Sense Charger Bad Again

[data7o9]

I really like my Sense. This is my 4th FitBit product. But I also just ordered another charger cable because once again one of the four carrying prongs stays in. I notice this is an ongoing problem for this type of charger so it will be that last thing I purchase from Fitbit. This will be my 4th cable replacement. And I always put my Sense on the cable charger very carefully. The problem is a bad design.

[Guy_]

Hi @data7o9 - there a couple of things to try to avoid buying another charge cable (which are under warranty).

Firstly, clean the watch and prongs with rubbing alcohol before charging

Secondly, always attach the cable before plugging in, and unplug before removing the watch from as close to the watch as possible.

Lastly consider getting a charge monitor (cheaper than a cable). When the battery level is lowish it should read over 300ma, if not remove and reposition.

[AtulR]

My 6th charging cable for my Sense went kaput today. I think I am done with Fitbit after 6 years and 3 devices 

[pf21581]

I have the same issue and now my FitBit will not charge at all.  I used a brand new cable (checked the prongs) and still no luck.  I'm wondering if the life span of the actual battery has expired?

[GarryLee]

The Sense charging technology if faulty. I wish they would just admit it and rectify. 

[GarryLee]

Faulty charging technology. 

[Emujo]

Here's something I found that help with charging (I'm on my 3rd cable in 2 years)..Once you feel the magnet snap the charger in place twist the charger cable a little clockwise or anti clock wise (just a very small amount) you may feel a slight movement as all of the charge pins line up correctly. This has been working for me for months.It's a real shame, my fit bit lasts 10 days on a full charge. The poor battery life is why I've gone through 5 Fitbits in 8 years (mostly warranty upgrades) Now that the battery will hold a decent charge, the charging cable starts to go.

[data7o9]

If what you say is true, you must be in tech support. I already ordered and received a new charge cable but will try the rubbing alcohol thing. I do see that benefit after a lot of sweating. Everything else you wrote? A Charge Monitor. Ha! No way. More expense.

[Guy_]

Thanks @data7o9 - actually a charge monitor is way less expensive than a charge cable [once outside warranty] - it will show you if it is charging and how well etc, so definitely consider it - see link. I always use one and sometimes get surprises. Though I still have the original charge cable from over 3.5 years ago but only charge about once a week.

I'm posting this link for everyone in case it helps Tips when using the Sense or Versa 3 charging cable 

[data7o9]

I wish that store was in the U.S. but it is in the Netherlands. The earliest date to get here would be April 30th. And they would not guarantee me a final cost with shipping. Amazon has the same thing for $8.99. No shipping for me and in 2 days. I have not decided to purchase one yet.

[Phteve]

Hi,

Main problem here is the very poor design charging method that Fitbit won't acknowledge is the problem and the genuine cable only makes it worse, I have found getting an aftermarket charge cable from Amazon "NEWDERY" brand, still not easy to get a reliable connection but better than the Fitbit one and the pins are durable and don't seem to fail, and Fitbit's answer to the poor contact "clean contacts on watch and charger with alcohol" is just redicous and still doesn't guarantee a good connection.

[GarryLee]

Truth!

[GarryLee]

Truth. I thought by now they would admit this and change the design.

Thanks for chiming in!

Garry

[Auldjohn]

I had one charger with a pin that dropped down into the charger square.

Replaced that with a Fitbit charger unit with a longer cable. When it failed the next day it showed connected and charging but the % amount kept going down not up.

The next day replacement charger took 48 hours to arrive. Battery went to 0% and wasn't charging.

I used isopropyl alcohol swab to clean the Sense back and Q Tips to dry the pin connector holes.

Since the battery looked dead I reconnected the Sense to the new charger and let it run overnight.

Finally it turned on but Fitbit Premium thought it was a new Sense. Detected and added the original Sense as a new device and everything was fixed! My watchface and all the previously installed apps were back and working properly.

Best of all the Sense charge function worked and all Android Fitbit apps and settings worked.

Time consuming but worth the effort. Old Sense works like new! 

[K-ON]

Fully agree, rubbish charging mechanism. I have had a number of fitbits over the years and  while I love the software aspect, the hardware/charger would cause me to look elsewhere when I need a replacement. Anyone got experience of the new ‘ring’ fitness trackers ? 

[GarryLee]

NEWDERY Charger Cable for Fitbit...

This charger has fixed my issue. I threw away the one that came with the
watch.