FitBit Charge 4 device breaks where the band connects

[SunsetRunner]

Is it normal for the Fitbit Charge 4 device itself to have the area where the band connects break? My Fitbit Charge 4 turned 1 year old on June 16th, 2021 - how disappointing it is for the device itself to break, right where the band connects. The band kept popping off so I thought it was a band problem so I ordered replacement bands, however, they fell off as well. When I looked at the Fitbit device closer I can see the area where the band connects is loose on one side, like it wants to come off. Is this a common issue? I am so disappointed with the Fitbit device - One year, wow. Maybe I need to look at other smart watches that have better reviews or are of better quality. Please let me know if anyone has similar issues. Thx,

[MistyJay]

Happened to me twice in one year

[leekier]

I’ve had the same problem with charge 4; I spoke to customer service two weeks ago, was told it was still under warranty and would be replaced. I received an email asking for photos which I promptly sent and have heard nothing since. 

[MistyJay]

They replaced mine last year under warranty and less than a year with the second one and the same thing happend in the same area on the second device and now they will offer a 35% discount but why would I but another one if they all have the same problem?

[Dominic01]

I am planning to dump Fitbit after 8+ years of usage. Every forum the same strap issues recorded. No point in calling the CS on this. This is a fundamental issue and Fitbit doesnt care. No point in offering a discount on an another product with same issue. 

[copdha]

Agree

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[Jerubei]

I understand there are bands that encase the tracker, so you can use it even when the connectors are broken.

[Melamy]

Can you please advise how I can get some assistance re my Fitbit 4. The band attachment has broken (not the band). I have only had the Fitbit for under 18 months.

[Stop-trackin]

My mismatched wristbands finally arrived (I have the rosebud coloured device but they had run out of the wrist bands in the same colour and could only offer me one in different colours), after its round the world trip to the Netherlands. Not sure why Fitbit doesn't send the replacement bands to the retailers so that at least, people have the option of picking them up quicker. @leekier hope you have better luck than I and a number of others

[Stop-trackin]

@Melamyyou will probably be advised to speak to customer services but just to manage expectations, I suspect you will be offered a discount on another product, given that yours is out of warranty (unless you purchased an extended warranty), as a number of others have reported being offered. Good luck! Probably best to manage your expectations and not expect much actual help from Fitbit themselves

[SunsetRunner]

Hi Melamy, it was fortunate (or unfortunate) that my band connector broke just a few weeks after my warrantee expired and Fitbit replaced the device. I can see from my broken Fitbit how the poor design creates this issue. I would recommend speaking to Fitbit CS first and if they will not replace your Fitbit consider copying a bunch of these posts and put them on social media to highlight the quality issue with Fitbit.

[Melamy]

Thank you, I have finally been in touch with them and they are replacing my watch. Thank you 😀

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[Melamy]

I did finally get to talk to them and they are replacing the watch. Thanks 😀

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[copdha]

Already had spoken with CS on chat. Offered a 35% discount toward a new watch. See no reason to throw any more money in the trash (where my current FitBit is) since it is apparent from so many posts that it will only break again.

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[copdha]

Yep—offered a discount. Declined given common wisdom seems to point to the likelihood it will break again.

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[copdha]

FitBit CS will likely give a code for a 35% discount toward a new watch. That was offered to me but I declined since I read so many posts from folks with the same problem even with replacement watches

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[Packard1500]

Call customer service, be nice to them when you tell them your issue, see how it goes.

[Melamy]

I did and are replacing it 😀

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[Franco007]

I totally agree Fitbit is not a brand to go with ever again!! They see there are several of us having the same issue and the company is not willing to correct, replace or refund the product - Fitbit Charge 4. Very disappointing. Next suggestion: if you paid with a credit card, you might want to reach out to your credit card company, they might be of better help. For example Costco Citi bank credit card offers an extended 24 month warranty. Chase Freedom bank will refund you when companies are not willing to honor their warranty or refund your money. So please look into your credit card benefits before you throw your Fitbit away, most credit cards have some kind of benefit. Good luck.

[Andrea9095]

I am extremely upset that with all the time and problems that were NOT my fault over the last 7 or more years as a fitbit user that this obvious poor design will not be fixed or replaced by fitbit. As I see many others are having this same problem. I depend in my fitbit for health reasons as we all do and I cannot afford to keep replacing it when these are manufactured problems. Why is 35 percent off supposed to be suffice when it is their poor manufacturing detail. I treat my fitbit like it is gold and take utmost care of it following all of their suggested recommendations.  I am at the point of no longer recommending it for a tracking device. They really need to rethink their return policy for such problems. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTING. 

[Andrea9095]

I tried. Just offered 35% discount on buying a new one.