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

[smythes]

Please add the ability to extend the clock face time out from the ridiculously short 2/3 seconds to 5/10 seconds 

[GroovyGranny2]

Just got my Charge3. Love it. Is really making me think about my health. The one thing that drives crazy is having to constantly turn it on. I would like to use it as a watch. But I need to be able to just look at it.  At least leave the clock on. 

[LB3178]

I just got my Charge 3 and this is the first thing I noticed: the very short time the screen is on. I looked online hoping I can change the setting... It is very dissapointing it cannot be done.

I am now considering returning the Charge 3 and including a review mentioning this issue.

Please add the screen timeout set up in your next software update.

[Beornn]

I just splashed out and bought a fitbit to help me be more active. I wouldn't have bought it if I had known that it turns off in 3 seconds. This is a kind of "make or break" feature that only someone who wants to use the enjoy the fitbit as a watch or while exercising understands.

I will never buy another fitbit again if this feature is not updated. The community of users agree. All the principles of design also agree. Please give this a priority that it deserves if you aren't already.

[smythes]

I completely agree.A major design fault.

[ChelseaKaye]

I would love to get the Charge 3 as an update to my Alta but one of the things that frustrates me most about the Alta is that I can’t count pulses and respiration’s with it so I can’t wear it at my nursing job. I was excited about the Chargs 3 because I thought I could use this instead of having to wear 2 watches. 

I understand battery life might be affected but giving us the option to adjust the length it stays on (like on the other devises, Versa and Iconic) would be really helpful!

Please make this change! 

[Casscaro]

So, I messaged Fitbit via Twitter today:

Could someone PLEASE take a look at this thread on the Community (linked to this thread; removed link as not allowed):  Daily, sometimes multiple times a day, someone posts here about how disappointed they are with the Charge 3 timeout. It's lost you existing (and potentially new - dissatisfied people are leaving poor reviews for the device) customers and it's losing you loyalty. Please, if you intend to offer this feature, then at least let us know. And if you don't ever intend to make it available, then let us know that too. Ignoring this thread is making a lot of people (including me) very unhappy. I want to love my Charge 3, really I do, but this is a real issue for me, in particular the perception that Fitbit simply don't care about their customers. Could we have a proper response please, not just a meaningless platitude? Maybe a explanation as to why the feature of adjustable timeout was promised and dropped in the first place?

As no-one seems to be replying here, thought you might like to see their reply:

Hi there, Casscaro. Thanks for bringing this up. We don't have the information to share at this moment. Meanwhile, we'll share this to the rest of our team for review. Thanks for your patience and understanding. If we have the info about this we'll definitely share this to all our users. Let us know if you have any other concerns.

So, that helps...

[Mon88]

Extremely disappointed that there is no option to increase the screen time!

this makes the product completely useless for me. Purchased to double as a watch I can use at work as well as a fitness tracker. Unless screen time is increased to at least 60 seconds it just won’t be of any use to me.

please please please include this feature!

[Osotoh]

I just responded to a Fitbit Twitter ad. Below is the full thread. Instant canned response from Fitbit support (with link to this community request) which was subsequently removed. 

@Fitbit

Own your mind, body and strength with goal-based exercise modes on #FitbitCharge3—our most advanced fitness tracker ever.

Tweet from M_Special K

@MD_kemp

I bought a Charge 3 yesterday, spend excessive time tapping the screen due to insufficient screen time, 3-5 seconds is not enough to use all the fancy new features you have to offer. IT IS USELESS. @currys will not accept the item as a return as is not technically a fault

Tweet from Karen Christensen

@Tangfuss

This problem has over 1000 votes on the Fitbit community (search for longer time for Charge 3). Requests from medical professionals and workout people. To date no response from Fitbit as to whether this normal function will be added in as it is on other/older models. 

[Islivingwell]

Very surprised to discover a single set display duration-not only unalterable, but very very short.  Will there be a fix?  If so, when?

Thanks

[Islivingwell]

I know.  Since purchasing a fitbit scale years ago that would record weight variance of up to 6 lbs when I stepped off and then back on the scale in a matter of seconds...I've known they just really don't care...at all, and they like it better if you believe your expectations are just way too individualized, and that other customers are happy.

