Fitbit versa 3 screen unresponsive

[AsherBen]

Hi my Fitbit versa 3 was working fine until yesterday when I took it for a swim. I think after that, today morning, I noticed ghost swipes on my screen and so I restarted my device but I cannot move beyond the front screen.

I tried to restart numerous times and with each restart the sensitivity of the screen is lost further. I am totally disappointed , this is the second time I am having a similar issue with a Fitbit device.. earlier I had to get replacement for charge 2.

What is wrong with Fitbit devices ?? Can you please help.

[Guy_]

Hi @AsherBen - it would seem it has water in it, the quickest way to resolve this is to get it replaced where you bought it, if it is still under warranty, 1 to 2 years depending on country law.

[AsherBen]

Thank you. I will try to call support today.

[Benss1]

That's exactly what happened with mine yesterday. Now totally unresponsive and also outside of the warranty period 🙁

[AsherBen]

The strange part is that the Fitbit website says these devices are waterproof up to 50 meters, and here I was only doing a causal swim with the water lock option activated.

https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1598.htm?Highlight=swim

[Benss1]

I've been in to currys/pc world today and the sales guy said it isn't really meant for swimming. Not what i was told when i bought it.

Strange.

[AsherBen]

I called up customer care and they agreed to send me a replacement. I am happy because I really like Fitbit over other fitness trackers but I am not able to digest that the quality of the product deteriorates for fast, in matter of months!

Really wish Fitbit would come up with sturdy products 

[AsherBen]

Really helped. Warranty in Europe is 2 years.. lucky for me

[Malexander88]

Same for me. Mine was working fine until I did an update this morning. I swim with it all the time and wondered if that was the problem. 

[AsherBen]

@Malexander88 I don't think it is the update because I had my update couple of days ago. But the ghost swipes started showing up recently after swim.

Next time, I am going to be really careful not to expose it to water.

[Malexander88]

Strangely, I never had any issues with my Versa 2, which I gifted to a friend and she's still using it - bought that one at least 5 + years ago. I would go swimming with my grandsons all the time in their pool and no issues. This new Versa 3 I noticed the "ghost swipes" and then the minute I do an update the entire screen goes blank. It still vibrates when I get a notification. Very disappointed with this as it's not even a year old yet. I'm having to get with customer support today. Glad yours was under warranty.

[AsherBen]

I have an update for all. @Malexander88, maybe this will help you.

I received the new Fitbit versa 3 as a replacement. While I was busy configuring the new device, I left the old device near the window with ample sunlight. After a while, I noticed a better swipe response on the old device and I quickly did a factory reset. Now after charging and post the factory reset; and update, the old device is working fine. All swipes are as responsive as before.

My conclusion:

1) if your device gets wet, let the device dry for a while (indirect sunlight)

2) Don't use Fitbit device as if it is 100% waterproof , you never know

Note: Looking back, I think the key was that I didn't charge it after swimming, so in effect, if it was wet, I didn't damage the circuitry. I allowed the battery to drain out completely. Finally leaving it in the indirect sun, let all the water evaporate and the screen started working. Factory reset finally reconfigured the device.

[Guy_]

@AsherBen-  thanks for the feedback, it is helpful.

Your old one probably dried out, but beware there may have been damage and the battery may not last. If it was minimal it may recover.

Please post the results of a longer test it will be interesting.

[Malexander88]

Thank you for your update. I too have ordered a replacement, but will in the mean time try your method with my old device. I will report back with the results to maybe continue some helpful feedback. Thanks again!