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.

[Idahe]

My charge 5 died yesterday, with around 60% battery left. Just black screen and when plugged in with charger got very hot. Tried the restart thing by pressing charger button three times, then the logo showed but after that nothing. Tried button press thing again and still nothing, not even logo shows. Cannot sync with app. So annoying!! Same thing happened about a year ago, got a replacement and now this again. I’m out travelling for 4 more weeks so now will have no tracking of my activities. 

[Meandering]

Whelp, I checked on this issue a month ago when my charge 5 first stopped working, hoping some solution would have been offered by Fitbit/Google since then, but nope. Nothing. I was hoping I didn't have to abandon Fitbit since I have all my history there since 2014, but it's looking like this company has absolutely no interest in retaining its customers. 

Still stuck trying to decide between Apple and Garmin. Just the thought of starting all over again after 9 years sucks. 😞

Or maybe I abandon GPS and get an older charge model? Are those still working or are they experiencing the same issues? 

[Mad_Merckx]

Just received my warranty replacement flashed with version 20001.182.26. Fast 2 day turnaround, from bricked to complaint to received new.

As anticipated it notifies me of firmware update, is there a way to turn this off.

[RegGrandma]

Charge 5, last few weeks, get logo only.   Tried syncing, reset, shut off blue tooth, etc, put it in as a new charge 5.  Seems to work for a few days and then back to logo.   A few times, the clock came back 3 hours behind.    

[JimT2]

Totally Killed my Charge 5. Charge 2 worked great for years but the update on the 5 killed me. Any recommendations for a replacement at a decent  price?

[Goophy]

I am not sue if due to the hardware update, but my charge 5 dead after swimming recently (blank screen, no connection to phone, have vibration during charging). Seems totally dead -_-! But I use it in swimming mode several times before.

[mkal88]

My Charge 5 keeps flashing the FitBit logo non-stop and is totally unresponsive.
I tried everything mentioned on these posts and also with the chat support person (who abruptly ended our chat after exhausting

our troubleshooting options). I had to call back to eventually get to the 35% discount, probably scripted.
My Charge 5 is a little over 1 year old and I took very good care of it.
It should either be fixed or replaced, especially if it's due to a Firmware issue.

[DomV1]

I still haven't received the option to download the new firmware. Do you know when or how l can get this? Thanks 

[dargret]

@LizzyFitbit 

it's been more than six weeks since you last updated, saying that all users should have the updated firmware in "a few weeks". When can we expect another update on the status of the rollout?

[fargonia]

Was told in chat today that 1)  They emailed me a response a week ago when they said they would (they did not).  and 2)  On further reflection, because I was shipped a replacement Charge in 2022 when my first one died a month or two after purchasing it, there was no warranty and it would not be honored.  Tough luck for me, for having two Charges die on me, I guess.

Anyway just confirms I made the right decision to run from this brand after 8 years...

[Normski67]

I’ll get another device if not fixed soon I’m fed up 

[tazzyjazzy]

Same here - except this one’s death is the third since I bought mine March 2022.

Definitely off to another brand!! 

Disconnected my fitbit from app and threw it away today. Won’t charge - all it does is pulse forever on the charger - afraid its a fire hazard.

I am DONE with Fitbit!

[shed53]

I'm still on 20001.188.58.  Seeing all the traffic above, I think I'm feeling relieved!

[rosebury]

I used to love my Fitbit Charge 5 .... I really did, I thought it was great and especially loved using the Fitbit Pay feature...

But since my Charge 5 auto-bricked after I installed the recommended update, I am utterly disappointed with Fitbit and I will have to reluctantly move to another brand like so many others on this forum topic, because in 2023 who would buy another product from a company that appears to shamelessly engage in programmed obsolescence? 
The Firmware Update ain't gonna work with a dead Fitbit !!  But, feel free to resurrect my Fitbit Charge 5 remotely (I'm sure you can do that too 😉) 

[Jefthro]

I have the same problem and have been with Fitbit since 2015.  My wife and I are trying two other Fibit trackers but if they have problems like the charge 5 then we will go with Garmin!  Fitbit just doesn't seem to care!!

[Stevensc]

My Fitbit started playing up on Sunday and now a full charge doesn’t last any longer than 50 minutes but I’m shocked to discover this issue has been going on so long for other users with no resolution.

[klassylass]

I've been a Fitbit customer since 2013. My Charge 5 was just the latest in a line of devices. I used to recommend Fitbit but after mine bricked and no acknowledgement or acceptable resolution from Fitbit, especially for us who were out of warranty, when asked today by a friend if she should get one, I had to answer emphatically DO NOT BUY! Fitbit does not seem to care they are losing customers left and right. 

[Heather4775]

Since I’ve “updated”, my Charge 5 has a BLACK SCREEN…ZERO battery life!! And STILL tells me to update it after I’ve already done that and IT BROKE MY WATCH!! Don’t use update people!!!!!

[ian.pennington3]

Yes so many unsatisfied people on here and there's just no explanation or
sorry ess about this unfortunate incident

[GaetanoVB]

My backorder for the replacement first was 8/25, then it was 9/1, and now it's 9/29.  There must be some kind of undeclared/behind the scenes recall/production hold with the factory to figure out the problem. That, with a mix of raw material shortages.