalert]

Me too and it’s just out of warranty. I’ll never buy a Fitbit again. 

[Squirrelalert]

I’ve tried numerous times and reset it. It’s in normal setting. Can barely see it indoors let alone out. 

[sonialf]

I have this problem too. I have to tell it I am going to exercise inside before I start, or I can't see the screen to set it up. I have done the settings and reset too. I hope Fitbit gets a fix soon. 

[Crichton58]

I wouldn’t count on a fix anytime soon. It’s been over six months that people have been complaining about this problem. I can’t see my screen at all now. Just got an Apple Watch two days ago!!!

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[Megib]

Many thanks to Fitbit for solving this issue. After going through a few tests, the Charge 3 was replaced several months back and the replacement has worked flawlessly since. 

[TheGrumps]

Could you explain to the other poor people here how you managed to convince Fitbit to replace your device as it was suffering from a software problem (dim screen) and not a hardware fault. Ta.

[Crichton58]

I spoke with them last month and they are refusing to do anything about the problem. I was told I’d have to WAIT for the fix!

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[TheGrumps]

That's a result!

Make sure they refund you what you actually paid and not what they're selling the device at now.

[RutAnn-Par5]

This is exactly what I have been told. They know about the dim screen and “are  working on it” no dates or any tips other then restart, which makes no difference what so ever.  I have become very disappointed with the product as it’s become totally unusable as you can’t see the time, let alone track any exercises. I’ve only had it literally just over a year and it’s now not working! Very poor! And frustrating!! 

[CNewton82]

My Charge 3 screen is also far too dim. Can't read it at all outside, and can only see a dim display inside. Forget trying to read text messages - I can barely read the time with big numbers in the clock face. I've restarted my Charge 3, adjusted the brightness settings - nothing makes it better. Then I contacted FitBit support and was told that they've been hearing a lot of complaints about this. I was given a case number (32763916 if any FitBit people are reading this), and then I got an email saying that FitBit is "currently working to resolve it and hope to have a fix soon."  That was in October 2019. I have followed up twice since then and had only a robotic response which says the same thing. Seems the only way that others have resolved the problem is to get a replacement Charge 3. How do I get a replacement?

[TheGrumps]

You know, my Charge 3 is working fine now, but it did take many replacements to arrive at this situation. Only one of the faulty units had a dim screen, but it had other issues too. The other units had a multitude of faults.

Also note that Fitbit DO read these forums - they probably have a team scanning for issues. And they should be well aware that their customers are being alienated. Customer happiness is shared to their friends, colleagues, social media etc. The word spreads.

. Thank you.

Moderator edit: word choice

[Squirrelalert]

I’m throwing my Fitbit away and getting an Apple Watch. Something I should
have done in the first place.
--
Michelle

[RutAnn-Par5]

They have offered to replace mine, however they cannot guarantee fault won’t happen again as it is an issue with charge 3. Should it happen again I have been advised that they probably won’t replace it again. So I’m not sure what to do. Is there a better Fitbit equivalent out there without these issues???

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[TheGrumps]

So they are replacing yours because it has a dim screen (only - nothing else wrong)?

[Twomasc]

I've switched to a Garmin Vivismart 4. The screen i smaller, but brighter. (and it have spO2 and stress (VHR) data). It's been 5-6 years with fitbit but .. nope..