Fitbit Sense won't charge

[Razorgirl88]

So I see some other people have posted on this problem.  I ordered my Fitbit Sense on January 7, 2021, directly from Fitbit.  There were some shipping issues and I finally got it at the end of January.  Since receiving it, I have had intermittent charging issues.  Sometimes this is resolved by cleaning the connections, other times I've had to resolve it by resetting the Sense by holding down the button for 10 seconds until the Fitbit symbol shows on the face of the watch.  On a few occasions I just had to keep trying plugging it in to different sockets on my computer.  However, this time it flashed "0%" the first time I plugged it in but then never charged.  It won't reset using the button, nor will it work after cleaning the contacts or plugging it into different sockets.  I haven't even owned this 4 months yet and I'm really frustrated with this problem. I keep my software up to date and don't know what else to do.

Moderator edit: subject for clarity

[C4Me]

Thank you but I have tried a new charger, to no prevail. My watch is gone to the proverbial watch graveyard. I can’t even figure out the email FItbit sense to receive the discount towards a new watch! Thank you

Sent from my iPhone

[Squeakywarrior]

There is an third party pedestal charger on Amazon for $11 that solved my problems. But the failure point is the charger. Look at your lower left prong or all of them and I guarantee one is pushed in. My two I’ve owned have both had the lower left fail. But I’m done with Fitbit when this Sense dies, and it will too soon I’m sure 

[Tina_L]

Good to know about the third party pedestal charger. Thank you for sharing that. I've given up on Fitbit and moved to an Oura ring, but my husband has taken over my Sense until the charger that we have fails. This pedestal charger may allow him to use the Sense for a while longer. (I've spent so much in chargers... Even the third party chargers on Amazon add up to a lot after a while.) Thanks again!

[Squeakywarrior]

Oh I get it. I bought another, my second, only because I did not realize the Galaxy 4 watch I bought to replace it no longer was supported by iPhone like previous versions. So this will allow me to milk a little more use out of it until I find a similarly priced replacement   

[Guy_]

For those having problems with constantly failing charge cables which may be related to cleaning or operation of the cable.

See How do I clean my Fitbit device? which needs to be done to ensure the pins make good contact and don't spark,

and Tips when using the Sense or Versa 3 charging cable

it might help prolong the life of the charge cable and ensure better charging.

[BKD32]

This is Fitbits version of Steve Jobs famous quote “ you’re holding it wrong “. No, it’s not the consumer it’s the poor design of the charger.

Sent from my iPad

[Desdemina]

This was the problem for me! Thank you!

[ginagperry]

I've had my Sense for 11 months and I'm on my 8th charger. It's a design flaw and they are well aware of it because I tell them every time I call for a replacement. But the warranty runs out in a month and then I'll be paying for all the replacements. The problem is the magnet. It's too strong for the delicate contact pins on the charger cable, and eventually, one or more pins will collapse and fail to connect. I haven't tried reworking one of the cables yet but that's next. I refuse to buy a new charger every 6-8 weeks, so if the charging cables can't be repaired I'll be resigning this watch and replacing it with something other than a Fitbit. Like others have mentioned, I wish I would have found this forum before purchasing mine. The few reviews I did read were positive, but most were written within a week of buying the watch. Now I see that more people are coming back after a couple of months to report the charging issues. To say that I am disappointed with Fitbit would be a huge understatement. I can assure you that I won't be buying anything else from them. Google bought the company right about the time the Sense was released which makes the whole thing even more sketchy.

[Guy_]

Hi @ginagperry - just in case you missed this and in an effort to make your charge cables last longer, do follow the cleaning instructions and these tips.

How do I clean my Fitbit device?

Tips when using the Sense or Versa 3 charging cable

[Soccernut433]

I have cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. Makes no difference. The charger is
to delicate. The only reason I am still on my Fitbit is that Apple Watch
batteries have to be recharged almost daily. Garmin heart rate is
inaccurate. And I don’t have the trust in these social media ads I’ve been
seeing for these unknown watches.

[jplafleur]

I am of the same opinion. A multi-day battery is essential for me. And
currently, only Fitbit offers that in a somewhat affordable feature-packed
smartwatch.

[NepSu]

I have exactly the same problem as you be mentioned.monly had it for 3 months left day swaped no sign of charging 0%

[NepSu]

To me lots of people are having same issue..I think whole Fitbit sense is very poorly designed or a faulty products..such a inconvenience 

[Guy_]

Hi @NepSu - you have the same problem as who? Do try all the instructions as to what to do in How to check charge cable - Sense/Versa 3 won't charge, won't start or blank screen 

[ginagperry]

I tried a third party charger as well. It lasted 4 weeks.

[NepSu]

I think it's a design flaw..very common issue with the Fitbit product.

[NepSu]

I tried all the things suggested and on YouTube ..for last two days now I can't see it working..left overnight too. No luck

[JohnnyGatt]

My Fitbit sense is about 16 month old now out of warranty I replaced my wonderful iconic with this piece of crap. I ordered replacement charges in bulk still got 5 in my draw as I was having to replace them monthly.. genuine ones only last of a fraction longer than cheap replacements from Amazon.. but now the sense won't charge at all tried everything from cleaning to using brand new genuine charging cables nothing will charge it it's on 10% and I'm keeping it shut off just in case they offer a refund that requires me to start the device. The sense needs a recall! The battery life has got shorter to the point where it was just lasting a day considering the cost of this device ute expected to last a little bit longer than 16 months.

[ginagperry]

This is your "best answer"?

YOUR FINAL ANSWER?!?!

🤬🤬🤬

Best answer my A$$!

The ONLY ANSWER is a FULL REFUND of the $250+ which I paid for this worthless P0$ and all of the chargers I bought. 

My best answer to YOU Lizzy; update your résumé. 

 

[BKD32]

Amen! This could not have been any better or more accurately.