Sense won't charge or respond

[Grammie4clnl]

The Fitbit is at 0%.  It is plugged into the computer.  The logo will appear and there is a vibration that would seem to indicate the watch is trying to restart, however, the logo disappears and the unit is not charging. Tried depressing the button on the side when the logo appears -- no luck. There have been other successful restarts , however, the charge was not at zero. Have looked at other help suggestions and some refer to a button on the charging cord that needs to be depressed.  Well, this cord has no button and as of this point am at a loss as to what to try.  Is there any hope for this unit?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Guy_]

Hi @Grammie4clnl - the button on the cable does not apply to your model but often there a cable issues.

If the watch is not faulty see How to check charge cable - Sense/Versa 3 won't charge, won't start or blank screen

[CrisVillaFitbit]

Hello @Grammie4clnl Welcome to the community! And thanks for the accurate information provided @Guy_.

@Grammie4clnl Thank you for the information provided about your Sense's battery, let me know if the steps above worked for you. If so, please, mark Guy's response as the best answer to help other users.

[Grammie4clnl]

Hi

Sorry to say still no luck. Ordered a new charger and it has now been
charging for three hours. Battery still at zero. It continues to flash
the logo, vibrate and in seven seconds turn off. Have tried it both on the
computer and and an outlet. Any ideas?

Thank you

[MsLizW]

I hope you find a resolution because I have the same issue.  My perfectly good Sense just stopped working and the problem I've experienced is exactly the same as you have described.  When I reached out to Fitbit CS, I was told they didn't know what was wrong and suggested I replace it with a Sense 2 and offered me a 'discount' coupon.  I don't want a Sense 2, since it isn't as good as my Sense (if that makes sense)!  Fortunately for me, I had a second Sense that I got for a friend who didn't like it, so I simply switched my non-performing one.  I still would like to know why it stopped and get it working again.  So I will continue to monitor for your solution if you get one.

[Guy_]

Hi @MsLizW - did you follow the instructions above and have you tried while on a working  charge cable/ power source holding the button for 10 seconds till it vibrates and the logo appears and wait for it to start.

[Grammie4clnl]

Hi

Is your battery at 0%? The fact it will display logo, vibrate yet not
start is confusing. Ordered a new factory authorized Fitbit charger, still
no luck. My next step was going to be Customer Support. Your experience
does not give me much confidence.
Take care

[Greyk9]

I am also having the exact same problem as yours. Happened just last week. My wife has a sense and the charger works fine on hers so I'm pretty sure it's not a charger issue (and yes I cleaned the contacts on a regular basis)  My originally purchased sense was replaced about 9 months ago because it was getting super hot when charging. So now my replacement has only lasted 9 months I do not have much faith in this model as well.

[Grammie4clnl]

HI

Decided to take the Sense to a UBreak It We Fix It. Have used them before
and been quite satisfied with the price and the service. The tech who
called today informed me they would not be able to get the parts needed -
battery. Not sure if Fitbit batteries are proprietary and will ask when I
pick up the watch tomorrow. I am quite disappointed that the Sense did not
last beyond a year and that parts do not seem to be available. It took
three tries to get a Sense that the case did not separate and expose the
workings of the watch. Yes, I have other Fitbits -- an idea just
occurred. If I can find the Fitbits that had faulty cases maybe the
battery might still be viable. Worth a try.

Thank you for your response. It is satisfying to know I am not the only
Sense wearer having a major issue with the model.

[Guy_]

Hi @Grammie4clnl - as you mentioned the faces falling off due to poor seals this is the most likely cause of it no longer being watertight.

It is probably watch damage (hardware, though sometimes software) causing the problem and replacing the battery may be a waste of time and money.

Hi @Greyk9 - a watch getting hot when charging is most often the damage caused to the watch by water from a poor seal, causing internal shorting and excessive battery drain.

[Grammie4clnl]

Hi

Guess I was not entirely clear. The first two watch cases came apart
within a day or two of use. This present Sense is holding together,
however, won't charge.

[Guy_]

@Grammie4clnl - it was clear, if a seal is faulty it can allow in water over time or the face can come off partially or entirely. It just depends how poor the seal is. Sometimes it's possible to see condensation through the sensor windows on the back of the watch.

If you have cleaned the watch properly, got a new cable (unless also faulty) and used a PC as power source without success in charging, replacement is the best option, regardless of the cause. It's up to you to choose what with. (Note: A Sense 2 does not have all the features of a Sense)

[Greyk9]

I'm pretty sure the overheating while charging was a known issue by Fitbit. I contacted Fitbit support to find out if there was any remedy My Fitbit was out of warranty. They immediately wanted the watch back and they replaced it. I think there's some sort of legal action going against them for defective watches.