How to dry a Charge 2 with condensation on the screen?

[goofymom2105]

Has anyone experienced condensation on the inside of the charge 2?  What can I do about this?

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[-Wes-]

Hmm.   Since it is DOA, I just opened the unit to see what is going on.  Design flaw (or is it?!  Perhaps more a ploy to try to drum up additional business (e.g., planned obsolescence))....  There is a thin, clear plastic film over the sensor and light nodes on the back of the case.  The plastic is all cracked up, which means sweat from the skin (or moisture in general) is going to slowly seep in here and corrode the unit.  The light nodes on either side of the sensor are heavily corroded, so it is likely that this has been going on for some time and just finally got to the point that it ruined the device functionality.

What a shame.

[-Wes-]

Inside of the back panel of a Fitbit Charge 2, approximately 26 months of constant use.Rear circuit board of Fitbit Charge 2; corroded due to moisture intrusion caused by failed rear plastic panel.

[1930573]

I was taking a shower and then the next morning I saw that the screen was all fogged up and I was like how will I get the fog out. I thought it was waterproof. 

[-Wes-]

I honestly do not think that you will get that moisture out. Take a
magnifying glass to the back of the device and look at that sensor area to
see if you have cracks in the thin plastic sheet there. I suspect you do,
and this puppy's days are numbered....

Some say that placing in a bowl of dry rice, or even croutons, will help
draw the moisture out. I left mine in rice, in a sealed jar, for more than
a day and it made no difference. Once the moisture is in there, the
corrosion is well on its way.

[username69]

So they only fix is to replace the product? I didn't submerge the fitbit in water, yet the screen started developing condensation which screwed up the display and eventually made it completely disappear. Rice didn't do anything and I haven't found a way to open it myself to wipe the screen. Seems pointless to buy a replacement knowing my sweat will eventually break it.

[-Wes-]

I fully agree with your sentiments.  However, I don't think there is any fix.

When I pulled mine apart, I found that there are four studs inside that are simply press fit.  I think it is possible to remove the cover without breaking them, but I ended up breaking two on one side because I opened it from there and levered the back off (rather than working both sides up and off evenly). 

When I did get it off, I also broke the ribbon cable to the charge/transfer contacts, so it was really not long for this world.  My son messed around with it and disconnected the corroded circuitry.  This returned the unit to operation, but it was only a pedometer at that point.

I ended up deciding to give the company a second chance and replaced mine with a 3.  I hope they don't let me down a second time!

[Trossteach1]

I also have condensation and now I’m onto my 4th Fitbit- I do not know how this happened as I’ve always been careful about water. This will be Fitbit’s last chance with me - supposedly my Charge 3 is waterproof- but I’m still scared to swim with it. 

PS. My charge 2 still works, but it doesn’t recognize my sleep habits like it used to and it’s hard to read the screen. 

[watsonrobin99]

This has happened to mine. Same thing never showered with it or got it wet. I workout every day 1-1.5hours. I’m trying to figure out what to do and how to see if I can get a replacement 😭

[slimmerz]

What is the lifespan of the Charge 2, then?

Even if we love our Fitbit devices, we cannot go about sustaining Fitbit every 13-15 months for that price.

Just two days ago, I had to order another one with a 25% discount I received for the same problem. 

[-Wes-]

I would estimate the lifespan as 24-36 months. Honestly, not really bad
considering that many handheld devices / providers would have customers
replacing them in 24 months or less!

I think I am at (or over) month 15 since I replaced the failed Charge 2
with a Charge 3, and no signs so far that failure is pending.

That said, I have come to realize that environmental factors play a
substantial role in the longevity of the failure-prone membrane on the back
of the device. Many products intended for skin contact, particularly
insect repellents and some types of sunblock, do not play well with
plastics. Avoiding such contact, such as by wearing long-sleeve sun shirts
or jackets, etc., over the device and applying the product to that garment
instead will most likely extend the life of the tracker.

[DebraSmith]

My fitbit charge 2 looks like that too how do I dry it out?