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.

[arthurc2000]

Welcome to the community of unhappy charge 5 user.  Don't waste your time as no feedback.  Just return it to get a refund..  Usually, charge device will brick after 1.5 yrs according to the users.

[Kudakin]

I have the same version and it too says its updated. My charge 5 goes in
spurts. One day it works great and the next day it loses charge fast and
blacks out a couple times. Annoying to say the least as I like to know what
my activity level is. Never know when it will act up.

[neonbrett55]

I feel the same way.Google will realize that they made a big mistake that will lose repeat customers.

Brett Crawley

[arthurc2000]

I remembered Fitbit almost got certified for medical use.  No wonder.  The level of software quality is not up to par.

[5417]

Mine is 3 years old, well bought new 2020. Still no word from support.
Anyway got it to hold a charge 6 hours, but not gonna keep charging. Just
disappointing.

[Lilithcat]

With the release of the Charge 6 don't hold your breath on any reply. If you happen to get one if you're lucky they'll just offer you a discount of the new Charge 6. Charge 5 is not even available on the Fitbit website anymore. 

[arthurc2000]

Just wondering..  I can accept Fitbit as a throw-away product that need to replace every year if Fitbit charge me half of the price.

Well, but other fitness trackers are better than this, Apple Watch, Garmin, Amafit, XiaoMi..

As a software engineer, we support whatever product in the field even it is very old, i.e. the product will function.

The moderator here seems have time to read and my message..

I hope Fitbit have more software engineer than moderator to fix our Charge 5 issues.

[Robgun]

Disappointed with the changed app. and thought the previous one was more stylish and had better information display. Used the percentage charge every day as the one on the charge 5 display is too small for me to see. Not sure what I can do now .... wait for it to be re-included in the app or change device.

[NightRaven]

When will this arrive ? I am hoping it fixes the battery issue?

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Mine does not even have the current update and its not holding a charge..

[SunsetRunner]

I got a blank screen but it is still responsive to touches. Syncing with the app is still working. Restarting the device didn't help.

[neonbrett55]

I’ll never buy a Fitbit again.

Brett Crawley

[Loleo]

So I never saw an update announcement but earlier in the month my charge 5 line gets went out. I could feel the vibrations that it was working. When I went to days later to the help I saw something about the button on the charging cord and followed directions . It took 3 days to before it seemed like it was working. The charge lasted about 2 days. I went on help again and saw all the information about the update. I am certain that is what was happening. I am still struggling.. it now stays charged a couple of hours at most. (I need this as a reminder to keep my heart beat in check) so a couple of hours doesn’t cut it. I have to continually charge it but the app says it’s charged, the information on the face gets stuck yesterday it was on calories all day (charging it 3 times in just a few hours) I have put comments on the forum but have heard nothing positive. If the update had a bug and you are working on it, please tell people! I depend on my Fitbit and have had one since the Pebble. You have always had good communication and customer service but right now I am questioning that. 
So my question; are you working on getting this fixed and I should just keep trying to use it as is until it works again? If your job is done and you are just expecting us to all just buy new again, then I am sorry but goodbye. Here is hoping to a fix to this situation and soon!! I have a little patience left! Loleo

[Krysie53]

Same feelings here with me! Totally frustrated.  Mine is a year old as well.  Google is the Worst in consumer satisfaction.  I have tried everything they have said on the forum to no avail.  Just refuse to buy another one

[rcfoulk]

Since it appears based on a published article that Google, having harvested features from Fitbit, is in the process of killing off the brand in the hopefully ultimately unfulfilled hope of driving users to their Pixel watch.  If you purchase another, don't buy anything owned by Google.

[Shag]

Thank you. I’m buying Garmin.
Sent from my iPhone

[PAdel]

Time to give this widespread publicity on social media. Google have announced the Charge 6. Advise your network of friends that Google deactivated thousands of Charge 5s immediately before this release and are offering a pittance to people who purchased and are within warranty and have abandoned customers whose devices are beyond warranty. Rollout of the Charge 6 should be disrupted as completely as possible by bad word of mouth for what they have done to people who bought the Charge 5. