Charge 4 stopped working after swimming with it

[Gamurr]

I've worn my Charge 5 daily for about six months since new with no problems. A couple of weeks ago I wore it in a swimming pool for the first time, only in the water for about 15 minutes, and it hasn't worked since. The water seems to have killed the battery and/or the charging function. The last sync reported 'battery empty'. When I plug in the charging cable the device vibrates and displays the Fitbit logo briefly but won't do anything else. The reset procedure using the button on the charging cable does nothing. This is hopeless for a device supposedly designed to track swimming activity. I need a fix or a replacement, please.

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Surfista]

This does not seem to be an uncommon problem. You need to contact customer service and request a replacement for your defective device. Your warranty is for 1 year, (unless you live in the EU where it is evidently 2 years), so they should send you a new device. Don't send back your charger or wrist band. they only send out the device.

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @Gamurr. Thanks for stopping by in the Fitbit Community Forums and trying to troubleshoot the issue with your Charge 4 before reaching out.

If your device got wet, it’s important to take it off and dry it well before putting it back on. On the other hand, if your device has come into contact with any liquid other than fresh water, you should clean it with fresh water and a soap-free cleanser and dry it with a lint free-cloth.

If you've done the above but to no avail, may I know if your Charge 5 vibrated during the restart process? If it didn't, I'd recommend trying the steps below:

• Clean the charging contacts on the back of your device and the pins on your charging cable using the instructions in How do I clean my Fitbit device?
• If the error "insufficient power source" appears on your device's screen, remove other devices plugged in to your power source, or plug your device in to another source.
• Try a different USB port or a UL-certified wall charger.
• Check the alignment and try reconnecting your device to the charging cable. For more information, see How do I charge my Fitbit device?
• Restart your Fitbit once again.

If nothing seems to work, please follow @Surfista's advice and chat with us online or give us a call. Click here to get connected.

I've moved your post to the Other Charge Trackers board for organization purposes. 

[Jeff147]

From my experience, the quality of Fitbit devices has gone down hill. 

My Fitbit Charge 3 died just after going out of warranty. I rarely got it wet, but had showered with it on the day before it died. Upon inspection,  we found that water got in it (could see the moisture fogging up the heart rate sensor window). I contacted Fitbit support (several calls with them) and got no help from them.

I then made the unwise decision to buy a new Charge 4. It worked for a little over a year, but the part of the pebble where the band connects fell off. I got a 3rd party band that snaps around the pebble and doesn't require the past that fell off. 

But, earlier this week I got in the pool with my Charge 4 on without thinking to take it off and it stopped working shortly after. 

I'm not going to waste my money on Fitbit devices any more! They use to be good quality (I have used Fitbits since I purchased a Fitbit One when they first came out) but now the quality has deteriorated 😞