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.

[Scottfairfield]

Seems the update is bricking watches and they know it.

https://9to5google.com/2023/07/11/fitbit-charge-5-battery-bricking-update/#:~:text=Fitbit%20Charge%2....

[DaVinciUA]

I just don't think that it is a "small number of users"

That article is from July,11 !

One would think with that kind of engineering power, they would have solved such a problem. So sad!

[Scottfairfield]

No, there's a lotSent from my Galaxy

[molino]

I'm a paid user(on fitbit premium service).
My fitbit lost its battery rapidly at firmware update. Then my charge5 got down after 1 or 2% left of battery.
I repeatedly tried the operation of RESET(3 times push button each for 1 second), but it only displayed fitbit logo and the boot process seemed to stopped.
And then, I mailed you on Aug 6th, but Fitbit support team has never respond anything to me as for now.

It is NOT my fault.

Fitbit Support is not proper way and many claims as you see this community are no doubt and must be fact.
Although, fitbit has never publicly announced anything about this problem and treatment for its contractors of fitbit premium subscription.
Tomorrow, I must send your support and contract problem's details to Japan Consumer Affairs Agency and call to fitbit help center.

Thanks.

[Dsim98]

I updated my Charge 5 and now the screen is blank. Have restarted it and tried all of the suggested steps but it is useless at this point. Very disappointed.

[DaVinciUA]

Fitbit has sold over 120 Million devices. They don't care about us few people that complain.

Even with the noise here in the forum, it will probably not change the bottom line.

But hopefully one day they will wake up and change.

[Juliap23]

Add me to the list..

Been with fitbit for 10 years, devices keep breaking faster and faster.  Got charge 5 in March 2023, the battery issues started a few days ago. 

Standard response from fitbit “here’s 35% towards your new device”. Absolutely unacceptable 

[Richelleloren]

Is this something that is happening to others? Within the past 3 days my Fitbit won’t stay charged over an hour despite being charged to 100%. The help desk was extremely unhelpful. Basically told me nothing could be done and I was out of my warranty. I’ve only had it a year and two months. 

[Juliap23]

Yes, that’s exactly what happened to me! 

[Richelleloren]

What I would like is to not be scammed. I’ve had my Fitbit a year and two months and now suddenly after your update it won’t stay charged over an hour. Conveniently for you guys I’m technically out of my warranty. I won’t be purchasing Fitbit ever again. What an awful product and awful business. 

[kerrieBBOZ]

@molino please let us know how that goes. I cannot believe they are getting away with their shabby treatment of customers.

[LisaMack]

So very frustrating.  I really like my fitbit, well last week when it functioned anyway. I would think some sort of explanation would be appropriate. 

[AndyG44]

After the last update completely bricked my last Charge 5 a new one (on warranty) has arrived and appears to be working. I am however ignoring all prompts to update the firmware.  The device so far hasn’t done an automatic update so fingers crossed this time. 

[GaetanoVB]

Hello @AndyG44, is the replacement firmware still 188.58?

[GMU7801]

Not sure, can’t get a straight answer on that either!

[Porridge51]

My replacement device was at the higher mod level FB423 but yes, on the old firmware of 188.58

[GMU7801]

Received an update today. Since my Charge 5 was black screened, what did I have to lose. So……..I updated and the black screen went away and I was actually optimistic that they figured it out. However, though the watch seemed to be working, battery went down from 100% to 50% within minutes. So, the problem of the draining battery persists. Heading to Best Buy this morning to get a new watch…….Garmin or something other that Fitbit/Google product. Plus, I will submit a written complaint to Best Buy for continuing to do business with Fitbit/Google. 

[Scottfairfield]

 still sticking to their narrative. 

[Juliap23]

even if IT IS SMALL, they should be addressing it. And yes, I do not believe it is small

[DoxieGran]

I noticed when I as at Costco (Canada) last week that they had signs for the Fitbit Charge 5, but none available. I have also checked online, and they are not selling it any more. They only have Inspire 3, Sense Smart watch, and the Luxe. I wonder if they pulled them because of all the problems, or lack of stock? It's not a small percentage, and every week there are more and more people coming to these community boards. I have been following this thread and others since mine started having battery problems since the end of June. Mine is still working, but my battery life is about 10 hrs, so I must charge it morning and before bed. I have not seen the update, and we are now 8 weeks since @LizzyFitbit announced on June 27th we would all have it in a "few weeks". I was offered the 35%, but would never buy another Fitbit product seeing how this has been handled. I keep hoping they would address this, but after 2 months, I don't believe it will happen.