This Samsung Galaxy Active Watch SM-R500 is DEAD! Can I fix it?! Fix it Friday

The Samsung Galaxy Active Watch I unboxed a few years ago died suddenly a few months ago, and appeared to die one day when James was swimming with it. Despite being an 'Active' watch, and having swimming timing modes, annoyingly these don't seem to like being used in swimming pools! A common failure point is a grommet that covers some connectors used in the manufacturing process. Is it like the bottom of the sea inside? Or is there something odd going on?
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[@TheFeliciaFeFe]

Literally having this issue it won't charge or turn on I tried to hold the buttons I even tried to heat it up, nothing. If you hold the two buttons it should go into factory reset though.

[@Carl-fl6wl]

If like my watch it went to 76%-80% and stop charging I went with a low amp .500-.800 M.A. milliamp usb charger keeps charging cool and no overheating of charging coils or battery

[@sycamorefinancialtechnolog1311]

My watch does exactly the same... I took it back out the cupboard after a while as my other watch needed its battery replacing. It all worked fine, holding the charge well and operating correctly and then I went on holiday. I had a few swims - put it in wet mode as well - and yes - after I got out of the pool a third time I got 3 x buzz on my wrist and then dead (i knew I had about 75% battery, so not a charge issue)! The last I saw of it. It does draw power from charging - both from the original charger and also from Samsung powershare with my S20.. but dead dead dead - I don't get the confirmation charging buzz on the watch tho...

[@mcg4422]

Hey so im working with this same watch but its just randomly died with no real water damage or otherwise. I've changed the battery n its only giving me a random buzz on charge, never off. But if you look inside where the big battery is no one seems to mention theres a smaller cell battery right beside the big labeled one. Its soldered into a casing but im nearly sure thats dead and its the "first battery" if you read the big ones label its the secondary battery

[@kevinrose3455]

Yep your correct, my watch doing exact same again ( previously I sent it back for repair for exactly same issue! I could see returned watch had complete replacement watch bezel face glass / swapped with another 2nd hand good condition one! Placing my strap back on etc.. ( coz i carefully minutely security marked all various watch parts including front and back ). Then just few days ago exact same fault happened watchbis breathing, connected works with phone ( search locate watch etc.. just vibrates when connects to charger, or watch location activated ( going under the hammer, after i take it apart for a laugh).

[@alishahmohammadi1071]

Hi I have this problem more than 2 years but today it works correctly for afew minutes and then goes to black again Im working on it Samsung...... help us

[@ralphj4012]

I am no smartwatch expert, but it would be worth checking the battery voltage and, assuming the programming connector cover is removable, cleaning the programming connector / pins, especially if that is an area prove to water ingress.

[@Dan-sz3ky]

Yo do you know what should I do if 1 half of my watches aren't working(right half)

[@nigelholland24]

I just brought 6 active 2 faulty watches for £15. Manage to get one nearly working. All the other all water damage around the on/off button and corroded the small ribbon connectors. Must be a design fault as there are not waterproof.

[@the.richard.s]

I just bought one of these via eBay. May need a new battery in the future.

[@adriandimofte7082]

In this video I could see myself. I went with it to the sea and he took on water. I open the back cover, nothing very rusty was showing even though I kept it in the closet for a year. I cleaned it I put it back together I put it on the charger nothing change. Now I'm thinking it would be cheaper to buy a second one, should I send it in for repair or buy parts for it.

[@kiphakes]

I’d pick up a cheap secondhand one tbh!

[@clairecouture]

Hi, I have exactly the same problem with my watch. I swam in a pool and when I got out the screen was black. I took it apart and cleaned it with alcohol but it won't turn on. Did you find the solution?

[@kiphakes]

No… I have a feeling it’s beyond economical repair.

[@PureMAD4]

Mine is doing the same

[@sadie1jf]

I see it's 5 months latter. Any solution or have you stopped trying.

[@kiphakes]

No.. replacement parts are scarce and outweigh the value of the watch. It’s effectively ewaste now.

[@latishadavis6985]

what tool is being used to remove the 4 screws?!!!! i need help!!!!

[@kiphakes]

It’s a tri-point Y00 from memory.

[@ParisMadridLondon]

​@kiphakes can you link the Amazon link for the tool please 🙏

[@kiphakes]

amzn.to/3L2MNnp

[@FuriousHondaBoy]

Just happen to my wife watch. battery is be around 15% it s start to put on charge and watch soundly go with/bright screen only couple dots and turn off. Screen is black, it's response to charge but nothing is turning on .

[@vishal22singh]

Hi, any solution to the problem?

[@ghingaramona6967]

Doe's it have a speaker?

[@kiphakes]

I can’t remember off hand.. it’s been a while since it worked

[@sadie1jf]

I see its 5 nyhs later

[@rossdixon1646]

are there no bricked ones with a good screen?

[@kiphakes]

Not that I saw