Related
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

White Spot Under Watch overnight - how to get it fixed or replaced?

8638966
over 3 years ago

Greetings. My Vivoactove 3 developed a large white spot under the glass whilst I was sleeping. Woke up and it was there. Watch has not been dropped, no damage. I do not swim or shower with it on. This is a watch defect.

How on earth do I get this repaired? I am in South Africa and bought the watch through Takealot (local online shopping) and the watch is now out of 12 month warranty. The watch is not useful to me with the spot obstruction and too expensive to throw away after less than two years.

Any guidance or assistance greatly appreciated.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    Please contact Garmin Support. The spot is moisture as I understand it and I have seen multiple instances on the forum. See f.i. https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/healthandwellness/f/vivoactive-3-3-music/215061/white-spot-on-vivoactive3-screen/1059797#1059797 to compare the pictures. 

    Garmin Support is at :

    support.garmin.com/.../

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to hhasert

    many thanks  I've been reading the other forum posts on this and it appears to be a common flaw. I used the windows software to send a support email. I was surprised that Takealot would not assist or even enter dialogue with me as the watch was outside 12 months. Hopefully they provide a satisfactory resolution. I appreciate the time you took to reply and trust you and your family have a safe and happy new year.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to 8638966

    You are welcome. In my country the 12 months would be debatable since it obviously is a manufactory defect and a customer should receive (a refactored) device even after the formal warranty expired. It depends on life expectancy for the device of course, but 12 months and a bit is definitely too short. Good luck, hope they help you out (perhaps at shipping cost though). Have a safe and healthy new year ! 

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    UPDATE: Garmin got in touch & asked me to courier the watch to them. They fixed it promptly at no charge and couriered it back to me. Very impressed with their service & they went the extra mile in my opinion. It is without a doubt a design flaw which means it will probably happen again. Very happy with Garmin's service.

    However - Heart Rate Monitor is a little erratic when exercising. Never had this happen before. I'm going to just roll with it but here is my question.


    Should I be considering another Garmin? I am nervous of another design flaw in a different Garmin model. This Vivoactive was meant to be my last watch purchase & after 2 years I'm seriously considering replacement. Design flaw means its likely hood of reoccurring is high.
    My Uses: Daily Training, Treadmill, hiking etc.

    I am considering the Venu 2 - provided no more design flaw! Definitely prefer a touch screen & my pocket is not deep enough to afford the fancier top end with touch screens.
    Is there a different Garmin Model I should be considering or look at another brand? I do give Garmin full credit for their really good service. However my next smartwatch needs to be a real keeper.

    I posted this in the wrong forum earlier in case you came across it there :)

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to 8638966

    You could look at a fenix 6 since they are superseeded and prices comparatively low. They are built more robust I understand. 

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to hhasert

    Thanks I was considering the Fenix then I found these 2 pieces of information. 1: Not Touchscreen & 2 This Post on the Garmin Forums today, showed a Fenix 6 from 2019 with the same white spot. That's a real downer as I will not be able to justify buying a new watch very 2 or 3 years.

    These things are either robust or they aren't.  I was surprised to see that Fenix post as that indicates the problem crosses models. I really need more info or reassurance that Garmin have fixed that problem. Love the look & functionality of the Garmin Range, but they need to deliver.

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to 8638966

    I understood the Fenix range was built with military specs (thermic, shock and water proof), so at least water proof under duress, that is why I mentioned it (and was looking at it for a potential upgrade).  Perhaps that statement on military specs is that they looked at them but do not test them. The touch screen is on Fenix 7 (but expensive) and sometimes I hate the touchscreen since it messes up when playing golf, so I did not mind that very much.   

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to hhasert

    Actually you've got a point there re Touchscreen. When its cold & I run with a long sleeved sweatshirt it has sometimes stopped recording the run (contact with sweatshirt) Could always lock it I suppose. Keep Forgetting as it doesnt happen that often. Like you i'm surprised at that post from nicco? as I was also under the impression it was military specs or similar.

    I haven't seen anything like this about the Venu 2 though. Frankly I'm not in a rush anymore. I don't need a newer smartwatch as it's an indulgence. I do need reassurance before getting another though :)