Failing to sync after Android 13 update Samsung Flip/Fold

[StrikerJaken]

I updated to Android 13 today.
From then on, no sync possible anymore.
I already:

• Restarted my phone
• Shut down the phone completly
• Force quit Fitbit
• Deleted and reinstalled Fitbit (should be the newest version)
• Reset the Charge 5
• Shut down Google Assistant (apparently that's a problem with the Sense and Android 13)
• Restarted Bluetooth several times
• Hard Reset the Charge 5

Now I'm stuck with a watch that can't be connected anymore and is stuck in install mode.

Edit: To clarify. The Charge 5 is being seen via bluetooth, i get's found by the app, but it doesn't complete the connection.

[sutty61]

Everything else works with samsung just the fitbit won't with the new
android upgrade

[Greg1982]

<<That's not bricking, that's exactly what you expect it to do when you clear all data, you need to reconnect and set it up again but of course the connection isn't working.  When a device is bricked, that means that it is no longer functional, doesn't power on or gets stuck in a boot loop and cannot be simply reset or set up again.  >>

And by my watch not telling time, it's no longer functional.  i.e. IT IS F'N BRICKED!!

[s-a-b-b]

It really isn't Samsung's problem; my new Garmin watch is working just fine with my flip3 phone. It's a fitbit problem, it had been known for months that changes were being made to Bluetooth in Android 13, fitbit apparently didn't take action when other device brands did.

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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[Phoenix1967]

@Greg1982  Congrats. Didn't work for me on my Charge 5 v57.20001.188.58  and Samsung Fold ('22).

[Claygriffith01]

Bricked has a very specific meaning.  I agree the fitbit devices aren't functional with fold and flip series on android 13.  They aren't 'Bricked' and putting it in caps doesn't make it true.  

We do agree that it's incredibly frustrating and Fitbit's response to the issue is far too slow and far too small. 

[marcoure]

this issue have nothing to do with the brand of phone we use......... this is fully a fitbit issue...... when that will be solved???? ....more time fitbit take to fix this issue, more they show how novice they are in code programming........weak code programming for sure

[Iejal9006]

Yup. Mine as well on Luxe for Fold 4..what kind of xxx update provided. Really frustrating. 

[GPSfan]

I did the update using my iPhone. But like all the rest in this thread my z fold 2 It's not able to locate My my luxe. 

Obviously the firmware update did not correct our! issue

Moderator edit: format. 

[Saegerc]

@DavideFitbit do you have an Update on the situation? It has been a week since you posted this information and still sync is not working. 

[ShelleyBM]

I am having the same issue on a Samsung Z Flip4 phone and Fitbit Charge 5.  Issue started after updating to Android 13.  I have installed the latest Firmware update and it did NOT fix the issue.

[marcoure]

is it an hardware or software issue?????.......if it is an hardware  issue that means fitbit and customers are in real **ahem**???.....Fitbit look novice with this issue.....

[SunsetRunner]

I've gone and got the Samsung galaxy watch 5. Battery life isn't as good as the charge 5 but other than that it's great. Shame I only had the fitbit 5 months. Might try and sell it on once the issues are sorted.

[Claygriffith01]

It's a firmware issue with the low energy bluetooth on the Fitbit devices.  Android 13 updated the bluetooth stack and how connections are made.  Other device manufacturers have made their devices compliant but Fitbit failed to do so.  

I bet they fit it with a firmware update but my question is how can I update the firmware on the Fitbit device when it cannot connect to any mobile device I own?  I suspect they'll have to send replacement devices with the new firmware already installed. 

[BorisKNowsBest]

If this is the case (firmware) they still will be able to fix the issue with an update of the FitBit app. From my research the issue is related to the security handshake of the device with the phone, usually the 6 digit code you need to enter on the phone displayed on the fitbit device. Long story short: the fitbit app will be altered to check what phone they are connecting (flip, fold) and will connect without the security code handshake. this will be fixed and later via firmware but first they need to ensure the sync works for our "problem" phones.

[Claygriffith01]

Sounds like that approach could also work but I don't personally know the new bluetooth stack requirements from Android 13.  If BT requires certain conditions to be met, Fitbit may not be able to bypass them.

[Oosaskzs]

@DavideFitbit do you have an Update on the situation? It has been a week since you posted this information and still sync is not working

[marcoure]

No news from Fitbit about this issue....... so, i am looking to buy a garmin........ FITBIT looks a novice company.

[MzG99]

I have had a Fitbit for years. Maybe time to look into a diffetent brand😓

[buglegirl]

Galaxy Fold Z Fold2 5G  

Phone software update on 12/10.. Fitbit stopped syncing.. spent hours doingg troubleshooting   Called Samsung and they blew me off .. told me to do the things I already did .. Finally called Fitbit said I did all the troubeshooting tips.. blew me off to .. told me to use another phone.. you have got to be kidding.. I am now looking for another device since I find this has been all over the place on these forums and no one has addressed

[ionicJH]

I just talked to fitbit support and they will not be giving reimbursements for premium, nor refunds for auto-renewal, which happened to me RIGHT when my fitbit stopped syncing. Terrible customer service. $80 + a charge 5 down the tubes! 

ETA: Also found out premium memberships can't be transferred to another user...so I couldn't give this away to someone without a flip phone even if I wanted to!