Longer Screen Time for Charge Trackers

[SunsetRunner]

I purchased my charge 3 after seeing it would have a Screen Time out Option.  It shipped without one.  Moderator Kate says it’s not available at this time.  The manual is now being changed to reflect that.

I really, really want/need that option.  It was the reason I chose the Charge.  That and my 50’s year old eyes.  The current screen only stays on for 3-4 seconds.  That is a very short amount of time.  I have to repeated tap the screen to read a text that comes in.  IF we are going to have the ability to get notifications, we need the ability to read them.

Please Fitbit, give us the option that was originally in the manual to change the screen time out.  The Versa has it, so I know it can be done.

Moderator edit: Title

[SRodak]

Agreed, this is a must fix. Do the people that vote on which features get implemented actually use the product, and equally important do they workout? It is wildly annoying to have to stop during a workout to hit a button, or make a special arm movement, in order to view time or heart rate. 

Implementing this fix with multiple display time options including the option to remain on continuously would add a great amount of value.

Please and thank you in advance.

[Parshift]

My first ever smartwatch, but this really is infuriating.

Why can't we decide for ourselves how long we want the screen on? We are not idiots, we know this might have a small impact on battery life. But at least give us the choice. 

Must fix.

[jamazing]

If the screen keeps going off while I'm looking at it by the time my return window comes around, I'm probably returning it. Maybe I'm expecting too much for a fitness tracker to function as a basic watch.

[JesseSwift]

The current screen time out is much too short. I would love to be able to change the duration. 

[SunsetRunner]

I agree with everyone and the time is way too short currently. It was one of the first things I noticed.

[jakemanning]

Why hasn't this been implemented yet? 0 internal/external testing? Do you just want to be able to market your 7 day battery time?

Please turn this thing from a brick into an actual useful tool

[Tattyhead35]

Is there a way to increase the time out on the screen, only it’s a a bit too quick for my elderly Dad. 

[Psywiz]

Just received my device and was excited by the design and features and then disappointed and surprised by the short display time.  The wrist activation is inconsistent.  Totally agree with wanting display to be on longer,  I am also a medical provider and thought I could monitor someone’s pulse with the clock display.  Wanted to see my own heart rate during a workout and was extremely frustrated while doing interval training that I could not see the display,  

Please respond to the incredible number of comments on this topic,  I am considering sending the device back and opting for a different brand, Hopefully, though, Fitbit can solve the display issue and truly be customer responsive.

Thanks.

[MarcelBK]

Hi @Tattyhead35, thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us,this feature suggestion already exists so I’ve moved your post here. Please do not forget to vote by clicking on the thumbs up button.

[asparklekat]

Eek. I got the fitbit over apple watch specifically because I wanted to be able to see my HR and zones during a workout. It's dangerous for me to be constantly trying to flick my wrist during my workout to get my screen to turn on. I don't get it at all— I will be returning this product if this feature isn't updated. It doesn't make any sense, particularly because the wrist flick is seriously inconsistent and I have to move my arm around everytime I want to see the time or my HR!

[wollja]

First time (and maybe last time) Fitbit user here.  This is a must have feature, the solution is not to remove the planned screen timeout setting from the PDF manual.  The solution is to fix the software and put that feature back in.  I think most users would rather take a mild battery hit and be able to adjust it to their own needs.

I read the manual online awhile back to make sure I was happy with the features before ordering it and saw this feature.  Now I see it doesn't actually exist in the software as was initially advertised online in the manual and instead was removed from the manual after the fact.  This was false advertising, it should be fixed with an update in a few weeks or the FTC should be notified for false advertising.

The device has great potential, it would just be nice if the users weren't beta testers however.  Having worked for software companies myself in the past, I do understand the pressure to get the product to market before black Friday, but it is a risky gamble to release a product without good testing first.

[Kounyk]

Agree, maybe we should let them know people are considering reporting them
and that might light a fire under them!

[SRDeBoer]

 Please increase the duration the face stays lit or make it a setting. I'm not happy with the Charge 3 due to the short display time.

[SunsetRunner]

yes. we need a longer display time.  Why can't this be easily implemented?  Many people would sacrifice a little less battery life in order to read their display before it goes blank.

[joeymomo]

To follow up on this it occurs to me that we should really be able to set the screen time-out in 2 separate ways to optimize for our needs while conserving battery life. We should be able to choose how long the screen stays on under normal conditions and then have a separate preference for screen time-out during exercise. This will allow people like me to have the screen on for a full minute or so while actively exercising and then to have a much shorter time-out for the rest of the day. Conversely first responders may want to set it to stay on longer during normal operation, etc. Everyone is different so  I think this would be a great option. Also.... we've heard NOTHING from Fitbit on this.... what's the excuse for that????

[SunsetRunner]

Exactly. They’ve made millions and millions of dollars on these products. And, can’t add one simple feature that many users are begging for.

[justjamesus]

Please allow us to extend the display time.

[Jaseph]

I think Fitbit simply removed this feature for one reason and one reason only, to get the time between charges higher.  

I think making the tracker very difficult to use is not a good trade off for higher battery life.  

[Balkar]

Hi, I look at my Fitbit Charge 2 more to look at the time but it jumps to the next screen too soon and then I have to manually cycle through the screens to get back to the clock or I'm forever twisting my arm to get it to come on again!  It's like need two hands to look at the time. There should be an option to set a default screen, weather it's the clock or the stopwatch etc with a configurable time out period before the screen blacks out. I'm sure it will be a handy option to have.  Regards.  Balkar Dhothar.

[AlexandraFitbit]

Hello @Balkar! Thanks for sharing this suggestion, I moved it to this similar post so you can add your vote to it. Please keep sharing your ideas with us!

[CoachMike14]

Hi Everyone, I stumbled upon a bit of a "Hack" to keep the Charge 3 screen on longer than 3-4 seconds.  Once the screen wakes if you put your finger on the screen and apply some pressure, then you can keep the face on for about 20 seconds in my quick testing.  It's a nice workaround until Fitbit updates the firmware.  

[SunsetRunner]

Totally agree. Blink and it’s gone. 

[Balkar]

I'm quite happy in volunteering to test thoroughly any new products and provide detailed feedback - as long as  I get to keep the item!😁. 

[Kmmrn1997]

I’m a nurse and purchased this watch hoping I could use it at work, I was hugely disappointed to see that the screen time is limited to only a few seconds which isn’t helpful as I’m trying to auscultate an accurate heart rate with a stethoscope, is there a potential upgrade/option to lengthen the screen time?  PLEASE say yes, I would hate to have to return it.

[Balkar]

From my experience in life , every thing seems to eventuality come back around....  Maybe it's time to go back to what we all trust and relied on.. the good old classic watch!!  If the high-tech gadget maker's of this century cannot provide what people want, how long do they except us to put up with out calling it a day?