Charge 5 Firmware Update 194.61

[LizzyFitbit]

7/13 Update: We’re continuing to roll out this firmware for the Charge 5 Firmware Update 194.61, and expect more customers are able to update their devices. This is a progressive rollout and all customers can expect to have it within a few weeks. We release updates in phases so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed. If you don't see the option to update, don't worry - you'll have it soon!

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We’re excited to announce that a firmware update version 194.61 for Charge 5 will be available soon! Some of you might already have this update available. If you installed it, let us know what you think!

We release updates to customers in phases. If you don’t see it, check the Fitbit app in a few days, and you’ll see a message when you can install the update. We appreciate your patience while we get this update to all of our customers.

*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

• All exercise modes are now available in the Exercise app, and your most recently used modes appear at the top. For more information, see How do I track my workouts with my Fitbit device?
• Find new clock faces in the Fitbit Gallery in the Fitbit app. For more information, see How do I change the clock face on my Fitbit device?
• View your daily readiness score on your tracker (Premium feature only). For more information, see What’s my daily readiness score in the Fitbit app?
• Support for global characters and right-to-left text notifications:
  Arabic
  Hebrew
  Thai
  Hindi
  Vietnamese
• This release includes bug fixes and improvements.

Full release notes can be found here. For more details, please see this Community Blog post.

HOW DO I UPDATE?
See How do I update my Fitbit device? for step by step instructions for updating your Charge 5. If you run into difficulty updating, review these Why can't I update my Fitbit device?

We’re interested in hearing your feedback on this update! Let us know what you like! If you encounter unexpected behavior during or after your update, please post the details below.

[JSK56]

Mine drains within two hours. 

[Missiv12]

Same here. 14 months old. 

[mchili]

I’m afraid to update mine if I get the prompt. Mine was purchased 7/5/22 so out of warranty 

[Jenny803]

Same here. It downloaded yesterday. I have charged device twice since.

Used to get 5 days off a charge. This is madness. 

[DJ_Halcón]

Mine bricked as soon as the update was installed.  I've been reading in various tech magazines online and it seems that the update is to blame. I talked with three support people and was able to get it going again (force restart with cable; leave charging all night), but it has since drained rapidly and gone black twice. Mine is only 9 months old but for geographic reasons, Fitbit says it's out of warranty. They generously (HA!) offered me 30% of a new one; why would I do that when this is obviously a flawed product and when Fitbit screws it up even more? I feel the same -- this is the last one I'll ever buy.

[JSK56]

Mine too.  I get 2 hours max. They are going to replace it under warranty. What a waste. Just fix the bad download. I guess this is what happens when you get bought by Google. 

[SunsetRunner]

Sorry to hear about that

[SunsetRunner]

Am I reading article right this is the update that literally destroyed my Fitbit to the point it black screened out after draining it's charge within an hr or two of charging it? You guys ruined my device.. I am done..  canceled my premium renewal.. 

[JSK56]

If Fitbit started pushing out this update at the end of June and it is bricking devices why are the still pushing it? What are the doing about it? No answers. This is not good customer service. 

[kerrieBBOZ]

Maybe they have done the sums and it is worth the reputational damage in order to collect the 70% cost for more people’s replacement devices from prolonging the roll out.

[Maw1ng]

My wife and i have separate fitbit charge 5.

After updating, both are bricked and stuckes at the logo.

cannot restart using 3 tap with the cable.

well done fitbit!!

[saltywetman]

so given how many people are bricking their devices with this update, if we haven't updated for over a year and device still working, (haven't used the fitbit in around 8 months) is there a general consensus to hold off and not update the charge 5 until they release a new update that's confirmed to not have issues?

[Jenny803]

If you can delay updates? Goodness yes. My device was fine until the update. 

[saltywetman]

luckily because i haven't used the fitbit for 8 months I haven't opened the app either and likely google put it to sleep as an unused app so it doesn't auto update (if that's what it does). Thanks for the advice on holding off on the update. It's a bit ridiculous how fitbit hasn't officially acknowledged this seemingly widespread issue despite it being reported on major tech news sites.

[lvgshruggy]

About 1 month ago my Fitbit Charge 5 started rapidly draining the battery. I initially found this out because it had attempted to process a sync during the night and failed so it appeared bricked. I contacted support and they had me go through some steps to get it running again, but the battery is draining in less than 12 hours. I'm now charging it multiple times a day and if still sometimes drains overnight not tracking sleep etc. 

I'm running f/w 188.58 and having this severe battery drain issue. What's going on? Will the newer firmware fix it or make it worse as people are reporting bricked devices? 

[keibri28]

What a disappointment Fitbit has become. I was a first time user bought mine in the early spring and alllof a sudden the battery life diminished rapidly over a few days. Fitbit is fully responsible for this problem on many devices but won’t do anything about it. Since I bought mine on eBay they wouldn’t warranty anything about it and those who did purchase theirs through proper channels and under warranty the best they get is a 30% discount off another. Fit bit screwed up and would rather tell everyone to go to than stand by their product. A true shame for a company that pioneered the fitness band.

[Bm6rh]

I got the update. And it turned my charge 5 into a brick within a couple days. Support says it's out of warranty, but offered me 35% off a new watch. It worked fine until the update. Fitbit has acknowledged that there is an issue and thousands are having the same issue. Currently, they're unwilling to replace my device or fix my current oned ue to their issue. I'm not happy.

[MPiii]

Logged in here to check what was going on with my charge 5.  I found it dead after leaving it on my desk with 80%+ charge.  My fitbit is 5 days out of warranty, hopefully they can get a fix out ASAP.

[Cpl117]

Fitbit customer service made me mail my Charge 5 back to them on the final day of my warranty, 7/11. I have not heard anything since. I am now considering an Apple watch. Google has no worries.

[Bm6rh]

I got the update. And it turned my charge 5 into a brick within a couple days. Support says it's out of warranty, but offered me 35% off a new watch. It worked fine until the update. Fitbit has acknowledged that there is an issue and thousands are having the same issue. Currently, they're unwilling to replace my device or fix my current oned ue to their issue. I'm not happy.