Issues with Syncing/Pairing

[Miguelgm28]

I love the Charge 3 product but when it comes to the software of Fitbit... not so much.

Every once in a while, it stops syncing properly and I have to do the whole process of unpairing the charge 3 from my device and then forgetting the charge 3 from the app, restarting of device and charge 3 and the usual stuff. Usually it works, but this time when trying to re-pair it the app tells me "Sorry the set-up is taking longer than usual. Please be patient. We're on it", it has been an hour and it still has not yet paired, I've tried re-pairing it 3 times and still has not paired.

The only thing I haven't tried is factory resetting it because I do not want to lose 3/4 days of data

[Shastin07]

I'm having the same problem, its infuriating. Been very unreliable for months now and I've been too lazy to deal with it. But Going through the same steps you are, reached the same issue. About ready to throw this thing into the ocean.

[SunsetRunner]

Also having this exact same issue... Only just noticed it hasn't been syncing since the 24th.. So I deleted the device from my list but once I've put the 4 digit code in it's coming up with that message and doesn't seem to do anything past that... 

[Obeahman]

I was having this exact same problem. As soon as I put in the four digits it would stick and I'd get the "Sorry this is taking longer blah blah blah". I tried holding down the button for 8 seconds, restarting my phone, restarting Bluetooth etc etc. Nothing worked until I went into the phone settings. Go to "about" then do the "Clear data" option that says it will also unpair it as a bluetooth device. The second I did this the app found my watch and immediately started updating it.

Hope this works for all who are having the same issue.

[SunsetRunner]

I assume you meant your charge3 settings-> about. As soon as I did this it got me beyond my stalemate. I tried so many different steps and nothing was working. In fact I had previously been paired with this same device, but was trying to update the firmware so I unpaired the charge3 with my phone since it was not working. Now I am paired and it seems the firmware update is working. Thanks.

[Schipper]

Add me to the list of those whose Charge 3 won't sync or connect. Last time I was able to synch was 4-26-2019. I have installed/unstalled/re-installed 2x now I when I try to sync I get a "connection failed" in trying to pair my Charge 3 with my laptop (W 10).Any other suggestions? I had a miserable time on 4/26 to get the **ahem** thing to synch- now again today. 😞

[Sophie5019]

I just had this issue and I was told the following in chat and it helped me get past the "Sorry the set up is taking ...."  screen. 

Swipe the clock on your fitbit, go to Settings > About > Clear data, tap Yes and it will restart. Then pair to your phone again. It worked for me and I am now on the downloading screen. 

Good luck. 

[SquirrelTherapy]

I've had the same issues with three different cell phones, 5 different computers, and 3 different fitbits... all within the last few weeks. (I work in IT = computers to test upon, new cell phone this week, and my GF's cell won't pair with all 3, either).  I have 2 Charges and an Alta.  I literally only use these for Go365 points via work.  I'm switching to a Garmin, as it's sponsered, also.  I just threw all 3 in the trash and moved on -- It felt reaaaaaaally good to do so.  You should, too! 

[JFMoore]

I had the exact same issues, and just got off a 2-hour "chat" with customer service.  Because my phone (an LG G5) is not on the list of supported devices, I'm screwed.  Don't waste your money with this company -- their customer service stinks.

[Shastin07]

I've resolved the issue.

After hours of dealing with this, I uninstalled the app. Installed all the latest updates for android then reinstalled the app and repaired the device. Haven't had a problem since, hope this helps you!

[Bryantr69]

Swipe the clock on your fitbit, go to Settings > About > Clear data, tap Yes and it will restart. Then pair to your phone again. It worked for me and I am now on the downloading screen. 

This worked! I wish more people reading this forum would try it. It sucks to have to go through this trouble

Thanks Sophie5019

[Bryantr69]

Swipe the clock on your fitbit, go to Settings > About > Clear data, tap Yes and it will restart. Then pair to your phone again. It worked for me and I am now on the downloading screen. 

[Brub]

Solved !!  I had setup & connection issues for a few days until I deleted my old Fitbit One on my account. Has worked perfectly since! I had tried everything... Reinstalling the app, rebooting the fitbit, deleting/re-pairing on bluetooth. 

[Chelwa]

I had to clear my data, not just reset the Charge 3. Unfortunately, mine hadn't synced since 5/14, so I lost all of my data. 

[Chelwa]

This didn't work for me. I had to clear the data to get it to work. 

[Crazy3nergy85]

In response to your syncing issues-

1. phone settings-about-reset-yes you will loose all data but it was able to finally get off the blasted sorry please wait to connect screen. 
2. I paired it with LG Z4
3. Good luck! 

[Deepalokesh123]

Thank you .thus really really worked..after multiple fail attempts..this is one that really worked

[gmasi]

Great tip,  been trying things for several hours, this finally solved it!