Hi all,
I forgot I was wearing a fitbit charge HR, and I walked into the pool earlier today. Remembered after 2 mins, but it was already too late. Any suggestions on reviving it?
Cheers.
Water Damaged Fitbit
PurpleHippo on 31/08/2015 - 14:01
Comments
How recently is recently? Its been maybe 2 months now.
2 months is recent. Try the steps others have recommended with the rice. If that doesn't work, then start a support request.
Have you tried rice?
Just got home. Gonna go it now. Should I try the hairdryer before the rice? Or in rice straight away?
Don't know what others think but I would think that direct heat may not be good. See what others say though.
Found this for you. Your fitbit may not be the same but goes to show that rice may be the right way to go.
http://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/I-washed-…
Thanks. I've put it in some brown rice. I don't think I have the tools to open it up, but will see how this goes.
Thanks all.(Personally, I reckon the rice thing is a major myth, but will update you of the situation!)
The idea of the rice is that normally uncooked dry rice has very low humidity (which is also why they tell you to keep rice in a sealed container).
By fully burying your device in rice and leaving it for a few hours, the high water content in your device gets drawn out by the very low humidity of the rice until the humidity levels are even. Kind of like osmosis.
The water itself is not the issue with water damage, it is the other minerals and chemicals that are conductive within the water that causes shorting out and failure of electronic devices.
@zim4: After working with mobiles for a large company recommending rice has saved many an iphone. Bonsaichop explained it very well
Ok, that makes sense.
I'm rather surprised that my comment about not necessarily believing how the rice thing would work is being so heavily negged. Oh well, hopefully I'll be proved wrong.
@Bonsaichop: Ideally, you'd open it up and flush with distilled water followed by isopropyl alcohol - after removing the battery and avoiding the screen. Dessicants only work if the original water was reasonably pure - salt water and you're screwed, chlorinated is a bit better but still bad.
At last, that's what I'd say for a laptop or phone. No idea how hard it is to disassemble a fitbit, and it does depend on how good you are with tech.
If you've bought it with a Gold/Platinum credit card you might be covered, e.g. Gold Amex
Purchase Protection♦
When something you buy breaks or is stolen, Purchase Protection♦ can have you covered. Use your Card for eligible purchases, and your purchases can be protected from accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the moment you buy them. Please read important exclusions and restrictions.
Anyone else surprised that these devices aren't waterproof?. Guess the company thinks people don't exercise while it rains.
It's water resistant. There's a difference.
They're sweat-proof, work in the rain, and can also shower with them. Funnily, I made the same mistake as the OP and did a couple of laps about a month ago before I realised I was wearing it, thankfully it didn't croak.
If it's all one piece, you'll just have to let it dry and hope for the best. I'd keep it oriented so that water can drain out if possible.
Otherwise keep it switched off for a few days. No direct heat
hmmm i take mine to shower all the time, probably should stop shouldnt i?
I always take mine off before getting in the shower. Too afraid it will die!
From what I remember, FitBit doesn't actually specifically say you can wear it in the shower?yes, but i read a few reviews that it was because of the irritation issue they had with the Force. They don't want people to have the same issue so do not suggest taking it to shower.
A few reviewers have used it for several months and have taken it to the shower all times with no issues.
Maybe I should be a little more daring :)
Hi guys, just wanted to give an update. My Fitbit has been in a container of rice for about a week now. Unfortunately, it's still showing no sign of life.
Fortunately however, Fitbit's warranty came through, and they have sent me a replacement.Cheers all for the input.
Good news. They have a good warranty don't they.
Extremely good.
If you recently bought it, start a support request on their site. They may replace it for free.