Charge 3 won't sync

[ChristiL]

I had to unpair my Charge 3 three times yesterday in order to sync it. All-day charge is on. I have restarted the app, bluetooth, the charge 3, the android tab A, and verified no updates were available for either device. I've tried just syncing it on the charger. Still "no device found" until I un-pair and re-pair, and then it takes close to five minutes to find it. Bluetooth is off on on my other android, and there are no othe devices . 

This morning: no device found. Still.

I bought this charge 3 because my last charge 3 was doing the same thing. I'm just about done with Fitbit and its products, because the number of people having this problem on the regular all the way back to product launch (according to Google) ought to embarrass the organization badly. 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[ChristiL]

Is this just a trash product? Because I'm not buying a more expensive version. 

[MarreFitbit]

Hello there @ChristiL, thanks for stopping by. I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this situation. I appreciate your time while troubleshooting these syncing difficulties and your feedback for the Charge 3.

While reading your post I was wondering if the mobile device you're syncing with is included in our list of supported devices? You can see the list at: Which phones and tablets can I use with my Fitbit watch or tracker?

Please keep in mind that when a device is not supported we cannot guarantee its functionality with the Fitbit app. It might work at a certain time and then it can stop working out of nowhere after an update. This is because the app is not optimized to that device and any change could impact the performance. 

I'd like you to confirm if you've followed all the steps provided in the help article: Why won't my Fitbit device sync?

If so, let's try turning off Background Restrictions/Limitations: Phone settings > Apps & Notifications > Fitbit app > Background restrictions or Background limits.

Then, disable battery limitations:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Fitbit app > Advanced > Battery > Battery optimization
2. Change view to All apps
3. Search for Fitbit app
4. Choose Not optimized

Please give the steps above a try to improve syncing with your tracker. Keep me posted, I'll be around. 

[ChristiL]

I can't seem to add a screenshot to this reply, so you'll have to take my word for it that settings/apps/fitbit has no options for restrictions. Advanced only lists "install unknown applications." Checking Permissions, there's nothing about background limitations. 

This is a Galaxy Tab S3, Model SM-T820, no software updates available. 

The fitbit has been working fine with it for the last few months and only started losing linkage in the past week. I just uninstalled and reinstalled the app, so unless we're pointing a finger at the Google play store, it's up to date.

[ChristiL]

So, even though my Galacy tab s3 has been working with the Fitbit for months, I see that it is not listed by name amongst the supported devices. My Sansung J3 is, however, and it's having the same issue. 

[MarreFitbit]

Hello there @ChristiL, thanks for getting back. 

As you mentioned in the last post, the Tab 3 is not included in our list of Supported Devices, but the J3 is. So, I'd recommend doing the following:

1. Remove the Charge 3 from the Bluetooth settings on your Tab 3 and J3

2. Restart your Charge 3

3. Turn off other Bluetooth connections when not in use.

4. Plug it into the charging cable and open the Fitbit app.

5. Setup your Charge 3 on your J3 only.

Keep me posted. 😉

[ChristiL]

8 minutes later, my Samsung J3 has be restarted, the bluetooth on it has been restarted, the Fitbit is on its charging cable, and the app has been trying to link for roughly six minutes. This device IS listed as compatible. 

Just an FYI if I find a tracker that is not a Fitbit and will do what I need it to before this thing links and syncs, I done with you all. 

[ChristiL]

I've ordered a different brand of tracker, thanks.

[ChristiL]

By the way, I did all that to my phone so it would at least work with the Fitbit til the other device got here. No. Still needs to be on the charger cord. 

So, yeah. Trash fitness tracker for nearly $200. Your support was not patronizing, though, so there is that. Thanks.