*@Likarnik
The issue you’re describing—freezing in settings, unresponsive buttons/touch, appearing “dead” or blank after soft resets and while on the charger—is a known recurring problem with the Suunto Vertical (original model), especially around software updates like the recent 2.50.26 staged rollout that started January 7, 2026 (Q4 2025 firmware). It often ties into deep freezes, partial boot failures, or battery/charging glitches post-update or after repeated resets. Many users report similar sequences: backlight stuck on, menu lockups, then blank/unresponsive screen that doesn’t wake easily.
You’re not alone; identical symptoms appear in Suunto forums, Reddit, and Facebook groups from 2023 through 2026, including after charging or resets.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting to Try Right Now (Escalating Order)
Start with the charger plugged into a strong wall adapter (5V/1A+ recommended, not a weak laptop USB port). Clean contacts if needed. Leave it attached undisturbed for at least 30–60 minutes initially—deeply discharged or frozen watches can take 20+ minutes just to show any sign of life.
Extended upper-button hold (most successful for blank/unresponsive cases)
While on the charger:
Press and hold the upper button (topmost on the right side) for at least 20–60 seconds continuously.
Many users say it reboots after ~12 seconds but keep holding longer (up to 60s) to force a full recovery from deep freeze or “service mode.”
Release, wait 10–30 seconds, and see if the screen lights up, vibrates, or shows the logo/charging indicator. Repeat 3–5 times if no response.
Alternative button combos while charging
Hold upper + middle buttons together for 15–20 seconds.
Hold all three right-side buttons simultaneously for 15–30 seconds.
These have revived “dead” screens for some after normal 12s reset failed.
Charge longer + periodic attempts
Leave it charging undisturbed for 2–4 hours total (even overnight if possible). Every 30–60 minutes, try the extended upper-button hold again. Some watches enter a recovery state only after sustained power.
If it wakes up at any point
Immediately do a factory reset via watch menu: Settings → General → Reset settings → confirm (erases everything unsynced—try to sync to app first if it connects).
Re-pair with the Suunto app, check for any pending updates (this firmware 2.50.26 includes bug fixes for crashes/button issues), and test thoroughly.
Avoid rapid on/off or repeated soft resets right away to prevent re-triggering the freeze.
If Nothing Works After Several Hours/Attempts
This points to a deeper software lock (sometimes called “service mode” with blank or partial screen) or rare hardware/battery fault.
Contact Suunto Support right away: Use the in-app chat (if app sees the watch), their website support form, or email/phone your regional service center. Provide:
Serial number (on box or under watch).
Proof of purchase (for warranty—Vertical 1 is typically 2 years).
Describe symptoms + what you’ve tried (including firmware version if known).
Many users in similar “bricked after update/reset” situations got warranty replacements or repairs quickly.
No special “secret” recovery combination beyond the above is documented for the Vertical. Avoid draining it fully on purpose right now (as some battery-drain threads suggest), since it’s already unresponsive.
Try the extended hold first—it’s revived quite a few “dead” Verticals. Update me on what happens after attempting these!*
So sorry about your issue. Got this response from Grok. Hopefully, it helps you solve the problem.
