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.

[saltywetman]

I'd strongly urge u to return the inspire for now and wait until we find out what is going on with fitbit before buying into any more of their products. If fitbit ends up just getting absorbed into the Google fit line I would not want to be an owner of a fitbit product that is no longer supported 

[DoxieGran]

This has been going on for over a month now, and from what I can see on different post about the Charge 5 on community boards, it's world wide. Why is nothing being done? Why is Fitbit/Google Mum's the word? My biggest question is why some user like Talahthas keep telling people Sorry you are having issues with your Charge 5, and then telling them to do all the different hula dances to try and reset it when it won't work. This is frustratingly maddening, because I am sure the moderators and other users know none of these resets are helping. Stop with all the try this and try that and tell people sorry it's dead, and move on to a new company. It's a good thing that this is only putting consumers out like $200 Canadian, and not something like a $25,000 vehicle, otherwise, the news would be on this like white on rice. I would hope that everyone effected by this would say never again Fitbit/Google 35% discount or not!

[JeniferC]

Where I’ve landed:

a few days I received yet another response to my request for a refund (prorated) on the premium service subscription that was renewed in May 2023 as I’ve given up that there will be a solve that restores the devices. This was from “Charles Baxter” who said they wanted to keep me in the Fitbit family, so they were offering me a one time courtesy 35% discount on a new device. 

There’s so much that is fundamentally wrong with this response and I’m just tired of all of this. It’s been almost a month and everyday there are new posts from users experiencing the same issue - worldwide. It’s incredibly obvious that “transparency” and “accountability” aren’t in Fitbit’s vocabulary - and they have no real intention of helping their loyal consumers base. 

So Fitbit, you win. You’ve left me with a device that is unusable because of your actions, a subscription to a service that is worthless, and a complete lack of trust in any product or service you offer or will offer in the future. As a result, I went back to my running roots and purchased a Garmin Venu 2s, which, once I became familiar with, is fantastic. And the data/analysis they offer via Garmin Connect - which is free - far exceeds anything FitBit Premium offers. 
It didn’t have to be this way, but you left me no other choice. And that the thing you forgot - there ARE choices, many in fact, that meet the needs of the consumers you are refusing to help. 

[mitchtl]

Although it is "only $200 Canadian", it is still very wrong and they should be refunding our money. The ridiculous steps they repeatedly put us through, knowing the product has been destroyed by themselves is unforgivable.
Replace our products, preferably refund our money.

Get Outlook for Android<>

[dljaouen]

At least they admitted that there was an issue and offered 35% off for you.  Mine did the exact same thing(I assumed that with a receipt of purchase of a new product that my warranty still was valid and I still had at least two months until I reached my year since purchase). All they told me was that since I bought my device via Amazon that my warranty is not valid and they wouldn't even help me trouble shoot this issue. Come to find out that their update bricked my device.  I absolutely agree  that they should handle this issue in some way.  I am soooooooo angry at this company!!!

[XakS]

So my Charge 5 is totally unusable too. I suspect that it's cheaper for them to just ignore the masses of people with problems at this point. But can anyone answer this, assuming there may be a fix at some point, is it better to leave the 5 on zero battery (mine goes from 100%>0% in about 2 hours) or to risk leaving it charging (which is a fire risk according to a customer service agent)?

I won't be buying from Fitbit again regardless, they've lost all credibility with myself, family and friends at this point. Disappointing but it is what it is. Looking forward to trying a new brand now so that's something I guess.

[SunsetRunner]

I think my biggest problem though is the fact that the update messed up our trackers and 35% off a new tracker that could then be messed up as well. I think Fitbit is doing us a disservice. I supported this company even though I’m an Apple guy I never wanted the Apple Watch. I might go with that or just leave my days of using a tracker in the past. Currently using my flex 2 and that might be it once it dies. 

[Runforestrun1]

Same problem here. Support not of assistance. They only offer 35 % discount on new purchase. Very disappointed!,

[chilehead]

Years ago Fitbit had legendary service. I started with a Fitbit one (the one that clipped on) and I noticed after hiking it had fallen off. I contacted Fitbit to see if there were any discounts and they sent me a new one for free. That's far from now when they take no responsibility for bad firmware. 

[XakS]

"We are experiencing extremely high contact volume right now and estimated wait times will be higher than normal. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide support as quickly as possible."

[COFit7]

I’ve had FitBits for years and I like the app and the size of the FitBit, but FitBit really needs to support their customers better. The firmware update (regardless of which one) caused well working devices to brick. How on earth is this a warranty issue? These devices would still be working fine if users hadn’t tried installing the update the company asked us to. 

[mitchtl]

Fitbit / Google has succeeded in causing a great number of Charge 5 units to become non-functional. Step up, admit fault, compensate those who are affected, even if we are beyond warranty. You are responsible, it will look far better if you do the right thing without any further delays. You are losing customers, and we are not going unnoticed.

[TaMmEh83]

I’m in the same boat as others.. Product auto updated and then suddenly the battery went from lasting a week to mere hours and I was having to charge it in the morning and at night. Was like this for 2 weeks and then last night the screen went black and wouldn’t turn back on. Mines still in warranty too, like months and months still in warranty. Got offered the replacement or a 50% off a different model. It should be a replacement AND 50% off a different model that I can use whenever I want. Charge 5 still works and logs in the app but just no screen now. I made sure to say yes to record the call and kept repeating that their update ruined my Fitbit, it was fine before the update. I doubt it will do much though, they seem hell bent on just rolling it out regardless

[Manny0105]

You are experiencing a high contact volume because you have bricked my Charge 5 and everyone else's Charge 5.  Lack of quality & customer service.  Just lost me as a long term customer.

[kerrieBBOZ]

@XakS whether its best to hold out for a fix depends on whether you think this train wreck is what to looks like it is, ie trying to offload as much existing stock as possible at a 35% discount before dissolving the platform.

[DLWG]

The update killed my charge 5 and it has been about a month. They charge for the  replacement, (35%off), even though it was working fine prior to the update hasn’t arrived.  The next date they gave me was Aug. 8. to ship.  And, I’m paying for premium, but can’t access since what I need is my sleep scores.  Really unhappy that they charge to replace the 5 when it was working fine until the update. A way to generate revenue? If this one dies, I won’t by another Fitbit. 

[mchili]

I don’t understand how they are getting away with this. Can’t something be done? I chatted with Fitbit support on Twitter asking if it will be safe for me to download the firmware update (I have not yet received it but want to prepare myself) and they insist it’s safe and my charge 5 will work normally afterwards! Even with all the ruined devices they assure me it won’t happen to mine? I now have their response in writing. 

[tazzyjazzy]

Update ruined my fitbit battery and no help - told to buy a new device when the update was the cause

NOT HAPPY 

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Exactly same situation for me!

I’m fed up with fitbit and angry that their solution is to charge me for their update ruining my fitbit!!

[Trishkatherine]

Is fitbit taking any action to resolve the problems faced recently with their devices? So many devoted fitbit users are being left in the dark, just like the screens of our Fitbit devices.😖

[Sharon84]

Luckily I still have my Fitbit one. It doesn’t sync but at least I can figure out my steps each day.