Battery charger stops working

[SunsetRunner]

So frustrating! I really don't understand why the sensors are made to be so difficult to connect perfectly every time your try to charge it.  I put mine on to charge and see the it's charging, then when I check it instead of charging battery is being drained.  I love the watch but hate the charger connectors.  I have now ordered my 3rd charger since purchase.  Even looking at the new charge5 watch it seems it still connects to the four pins.  Sadly I have started looking for a different brand to purchase when my new charger stops working.  Because I know it will happen --it's just a matter of when. 

[Guy_]

Hi @SunsetRunner - the charge cables are quite fragile but have a look at this article, especially the first link, it may help. Main charging tips 

[cathy_radtke]

My husband and I like our Sense watches but hate that the charging cable’s pins are so fragile.  We’ve had to replace 4 cables in less than 9 months.  Please fix this issue or just start shipping us new cables every 4 months.  This is making the Apple Watch look so much more attractive.

[SunsetRunner]

Guy--As this isn't the first time I learned quickly to be very careful.  But over time that upper left pin just gets stuck.  It is a design flaw, has to be some way to change it.  So many people have the same problem it can't all be caused by the owner/operator.  

[Guy_]

@SunsetRunner  - still have my 2 year old original charge cable and cheap one I bought which seems more robust.

I only charge once every 5 days so perhaps it's to do with the number of mounts/dismounts, and I clean the charging hole contacs every time which avoids sparking.

My Versa 1 has never had a problem charging in 3 years or been cleaned specially.

It is clearly something related to the Sense and Versa 3 charging concept but the point is perhaps it can be mitigated to some extent.

[SunsetRunner]

I agree it's the Sense model.  I will see how long my new charger lasts.  I also clean them every time.  I leave it unplugged unless charging, I do everything they recommend. They have a flaw and just won't admit it. 

[elcope]

I've had the same issue since I received my Sense in March 2022 (but did not have it with my old Ionic watch). Slow charging message appeared every time I plugged it in, no matter what I did -- and took hours to fully charge. 

After my watch completely broke when taking it in the pool for less than 15 minutes (wasn't even swimming, just playing with my kiddo), I called Fitbit to get a replacement. Told them about the charging issue and he asked if all 4 prongs on the back were the same... can't believe I never noticed, but one of the charging prongs had sunk into the charger, therefore not making a solid connection. They immediately sent a new charger, along with a new watch face. 

It charges much better now, though I'm noticing one of the prongs is starting to sink into the charger again. I'll keep reporting this issue and Fitbit will have to keep sending a new charger, until they fix this. Can't imagine they don't know this is happening.