Tech gadgets have an inherent expiration date—finally batteries die, soldering breaks, capacitors burn out. You by no means know precisely when it’ll be, however that day does come. 

But it’s a completely different scenario when the corporate that creates the machine additionally kills it with a software program replace. Not solely that—it then dusts its fingers of the issue. 

That is what you possibly can anticipate from Fitbit.

Back in 2021, PCWorld bought a Fitbit Charge 5 for analysis. It did properly—I ended up naming it a prime choose among the many Fitbit fashions you possibly can purchase then. After months of use, I moved on to check different gear. At that point, I assumed Fitbit had lastly turned the nook with reliability. Earlier trackers didn’t all the time behave after app updates, however this one had held up easily.

Then late final 12 months, I pulled out the Charge 5 to verify a function. I synced it to a telephone, configured it, and ran the firmware replace. It went lifeless. Black display screen. No response.

Fitbits may be finicky after firmware updates. I did the same old first steps—tried reset, tried re-pair with the telephone. Then I let it alone for a battery drain, in an try at a tough reboot.

AY / Foundry

Cue the New Year. I pulled the Charge 5 again out, however its display screen nonetheless wouldn’t come on. Turns out it’s a known issue, and one taking place since summer time 2023. Customer assist behaved precisely as described by different Fitbit Charge 5 homeowners: I used to be instructed to strive a normal reset, then cost the battery for a bit. After neither of these steps labored, I used to be instructed my machine was out of the one-year guarantee interval and supplied a 35-percent-off coupon towards a purchase order on the Fitbit web site.

Yes, Fitbit Charge 5 homeowners have pay to switch a tool damaged by the corporate who made it.

The coupon additionally comes with a giant restriction: You can’t apply it to a Fitbit Charge 6, which is the one comparable tracker on the positioning. (The Charge 6 succeeded the Charge 5 in fall 2023, and Fitbit doesn’t promote older variations of its trackers.) The code is barely relevant to the complete worth of a tool, too. Right now with New Year’s gross sales occurring, it counts for little.

I reached out to Fitbit for touch upon why this coverage is in place, however at press time, I had not heard again.

PCWorld

Fitbit may make this case proper—supply a a lot larger low cost, for starters. I would like to only repair our Charge 5. As finest I can inform, the show is just not being instructed to fireside up: a software program situation, not a {hardware} one. I’d love to have the ability to push a more moderen firmware replace (or roll again to a earlier model) by way of a pc. I truly did some looking out to see if I may sideload the firmware myself, however nothing got here up.

Stuff goes sideways generally with tech. I get that. But this anti-consumer conduct is why I’m now altering how I like to recommend health trackers. You ought to see Fitbits as a one-year buy within the US, and two years in areas with higher guarantee protections. Any further time you get is a “bonus.” When you’re taking a look at the price of a Fitbit, it is best to think about the way you’ll really feel about paying that on a yearly (or biannual) foundation to remain within the ecosystem.

Personally, I don’t consider that mannequin deserves your hard-earned money.