Dim screen display

[SunsetRunner]

Seems to be a popular subject!  Setting is at Normal, but the screen info is barely visible.  I can only see what my current heart rate is, and nothing else.  And that's only if the surrounding light is not very bright.  Only had my Fitbit since June, so this is ridiculous.

[SunsetRunner]

Try a Restart and do it several times if necessary.

[jasilbar]

I'm having the same issue - has been super dim for a few months now, even though it is set to normal.  I've tried the reset they mention, but I never just get a blank screen - always the smiley face reset, so it doesn't seem to be working.  Any other help either on how to fix this or how to properly do  the reset would be appreciated.

[SunsetRunner]

Try the Long Restart:

CHARGE 3 LONG RESTART
Connect the device to the charging cable.
While the device is plugged into the charging cable, press and hold the button down for 15 seconds.
The device turns on and shows a battery icon. Two vibrations occur: first a short vibration, then a medium vibration.
The device turns off.
The device turns on and shows a progress bar and short vibrations occur. The progress bar completes. Note: A total of 7 short vibrations occur.
Remove the device from the charging cable. The device shuts down.
Important: Plug the device into the charging cable again.

[jasilbar]

I have tried this several times - when I push the "button" on the side, all it does is vibrate twice and then give me the smiley face.  It never goes black or "turns off".  

other tips?

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

Contact Customer Support.

[jasilbar]

Tried them - they told me the same thing 😞

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks for the replies. Difficult to do the long reset when I can't see what's on the screen. Eventually persuaded customer support to take it back. Got the return label so posted it back to them. Being cynical I shall wait to see if I get a replacement 

[Puddy30]

I have contacted customer support 3 times now - gone through all the resets to be then told I would have to wait for an update - but no idea when - so until then I have a fit bit that is no use to me what so ever as I can not see the screen 

[LeighCS]

I’ve been experiencing the same issue. Screen is so dim I’m unable to read anything on it so can’t see any of my tracking unless I look at the app. Called support & was told the same. They’re aware of the issue & working on a fix. How long do we wait....

[Puddy30]

I’ve no idea and they couldn’t give me a time frame either - I’m thinking of buying a different brand if they don’t fix it soon 

[Neddy170]

This is an absolute scam. Device is unusable and all support do is add your name to a long list of other people with unreadable devices... mine is still under warranty and they Will not do anything to fix it.

Seems like a hardware problem to me a the device was fine at first, it faded over time. I guess they are just trying to wait out the warranty period for most people so they don’t have to replace the devices.

[LeighCS]

Hello Neddy170,

I just wanted to let you know that I received a replacement charge 3 yesterday 🙂

I originally complained & was told they were unable to provide a replacement as this would incur the same dim screen issue, therefore I’d have to wait for the fix update.  I replied stating that was unacceptable but again was told to be patient. I still wasn’t happy with this so wrote for a third time asking why they were unable to provide a replacement when they are still selling these devices.  Following this I was asked a few questions around where/when I purchased the device. I’d had mine just over 6 months but had originally raised the dim screen issue after around 5 months. 

I did question whether the new device would incur the same issue but was told not all charge 3’s are affected by this. So please don’t let them tell you they can’t replace yours because they can!

I hope this helps.

Leigh

[Goodwood427]

My Charge 3 has the same dim display problem and is 15 months old so out of warranty. The problem started a few months ago, but I just recently contacted them (my bad). Their solution... a 25% discount on a new one. Whoopee! This problem has been going on for a long time and apparently is still going on, so why would I want another one? Obviously a design/manufacturing defect. You'd think they would have some pride in their product and offer to replace it anyway. No more Fitbit products for me.

[Puddy30]

I agree with you - I have gone to another company as I feel Fitbit telling me to wait for updates was ridiculous as I had a watch that I couldn’t even read the time - customer service need to support more 

[rklocke0262]

I'd gladly give up battery life for a screen that isn't washed out with any daylight.  I would not recommend the Charge 3.  I may switch back to my tried and true Timex ironman to track my running.  It's different class of device but people I know with Apple watches don't have this problem. 

[fitbroke01]

This is my 2nd charge 3 fitbit. The first one just died within the warranty period. They replaced it after I sent the dead one back. Now I have the dim display on the replacement one. You should not have to buy a new one every year. Apparently the Charge 3 is a **ahem** product and should be taken off the market.

It does transfer the info to my Iphone however. The display is useless unless you are in the dark.

I sent an email to customer support and they said it could take up to a week to reply.. Not my idea of good customer service.

This makes me want to avoid buying another fitbit product.

[Kimpossiblenow]

I found a fix and I'm not sure why it isn't mentioned in here. I have accidentally set the sleep icon on the charge 3 screen.  Yes it is hard to see when it is dim. If you go inside to a well lit area and scroll to the "sleep" icon and turn it off, voila,  the screen returns to bright. I still dont know how I am accidentally turning on "sleep"from the watch face, but I've done it three times now.

[Popgloss00]

Mine is completely dark. Tried several times to hard reset. Spoke with customer service and they basically said “too bad, so sad” and offered a 35% off replacement discount. I’ve only had it a little over a year! I never damaged it in any way? So disappointed ☹️ 

[LindstromLassie]

Thanks for this - I tried it and mine was set on dim too!  Now it's back to normal.