Charge 3 won’t sync and won’t pair after removing it

[jlpayne]

I know there are only like 3 people that have this device right now, but if anyone else that has it can check...is yours syncing ok? Mine last synced 4 hours ago and when trying to force a manual sync it wouldn’t get past “looking.” I tried the usual fixes - turning bluetooth off and on, removing the C3 from the app and my phone and attempting to re-add it, power cycling my phone...nothing works. The user manual says to press the side button for 8 seconds to reset, but all that does is bring up the screen wake/notifications toggle screen. Just issues due to it being new/unreleased, or is it possible it crapped out on me already?!

[giggling]

Solved already, sent it back for a refund.

[Davidthesailor]

Well done, sadly they refused to refund on mine as I had bought it from a UK retailer who also regarded the issue as one for FitBit to solve.  Re GOOGLE I doubt they will be interested in historic claims.

[Davidthesailor]

thank you

[FinallyRetired]

thank-you for sharing your texts with fitbit with us!  I have been having the same issues for several weeks now and trying to update and sync by deleting, turning on and off, resetting...blah blah blah has not been working for me either!  I'm hoping the problem is resolved soon!  I'm glad we know it is a bad fitbit update issue  now and not my fitbit, phone, pc, user error!   Very very frustrating!!!!!    Again - thank-you for sharing!!!!!

Update:  I did call fitbit yesterday - and a replacement is on the way.  I should have called sooner.

[Davidthesailor]

There is no end to this saga - my advice is not to waste any more time or effort.😢

[Davidthesailor]

Giggling - Did you get your refund?

[Limba]

I've been  having the same pairing problems with my Charge 3.  I did all of the troubleshooting recommendations numerous times.  Occasionally, it will pair and I get all excited thinking it's fixed, only to get disappointed and discouraged  when it drops off again within minutes.  The clock won't keep time, either.  I've reinstalled the app on my phone twice, set up the Charge 3 as a new device, shut the phone down and rebooted several times, turned Bluetooth on and off several times, rebooted the Charge 3 while plugged in several times.  Fitbit writes that they're aware of compatibility issues and they're working on it, but it has been over a month now . . . and I rely on my Charge 3 for a watch, workouts, my weight loss program, etc.  This is my 3rd Fitbit . . . and have had problems with each.  Do I dare throw out the Charge 3 and try a more expensive model?  Even  with the troubles I've had, I love Fitbit product.  I don't want to give up on them.  I'm using a new iPhone Xs.  If anyone has advice, please share.  Thank you.

[giggling]

I went through all that and finally gave up after 6 replacements.  I got a refund and I'm thinking of changing to Garmin, my fella has one and it's fine.

[Limba]

This is very helpful. Thanks so much. I think I'm going to give up and
move on to another product, as you have done.

[Limba]

Very helpful! I am so frustrated with this Charge 3. It stopped working
when we were hiking in Roatan . . . a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I really
wanted the data from my FitBit. I was hoping the glitch was due to
location . . . but my husband's device was tracking fine . . . and mine
never paired again after we got home, so it wasn't a location issue.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me.

[giggling]

You're very welcome. Hope you sort it out and get your refund.

[DGS2]

If you have worked through their help line and it still does not sync, I would return it for a refund as I did. Apparently they still have not fit the problem if it is still ongoing a year after the problems encountered by thousands of users. It is very disappointing to hear this.

[giggling]

I agree, they should have recalled the device. It's done untold damage to the company. I must have spent many hours trying to sort it out to no avail. I feel sorry for the support staff, they do try but it's the product at fault.

[Limba]

I read somewhere that “Google buys Fitbit for $2.1 billion.” “If successful, Fitbit will develop Made by Google wearables for Wear OS.” Maybe the delay in fixing the Charge 3 issues has been delayed by these negotiations. Nonetheless, I’m done. This shouldn’t have a negative $ impact on consumers! I will seek the refund as you suggested.
Thanks again. Have a great day!

[richardLori]

After reading some of these messages and finding out that the C3 will not sync with a Mac, I wonder if I should even buy the thing.

Any advice?

[Limba]

I loved mine ... until it started malfunctioning. I’ve had it for less than a year. Before that, I had a Charge 2 for several years. It simply wore out.

Maybe the Charge 3 issues are isolated to iPhone connectivity only. So, if you’re using iOS, you may want to proceed cautiously.

At a minimum, save your receipt and packaging for a long time. I wish I had.

I read that Google is in negotiations to purchase FitBit. If successful, a new OS, may be introduced. You can read about it by googling “Google to buy FitBit.” I think I read that it should all be settled within a year, so you may want to wait before you buy.

I hope this helps.

[Kaisercat]

Hey Giggling, if you have tried 6 replacements I think it’s time to give up.  You are definitely having some compatibility issues.  When Google Takes over imo the Charge 3 will be discontinued.  Google wants to compete with APPLE in the smart watch market.  

[Kaisercat]

1. My Charge 3 works well.  Have had it about a year.

[JEMswiw]

Hey there, I reported a problem and did all the fixes. After several months of trying to fix, I contacted Fitbit and they sent me a replacement Charge 3.  It has been fine.  I think cause I had one of the very first batches that there was a problem. Right now mine is doing ok. Hope it stays that way.  I love the sleek look and that it has many of the functions of the apple watch without the phone or bulkiness. 

[Limba]

That speaks well of them. Thanks for that update and encouragement