Sense won't turn on

[MeganDavies]

I cleaned my sense with a cotton tip around the contacts and speaker/microphone holes. The lights on the back were flashing while I did that. Then I went to charge it but the screen was all black and hasn't indicated it's charging.

I've read all the other forum posts about holding down the button til it vibrates and charging etc. But none of that works. It's not getting hot while charging.

I still get a vibrate while charging but it won't actually turn on. Sense is 2 years old, any help welcomed!

[Guy_]

Hi @MeganDavies - it may not have sufficient charge to start see How to check charge cable - Sense/Versa 3 won't charge, won't start or blank screen

Once you are sure it is charged, if it is still syncing check charge level in the Fitbit App, hold the watch button for a full 10 seconds until till it vibrates and the logo appears and then wait for it to start.

If it is syncing try also changing clock face though a double tap and swipe should still produce a response.

[MeganDavies]

It's been 'charging' for many hours, but still won't turn on. I've checked and cleaned the terminals on both the sense and charge cable. I've also swapped the power outlet connector, but still 5V.

It won't light up and it won't sync with my phone either. I can't turn on the screen or swipe through the face options.

Any other recommendations?

[DanHeintzel]

Mine is doing the exact same thing as yours. Mine was completely unused for like 6 months and now it no longer works. 

Support basically just confirmed that its no longer working and offered me a coupon to buy another at a slightly discounted price.

I'm curious if you have better luck.

[Guy_]

Hi @DanHeintzel - if your watch was faulty the last time you used it and is why you stopped, it will still be faulty.

Though follow the link given previously and in addition if it hasn't been charged for that long it may need several attempts to wake it up, especially if you got a red exclamation mark and low battery.

Try unplugging the USB for a minute and then start charging again, assuming the charge cable is ok? And leave charging for 2 hours, providing it doesn't get hot in which case stop immediately.

[DanHeintzel]

My watch was working perfectly fine before I stopped using it. There was nothing wrong with it.

when I plug it in, nothing happens. It’s been on the charger for 5 hours with zero response. No vibration when plugged in, no heat, no exclamation mark.

Ive tested the cable with a multimeter and the cable is not an issue. 

[Guy_]

@DanHeintzel- there may be some oxidation and the contacts need proper cleaning but examine the cable as mentioned earlier, if there is a slight difference in height of the pins they may not make contact, even if there is a voltage. How do I clean my Fitbit device? 

[AngelCollective]

This happened to mine .

I removed from Bluetooth settings .

I downloaded the fitbit app.

I followed set up device .

it showed 77% battery .

Then showed update .

which I did .

Now it’s on and working again .

Good Luck

[DanHeintzel]

Mine is not turning on at all though 

[MeganDavies]

I ended up doing a virtual chat with someone as I wanted to get it repaired but there are no authorised repairers.

I confirmed I'd followed all the instructions both in this chat and as they gave them to me.

I have now packaged up the unit and posted it to them. If it can't be repaired then at least I tried to get it fixed, instead of just throwing it out. We live in such a wasteful society.

[AngelCollective]

That is what mine has been like for 2 days .
Then I removed it from Bluetooth
Downloaded the app again from the App Store
It asked me did I want to start to register a fitbit
I clicked yes
And layed my Fitbit on top of my IPhone and it started to do an update .
It took about 30 minutes
Then it was all back to normal .
Good Luck
Its worth having a go .
Sent from my iPhone

[DanHeintzel]

I do plan on cracking it open myself and taking a look. It’s not working as is, so there isn’t much harm in trying. I suspect either a connection broke, or the battery is having issues.

I agree with you. This watch isn’t anything groundbreaking. It shouldn’t be something that people have to cycle through and replace every year. it’s extremely wasteful. 

[Guy_]

@DanHeintzel - have you been through all the responses above and in your other posts?

Be aware that a discount is only valid on later watches which don't have all the features of a Sense, so might not be that appealing.

If you wish to stay with Fitbit currently there are some very good deals in the shops or even on other brands.