⁣

[EdsonFitbit]

Hi @SunsetRunner and all the Community members, thanks for sharing this suggestion.

This is being discussed although I do not have a firm commitment or timeline at the moment. Do continue to vote for this feature suggestion whilst it’s under consideration. Please note that if something is under consideration and chosen for development, it can be a while until it's released or until I have any news to share.

Please watch this space for any updates! Thanks for your patience.

[nzk300]

Please please please add this feature - I will have to return in 20 days if it’s not done by then - sucks because i like everything else about it. 

[whybenorm]

It shouldn't take near as long in development since the feature was supposed to be on the Charge 3 to begin with, and it's a common feature on your other products. It's not like it's an unheard of new feature we are asking for.   It should have been under development since the Charge 3 was released.  You shouldn't have needed over 1000 users to tell you this is a necessary feature.

[GroovyGranny2]

I just noticed that my charge 3 display comes soon when I look at it.... Is this new? Or I'm just slow? 😎

[JenniferRN]

The display needs to be fixed on charge 3 .The display is way too short. Ideally it should be on for 30-60 seconds . As a nurse I need this. Even for everyday use it is frustrating how fast is turns off. A watch face would be great too even if I have to charge it more often .I would like to add a info to sleep and heart rate insight noting if I took a sleep aid or if any cardiac symptoms felt. Thanks 

[Groningen]

I strongly support the proposal to implement an option for an adjustable screen time.

At present the time out is approx. 3 - 4 sec. This is too short even when the Charge 3 is used as a watch.

I want to use my Charge 3 to monitor my heart rate. With this setting that is impossible.

There should be available several time out settings.

I consider the present situation as a real disadvantage of the Charge 3.     

[smythes]

I hope that any changes will also apply to the Charge 2 ?

Sent from my iPhone

[mommabeany]

I'm so glad I bought my Charge 3 at REI. They have a 90 day return policy for Fitbit. The fast timeout of the main screen is just one little problem.  Not having all of my steps counted while doing things around my house is a huge issue for me. Having to keep tapping my screen or raising and lowering my arm to see that about 75% of my steps walking around doing things in my kitchen is very annoying so say the least. 

In theory, the Charge 3 is great. In use, it leaves much to be desired. These flaws should have been dealt with prior to releasing the device. Mine will go back to REI at the beginning of May if firmware/software updates don't solve all the problems.

[LuciaFitbit]

Hi @JenniferRN , thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with us. This feature suggestion already exists so I’ve moved your post here. Don't forget to add your vote! I also noted that you mentioned a second idea. I ask you to post only one idea per feature. That way, we can keep the board organized and searchable. This makes it easier to know which idea other members are voting for. Here is the link for another existing feature suggestion regarding notes: Add tags/notes to Sleep Log.

[Islivingwell]

When, already, will the feature be FIXED (not added)?  as is, thousands of units were sold under false pretenses.

Will Fitbit reimburse us for the missing feature if it doesn't hurry up and put it in?

Is there accountability?

[sthobar]

As a physician, I agree with the comments by the other medical users with the need to have screen on longer.  Also during exercise on my bike, I have to take on hand off the handlebars to check my heart rate.  The idea of a way to leave the display on till the back button is pressed appeals greatly to me as well.

[EagleHawk-24]

Just got the Charge 3.

I like parts of it so far, but the screen timeout is ridiculous!

Fitbit, please do something to correct this; make it longer, make it adjustable, make it better!

The apps and many features of this device are rendered largely useless with the short time-out, thereby seriously reducing the usefulness of this over many other options currently on the market.

Like a previous poster noted, I also bought mine from REI, with a “no questions asked” return policy.

This is a great little device with lots of potential, but it needs work.

If something doesn’t happen soon, I’ll have to vote with my wallet instead of an internet post while I still have the option to get my money back.

[Merfit]

Everyone keeps suggesting this but Fitbit does not respond. We need longer screen display time. Also, better way of adding steps into log for known activities. Your device doesn’t accurately give steps for elliptical, stationary bike, rowing machine (closest thing to a health rider); stair climber. Your app lets ppl add manually with the log but the step conversion is inaccurate. There are exercise to conversion charts offering more realistic numbers

Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @Merfit! Great suggestion, thanks for sharing. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option on the Charge 3, I hope we receive updates soon.