Versa 3 stopped working after swimming with it

[Karak2004]

I wore my versa 3 into the pool for MAYBE 15 minutes yesterday. It worked while it was in the pool fine as I used the swimming workout option. Ever since the watch will not light up. I know it's on because it still vibrates but the screen is blank. When I reset it it comes on briefly but does not respond to swipes at all. I have had it for about 2.5 years with no problems whatsoever until now. How do I fix this?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Guy_]

Hi @Karak2004  - the seals fail and water can get in, which destroys the watch.

As it is no longer under warranty you can buy a new Versa 3 , don't get the Versa 4, or switch to another make.

[MarreFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @Karak2004. Welcome to the Community Forums. Thanks for trying to troubleshoot the issue with your Versa 3 before reaching out. @Guy_ Thanks for your input!

If your device got wet, it’s important to take it off and dry it well before putting it back on. On the other hand, if your device has come into contact with any liquid other than fresh water, you should clean it with fresh water and a soap-free cleanser and dry it with a lint free-cloth.

If you've done the above but to no avail, I'd recommend trying the steps below:

• Clean the charging contacts on the back of your device and the pins on your charging cable using the instructions in How do I clean my Fitbit device?
• If the error "insufficient power source" appears on your device's screen, remove other devices plugged in to your power source, or plug your device in to another source.
• Try a different USB port or a UL-certified wall charger.
• Check the alignment and try reconnecting your device to the charging cable. For more information, see How do I charge my Fitbit device?
• Restart your Fitbit once again.

[Jammy5]

I’ve cleaned all the contacts but no change. My watch will not turn on. I made sure it was fully charged and when I removed it from the charger, the back and face are hot to the touch. 

[Guy_]

Hi @Jammy5 - it may have water damage, do not charge if it gets hot as it is dangerous.

If it is under warranty get it replaced where you bought it if you can.

You can also chat via the Fitbit App, click profile photo, Help & support, Contact Customer support.

Don't be tempted with a 35% discount on newer watches which are more expensive and don't have some features.

[UchechiI]

This is the exact same issue my versa 3 had since last week Saturday (Feb 18, 2023) I went to a water park and stood in waves that were barely waist to shoulder high. I used the watch to swim when first bought and no issues  for over 10 swim classes of 45 mins each. It passed its 12 month warranty and this was the first time using it in a pool since it crossed its warranty this past December 2022. Fitbit has offered me a 35% discount on a new device and to me, that's a rip off as I would need to shell out 65% on a more expensive device, after using their device (versa 3) as advertised. Why should I be stuck with a faulty versa 3? Also, they no longer advertise the versa 3 which suggests they may be aware there is an issue with it. I've been charging it since then and it just heats up terribly to the point of almost burning to touch. I've cleaned the watch as prescribed as well and nothing. A very very disappointing customer service experience. Isn't there a way to get them to replace these faulty watches? 

[NancyB]

Are there any signs the seal around the screen has any issues? Have you tried to charge it using a diff USB charging block or even a computer to see if the screen comes on? I wouldn’t suggest trying this if your device gets hot while charging but if not, you might try using a blowdryer to dry it out. Use a warm or cool setting (not hot) & not too close up. 

[Guy_]

Thanks @NancyB , a bag of rice also may work.

However. @UchechiI once it heats up when charging it is past recovering and is dangerous.

Don't pay the 65% on a Versa 4, just buy another Versa 3 outright in the shops, they are cheaper now, and better. 

Or try another brand. Check in the forums before you buy.

[UchechiI]

Yes, definitely going for a different brand entirely. My partner just got a
Versa 3 last month and he is looking on how to return it while still within
the warranty period to avoid this same scenario playing out once it crosses
its warranty period. I think the number of complaints on this same issue
should be enough for some sort of action on this model of fitbit. It has
been really frustrating these past 2 weeks.

[Jammy5]

Thanks. No longer under warranty. I never took the chance of wearing it in water before this. There is no obvious signs of a broken seal or opening around the face and the watch is completely dry but with the battery hot to the touch I’m resigned to this watch going to the trash heap-or a suitable waste disposal site for electronic devices. I’m heeding the advice of others and will be super cautious of my next purchase and if it is advertised as waterproof, i’ll Be sure to test it before the warranty expires. 

[Jammy5]

No evidence of broken Seal or any openings around the face. Watch is completely dry but heats up to the point that it’s hot to touch so this unit is on its way to an appropriate electronic disposal site and i’ll Choose my next watch with caution based on the comments I’ve read here. 

[UchechiI]

Seriously considering moving to another brand entirely. I don't trust any versa 3s still out there to last more than a few weeks after the 1 year warranty, if the feedback I am getting is anything to go by. A model no longer offered by Fitbit on their own site? That tells me a whole lot. I received an exclusive offer of $50 off of the versa 4 and $100 off the more expensive one today. I guess someone somewhere is reading up on my issue on here. $50 off still lands me at over $200 to shell out on a versa 4. Totally unacceptable. Is there any consumer protection on these items? I've got to do the research and look into it. I am so fed up.

[UchechiI]

No sign of a broken seal on mine.  It hasn'tcome on since the pool. I washed it in clean water as described by one of the fitbit support staff. Still doesn't come on. It gets really hot pretty quick when I plug it in. Worried about a fire hazard so I am not charging it anymore. This item needs to be recalled.