Charge 5 Firmware Update 1.188.58

[YojanaFitbit]

Announcing the release of Fitbit Firmware Update 1.188.58.

This update should now be available to all customers! If you have any difficulty updating, make sure you are following the directions in How do I update my Fitbit device?. If you choose to post about your issue, provide as many specific details as possible in your post so that we can assist you.

*Firmware releases are not distributed based on region or location and can reach anyone no matter where you reside. We do not recommend performing a factory reset to force the update to your device as your data will be lost and you may not get the update. Please be patient and wait until you see the update banner inside of the Fitbit app to begin the firmware download.

WHAT’S NEW AND FIXED

• This firmware release has general bug fixes.

Full release notes from previous updates can be found here.

HOW DO I UPDATE?

• Step by step instructions for updating your Charge 5 can be found here.
• If you run into any trouble updating, review these troubleshooting tips. 

[GregtheBear]

I am unsure if it is possible.  I have been trying to get my old one working by resetting it, but it goes dead as soon as I remove it from the charger.  But it is very possible that its battery has been damaged in the process and no longer will hold any charge.

Luckily the replacement one they sent me is working fine.  Even after updating it.  I suggest you contact support and see if they will send you a replacement.  I spent many hours on my old one and it will never hold a charge.

[judepaul1959]

While my Galaxy Z3  Flip 3 (Android version 13) won't pair (it hangs at "Found It"), I had success pairing my Pixelbook to my Charge 5. At least I can download activity and somewhat control the tracker. I will wait patiently until Fitbit comes up with a patch.

[Widdershins]

.@YojanaFitbit

Would you please find out what was changed in release 1.188.58 please because "Full release notes from previous updates can be found here." only gives the reader "This release includes bug fixes and improvements." when you open it. It's hardly informative at all. 

[jpat1990]

Same issue here. Today my Fitbit suddenly stopped working. It had been in the 80s on battery but when I plugged it in the app said 23% The screen was totally black for a few hours. Tried changing the clockface so it at least turns on now but doesn't seem to do much else. It only syncs every 3 or so times I try and doesn't seem to be tracking steps or heart rate anymore. Mine isn't under warranty but they should absolutely be sending a replacement if their update ruined my device. 

Seriously, how did they not catch this before releasing it?? Shame on Fitbit.

[Weicheng]

@YojanaFitbit 

I have an issue after upgrading to this version. iPass in Taiwan no longer works, which is extremely annoying unable to take MRT & bus. Please have this issue fixed ASAP or provide instructions to downgrade to the previous firmware. 

[Anibal77]

This update sucks, the battery used to last more than a week and now it doesn't last a day. Don't come up with robot answers where they talk to help GPS etc etc . I didn't make any changes to the settings just this upgrade. would it be possible for you to fix the problem or how can i rollback this update?

[helion]

You can't downgrade. This is part of why everyone is complaining. We're waiting for @YojanaFitbit or @DavideFitbit to tell us what is happening and when a fix is coming, but they have gone silent about the issue.

[Basitadam]

Problem solved!

Yesterday I updated Fitbit Android application (373 - 37381041). 

Update Charge5 firmware option removed from the application.

All problems solved! Nice done Fitbit

[Trystero]

---

@Basitadam wrote:

Yesterday I updated Fitbit Android application (373 - 37381041). 

---

Hello, where is the option to update the Android application? I haven't found it.

[tcat007]

Not sure what they did, probably the Android update, but syncing is way faster now. Before yesterday it took a minute to sync, now it's instant!  After 7 days, battery is at 46%!  Keep making these positive changes!

[Basitadam]

I was being sarcastic. With the new Android app, firmware update menu removed. So, if you can't update to latest (1.188.58) version, you will not have issues that all of us having. Problem solved

[Abigail03]

Updated and now my charge 5 holds almost no charge. From 6 days to 4 hours. There has been no progressive worsening - this happened straight away. Have tried all the suggested fixes, but I don't see why I should have to switch off some of the features that I have used over the past 5 months without any issues at all.

[DavideFitbit]

Hi everyone, it seems that several issues are being mentioned in the thread. 

If you already tried all basic troubleshooting steps to improve battery life and it keeps draining too fast, please contact the Customer Support team as soon as possible so they can provide you with more instructions. Keep in mind that we're shared this information with the team about users experiencing battery drain after the update and they're working to resolve it, but every case is being handled individually and it's recommended to continue the communication with Support if you still have this problem. 

Regarding the problem that other users have mentioned to sync their device with Samsung Flip and Fold models, you can find more updates about this specific issue here. Samsung and Fitbit have both released updates that should help to resolve this. 

Regarding the release notes and as it was mentioned earlier, this update brings some bug fixes but there are no other visible changes on the device. Some firmware updates are exclusively released to address user-reported issues. 

[Widdershins]

So ...

"Regarding the release notes and as it was mentioned earlier, this update
brings some bug fixes but there are no other visible changes on the device.
Some firmware updates are exclusively released to address user-reported
issues. "

but WHAT was fixed? This is my question. Just saying that some things were
fixed is not a satisfactory statement from FitBit.

[Basitadam]

"

Regarding the release notes and as it was mentioned earlier, this update brings some bug fixes but there are no other visible changes on the device. Some firmware updates are exclusively released to address user-reported issues. 

"

This means users asked for

- Complete battery drain in hours

- Devices be bricked after firmware update

- Loss of functions that already working

Nice

[T1BlueNoser]

My previous Charge 5, was working great until I did the Firmware update.  During the update the screen was working as usual.  After the update completed and the device rebooted, the screen no longer worked.  I could still sync and see my stats in the app, but the screen was black.  I contacted support and was told that they could see it was updated and syncing, and that I would have to change my clock face to fix the screen.  I did that and rebooted but it still did not work.   Then I started seeing a completely white screen.   I took photos and videos of what I was seeing when I woke up the Charge 5.   Despite it happening during a firmware update, and only being a few days over the warranty, the best that they offered me was a discount on another charge 5.   I was disappointed but paid slightly less than I would have from Amazon and received a new Charge 5.  I didn't update it for the first week, as I wanted to be sure that the activation, wallet, and other features were working smoothly first.   They were working very well and the sync seemed to be faster than my previous Charge 5.   Yesterday I updated the firmware and it has been working just fine so far.   Hopefully Fitbit gets their ducks in a row, they aren't the only show in town.  

[FitterPhilE]

I had the same response from Fitbit. 8 days over a one year warranty and it completely bricks on update, An offer of a discount on a new one is all. Not sure if i'll take up the offer.

[DavyDepuydt]

FitBit should acknowledge this battery drain is high prio issue and release a hotfix as soon as possible. They basically broke a product, draining in hours is the same thing as totally broken... 

"please contact customer care blablabla", by now it's clear it's a widespread issue and they should put all necessary resources on it to have it fixed.

[SimonCreek]

I was a massive critic of Fitbit last week when I bought my Charge 5 and
had to wait a few days for the update which allowed it to work with my
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. However, by 18/1 (Australia), all was fixed AND my
Fitbit is now on day 6 with 11% battery life left. I can't complain if it
keeps needing recharging only every 7 days or so. My Samsung watch 4 ended
up being 1 day battery life only...

[gchriste]

You’re lucky I hope you unit it continues to work for you.
I’m still without an active Charge 5 Xmas gift for my daughter, and I’m close to purchasing another brand. This should be a huge embarrassment for Fitbit. I’m shocked they haven’t dealt with the issue/s professionally. They are a significant player (until now) in the wearables market which coul dvery well change in the near future.  This is going to hurt their loyal customer base in a way they haven’t expected nor obviously prepared for.