How to fix the band - DIY

[Adamah]

So my 5th Charge HR band wore out again and my 1yr warranty is finally up. A 25% discount doesn't cut for a product I know for a fact won't last more than 3 months. Does anyone know of any 3rd parties that can replace the band or have any nifty ideas on how to fix it? At this point I just keep it in my pocket to track my steps but it would be nice to utilize the full functionality of the device. 

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MarlenS]

Hey @Adamah, it's nice to see you in the Fitbit forums. Sorry to read the inconveniences you had with the Charge HR, it's a good idea to repair the band of the tracker, I recommend checking the videos this awesome user posted here about how to fix the band yourself using a Dab of glue. He is also sharing information about a sleeve to the Fitbit that you can purchase online.

As a friendly reminder, I'd like to share with you the Returns and Warranty policies for you to have a better understanding of our processes.

Hope to see you again. 

[CAgolf]

My first Charge HR's band bubbled up and fitbit replaced and now the replacement is coming unglued around the face.  Not sure about glue but not sure how to fix either as it is over a year old. 

[Blackbird_XX]

Same problem, same issue with a 25% discount to buy a product that I know fails.  I found replacement aftermarket bands on Ebay and Amazon for $5-12.

[Ruti65 · Accepted solution]

So annoyed with Fitbit customer service!!

Seriously, MANY complaints about the wristband in the internet, yet the company fails to replace the device (or repair) and instead offers an "out of the box deal JUST FOR ME" of 25% (translates into a 37.00 savings). I don't want/need a new device I just want it repaired. I don't think its irrational of me to expect for an expensive device to last longer than a year.

[sydney1908]

The problem I have is the is the rubber strap is broken away from the main body of the watch..and will not clip back due to a part being missing ...have to carry my fitbit in my pocket.....Is their anywhere I can send it or is there anywhere in Sydney I can get it repaired ???...normal watch repairers cannot fix it....otherwise it is working perfectly.......Thanks 

[Ang82]

I have the same problem. Luckily I still have warranty and they are sending me a new band. I hope this works

[OhDiane]

What KIND of Glue?? Super glue? Hot glue from a Glue Gun??? What kind of GLUE ?

[mddolson]

My fitbit charge HR had the classic bubbling & the band was separating from the housing on the back.

I went onto Amazon & looked at the reviews. I found one with several hundred positive reviews. I ordered it ($12 Can) standard free (mail) shipping. It arrived by mail in 2 weeks. Came with tools required.

I watched a sort YouTube video, on replacing the band.

Took about 15 minutes. Looks just like new.

[Julieboboley]

Thanks for the info. I just ordered the new band and it will be here Wednesday!

[mddolson]

You can use super glue, but not just any.

The strap is silicone rubber. I used loctite  with a primer for silicone rubber.

Be careful not to put too much on & get it on the lens.

Mike D

[Logregg]

Mine looks like yours, Mike D. It was a replacement for my original one that, too, had ended up like that. It progressed from detaching a little, stretching, and then falling completely apart. Would you mind posting the links to the video(s) that you watched & list the name of the primers & glues that you used?Fitbit Surge with disintegrated watch band.

[mddolson]

It looks like you're beyond gluing the strap.

Here is the video I watched on replacing the strap:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZUsBaipaf0

Just search fitbit charge hr band replacement on youtube.

regards

Mike D

Moderator edit: Merged replies

[Logregg]

Thanks again, Mike D!  You inspired me to look for more videos to repair my Fitbit Surge watchband on Youtube and found that a lot of other people's Surge's are falling apart like mine whose bands have been successfully replaced. (My only concern is whether or not the replacement bands will last any longer!) I have found the replacement bands with the tools to repair them included as cheap as $3.99 + $0.79 shipping on ebay or for $9.99 on Amazon.com if you prefer.  I have listed the links below. What I plan to do, personally, is to use my Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch for phone calls, sleep record, heart rate, steps, & calories on my arm & either pocket my Fitbit or Velcro a cheap stretchable band to it to put it around my ankle to utilize Fitbit's far superior floor counter (Samsung's is utterly useless in the U.S.).

FITBIT SURGE Fitness Band Strap Replacement With COOL Colors

How To Replace Fitbit Surge Strap / Very Simple Way

How to Replace a Fitbit Surge Band

ebay: Replacement Watch Band Strap Tracker Wristband With Tools Fr Fitbit Surge S/L/XL

Amazon.com: QGHXO Band For Fitbit Surge, Soft Silicone Adjustable Replacement Strap With Metal Buckl...

[mddolson]

A far as gluing the band during the early stages (when band starts lifting away): I used Loctite 406 cyanacrolate (crazy glue) with Loctite 770 primer applied to the rubber.

The primer is solvent based & evaporates. When dry apply the glue.

Just be careful not to apply too much, as it will obscure the lens.

MikeD

[Logregg]

That is real helpful to know, I will use that on mine. Thanks Mike!

[OhDiane]

Agreed!

My FitBit watchband fell apart during the warranted time, BUT bc I was on vaca, AND tried to fix it after I got back, I was 3-4 weeks late by the time I got around to contacting them, & they say they couldn’t do ANYTHING for me!
I said FINE. Next time I’ll buy APPLE !
Thanks,

Diane

[Jo140381]

I am in the UK, can you possibly send a link to both the strap and the repair video? Thank you

[FerdinandFitbit]

Hi there everyone! Good to see you in the Community Forums! 🙂

Thanks to all who are sharing tips on how to get the bands fixed. This is a really good alternative for those who are already out of warranty.

If anyone needs any help with getting our Support Team to look into your available options based on your current warranty, let me know and I'll be happy to help you out!

[mddolson]

Jo140381, take a look higher higher up in the thread.

I posted the link to the video on youtube

You can order bands on Amazon, just search Fitbit Charge HR replacement bands