Charge 3 screen went blank

[jake1888]

Got this yesterday and the screen is already black and won’t turn on. Very very disappointed, looks like it’s a common issue. I’d rethink getting this, a shame it’s so common for the anticipation of this... 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[Pat8myers]

I have tried both the restart plugged in and ths face clock change. Screen is still black but vibrates. Any other suggestions?

[ExecutiveGuy]

When I contacted customer service, the instructions they gave me over the phone were the same as in the forum chat.  They just mailed me a replacement, but I'm very disappointed...

[FonzCL]

Any other work arounds (besides this and changing the watch face)? This did not fix mine. I cannot change the watch face as my Fitbit won’t even connect with my phone.

i do feel it vibrate when I press the button. I do see the smiley face upon rebooting. Nothing else is showing on the screen.....

[crgolightly]

I tried to reset 4 times now.  Each time I  get the smiley face, and then it goes blank again. I plug the charging cord to my lap top and to the fitbit and push down the side button for 8 seconds. Help!

[TinaMNL]

Hi! I tried the restart (i got the smiley face) but my screen is still blank. Tried to change the clock face, which vibrated once set, but still blank. Anything else I should do? Please help.

[Estokes]

Did you issue get resolved?? I think I have the same issue as you did.

Screen started get dimmer and dimmer with lines across the screen. It got to where I could only see the screen in a dimly lit room. Now I can see the screen at all. It vibrates like it’s working and still traces everything just fine. But no screen. HELP! 

[ChichaiAces]

 My Fitbit  Charge 3  went black 3 times  already since I bought it last Dec. And just like any other computer, it has to be restarted. I copied the answer given in this forum and fortunately, it's working 

everytime 🙂 Copy pasting it for your reference.

If your tracker is unresponsive, follow the restart instructions below.

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 Charge 2—press and hold the button on your tracker for 4 seconds. When you see the Fitbit logo and the tracker vibrates, the tracker restarted.
   • For Charge 3—press and hold the button on your tracker for 8 seconds. Release the button. When you see a smile icon and the tracker vibrates, the tracker restarted.
5. Unplug your tracker from the charging cable.

[Japaran]

Purchased the Charge 3 last year from HSN. After a few months, continued to get the black screen and they graciously offered to replace. Received the second Charge 3 and just one month later, the same thing. So I returned the tracker and decided to do more research. I have read numerous replies to help resolve this issue is to change the clock face. Here's my opinion. I paid over $165 dollars for this piece of technology and I like the clock face I chose. And reading the following: 

Fitbit Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results. Revenue of $394 million, GAAP Net Loss Per Share of ($0.01), Non-GAAP Net Income Per Share of $0.04. Re-affirms full year 2018 revenue guidance of $1.5 billion. Fitbit grows both tracker and smartwatch devices sequentially. #2 player in the U.S. smartwatch category.Oct 31, 2018. Why oh why should a company this size with this much profit NOT fix the software problem, rather than have the consumer do jury rigging to get the thing to work? 

[Japaran]

Looking at the previous post it's apparent that the company has not resolved the black screen issue. I do wonder if this issue is just with the Charge 3 or on all models. If you know please share as I am willing to upgrade to a Versa or Ionic. If this is a software issue across the board, then Garmin here I come. their trackers also offer an oximeter reading, which is a huge benefit for a heart/stroke patient. Thanks everyone.

[drdl]

my messages are edited by the moderator - not sure if you will see this.

My Charge was replaced for a defective screen.

[Thunderbirds21]

I have the same problem I went through all of the above and it still doesn’t bring back the screen.. please help. I don’t wanna have to send it back. It does still sync up with it. 

[TinaMNL]

Hi! Have you tried charging it and pressing the button on the left side for at least 8 seconds? It should restart. You’ll know it’s back on if you see a smiley on the face. Hope this works for you!

Sent from my iPhone

[Thunderbirds21]

Yes I did and that didn’t work 

[Thunderbirds21]

I just wanted to let you know all that I contacted Fitbit and they are sending me a replacement one in the mail!! Yes I’m so happy and I love Fitbit for there support and help. I don’t understand why others complain about it being a bad product.

[drdl]

any company can have quality problems.

 I think the charge 3 did have quality problems for a while. 

 Fitbit replaced my charge 3 because the display went blank. 

 The replacement unit is performing properly. Time will tell if they have their quality issues resolved. 

Moderator edit: format

[ragsdaleni]

Hello,

My fitbit screen has gone dark. It was working fine, and then it vibrated while I was in bed and the screen has not worked since. It vibrates but my phone will not pick it up so I am unable to change the clock face. I have tried to hold down the button for 8 seconds, but all it does is vibrate and then nothing happens. I got the Charge 3 on May 14, 2019.

Thanks,

Nick

[cctyger]

So I'm back here again.  My original Charge 3 was replaced (it was under warranty) when I had this same blank/black screen issue.  After months of it working just fine, I had the problem again.  It seemed whenever the screen went blank/black, I was able to connect it to my computer and do the reset steps as given and it has always worked.  That is, until now.  It went blank/black on me again tonight and I have tried everything, including selecting a new clock face and nothing has worked.  This is so frustrating when I had a Charge 2 that never had these issues and worked seamlessly.  I thought the Charge 3 would be a step up, but it has not been that way at all.  I'm very frustrated as many of the consumers are as evidenced by this forum.  I've been working on this issue for about two hours now and will probably try for another hour before giving up.  I guess I'll try contacting the company through the chat again like I did originally when they did replace my Charge 3.  It will be interesting to see what happens this time around.  I agree with others - for the money (and the past designs that were so wonderful), it is a shame this issue has not been fixed for ALL the customers.  

[Live4today]

I hear you. I feel the same way. I loved my charge 2. The 3 is a lot of work. I am too in the point to call or just give up and get a different one.

[Kyac]

I totally agree, so far the one they replaced is still working for me. But have my old HR one saved just in case I need it.
Hope they replace this one for you.

[tores2053]

Having the same issue, the screen is now black. I have reset the Charge 3 and tried changing the clock face to one that has worked before and one that I haven't used before. All with the same result.

The fitbit is still sync'ing - is this a back light issue?