Fitbit Sense shows "Slow Charging" message

[WehuttyWanker]

With every power source I've ever hooked my Sense up to, I get a "Slow Charging" message. What do you do here plug it into 120 AC outlet or something to satisfy its demands?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[KB9WNS]

At 5.25 volts about 320 milliamps.  I measured 100 milliamps when using a "PD" type charger so I think that it cannot communicate with the PD chargers.  The older chargers some have an IC that attempts to determine if a Samsung, LG or IPhone is connected otherwise a resistive voltage divider is connected across the Data+ and Data- pins which tells the device under charge that the charger is a dedicated charge port capable of a certain current.  Another issue with charging is the ground pin on the Sense charger seems to have a weak spring in it.  A third issue is the plating on the charging pins seems to be either inadequate or intentionally sacrificial vs. wearing out the contacts on the watch.  See my microphotographs.

[Guy_]

@KB9WNS  - thanks for the photos - impressive and interesting.

What should be noted is that the watch contacts [indentations] are less exposed to the elements however a layer of grime can accumulate which may offer some further protection, if not corrosive.

Whereas the charge cable contacts come into contact with all sorts of things from finger oil to metal objects [because they are magnetic] and are permanently exposed to the air and elements and more easily damaged.

Any grime causing sparking will damage the weakest element most, hence the need for good cleaning.

@pbug56  - A Sense/Versa 3 charges happily at 300ma [5v] to 1ma [5v] - this corresponds to charging from 10% to 100% charge. This is well within what any charger power source can supply.

However, to be sure to get the most smoothed power supply a computer is probably the most sure power source to hand

My charge cable from China [$3] seems to be more solid and better built with larger pins and better travel than the Fitbit one.

Fitbit cable on top

A useful USB info site.How USB Charges Just About Any Electronic Device

[LizzyFitbit · Accepted solution]

Hi everyone!

Thank you for sharing your experience and troubleshooting. If your Sense is not charging, please follow the charging tips in this Fitbit help article Why isn't my Fitbit device's battery charging?

To prevent any confusion, I'm going to close this thread from further comments. Your feedback is truly appreciated and if you have another question, I'd encourage you to create a new topic in the Help Forums. You can also check our help site to learn more about our products and features.