Capturing the world through a Nikon lens
Guide

Unlock a Hidden Feature: How to Make Fitbit Charge 3 Display Time on Wrist Gesture!

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • The Fitbit Charge 3’s wrist-based time display feature is designed to activate the screen and show the time when you naturally turn your wrist to check the time.
  • The first step is to ensure that the wrist-based time display feature is enabled in your Fitbit Charge 3’s settings.
  • To activate the time display, you need to make a natural, swift wrist movement, similar to how you would check the time on a traditional watch.

The Fitbit Charge 3 is a popular fitness tracker known for its sleek design and advanced features. One of its key features is the ability to display the time on its screen when you turn your wrist. This convenient feature allows you to quickly check the time without having to manually wake up the device. However, some users find that the time display is not working as expected. If you’re wondering how to make Fitbit Charge 3 showing time when turning wrist, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure your Charge 3 is displaying the time correctly.

Understanding the Wrist-Based Time Display Feature

The Fitbit Charge 3’s wrist-based time display feature is designed to activate the screen and show the time when you naturally turn your wrist to check the time. This feature is enabled by default, but sometimes it might not work as intended due to various factors. Let’s dive into the common reasons why your Fitbit Charge 3 might not be showing the time when you turn your wrist and how to fix them.

Step 1: Check Your Settings

The first step is to ensure that the wrist-based time display feature is enabled in your Fitbit Charge 3’s settings. Here’s how:
1. Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the “Today” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select your Fitbit Charge 3 from the device list.
4. Go to “Settings” and then choose “Display.”
5. Look for the “Raise to Wake” option and make sure it is toggled on.
If the “Raise to Wake” option is already enabled, try disabling it and then enabling it again. This can sometimes resolve minor software glitches.

Step 2: Verify Your Wrist Movement

The Fitbit Charge 3 uses motion sensors to detect your wrist movement. To activate the time display, you need to make a natural, swift wrist movement, similar to how you would check the time on a traditional watch. Ensure that your wrist movement is smooth and not too slow or jerky.

Step 3: Adjust the Sensitivity

The sensitivity of the wrist-based time display can be adjusted in the Fitbit app. If you find that the time display is not activating frequently enough, try increasing the sensitivity. Here’s how to adjust it:
1. Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the “Today” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select your Fitbit Charge 3 from the device list.
4. Go to “Settings” and then choose “Display.”
5. Scroll down to “Raise to Wake Sensitivity” and choose a higher option.
Conversely, if the time display is activating too frequently, you can lower the sensitivity.

Step 4: Check for Obstructions

Ensure that there are no obstructions between your Fitbit Charge 3 and your wrist. Tight clothing, jewelry, or even a loose watch band can interfere with the motion sensors and prevent the time display from activating.

Step 5: Restart Your Fitbit Charge 3

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software issues. Here’s how to restart your Fitbit Charge 3:
1. Press and hold the side button until the Fitbit logo appears on the screen.
2. Wait for the device to restart.

Step 6: Update Your Fitbit App and Firmware

Outdated software can cause functionality issues. Ensure that both your Fitbit app and the firmware on your Charge 3 are up to date.
1. Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the “Today” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select your Fitbit Charge 3 from the device list.
4. Go to “Settings” and then choose “About.”
5. Check if there’s a firmware update available.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the firmware.

Step 7: Reset Your Fitbit Charge 3

If all else fails, you can try resetting your Fitbit Charge 3. This will erase all data from the device, so it’s best to back up your data before resetting. Here’s how to reset your Fitbit Charge 3:
1. Open the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
2. Tap on the “Today” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select your Fitbit Charge 3 from the device list.
4. Go to “Settings” and then choose “About.”
5. Scroll down and select “Factory Reset.”
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check your wrist position: Make sure your Fitbit Charge 3 is positioned correctly on your wrist, with the screen facing upwards.
  • Clean your device: Dust or debris on the motion sensors can interfere with their functionality. Gently clean your Fitbit Charge 3 with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can affect the performance of your Fitbit Charge 3. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, extreme heat, or cold.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Time

While getting the time display on your Fitbit Charge 3 working correctly is a priority, remember that this device is much more than just a timepiece. It’s a powerful tool for tracking your fitness progress, monitoring your sleep, and staying connected. By following these steps, you can ensure that your Fitbit Charge 3 is working optimally and providing you with the insights you need to live a healthier and more active life.

What People Want to Know

Q: My Fitbit Charge 3 is showing the time, but it’s not always accurate. What should I do?
A: If the time on your Fitbit Charge 3 is not accurate, you may need to adjust the time settings. Open the Fitbit app, select your Charge 3, go to “Settings,” and then choose “Time.” You can manually set the time or enable automatic time synchronization.
Q: Can I customize what appears on the screen when I raise my wrist?
A: You can customize the display to show different information, such as your heart rate, steps, or calories burned. Open the Fitbit app, select your Charge 3, go to “Settings,” and then choose “Display.” You can choose from various clock faces and customize the information displayed.
Q: Can I use the wrist-based time display feature while swimming?
A: The Fitbit Charge 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, but the wrist-based time display feature may not work reliably while swimming. The water resistance is primarily for protection against splashes and rain.
Q: My Fitbit Charge 3 is not responding at all. What should I do?
A: If your Fitbit Charge 3 is unresponsive, you can try restarting it by pressing and holding the side button until the Fitbit logo appears. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reset the device to factory settings. Remember to back up your data before resetting.

Was this page helpful?

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
Back to top button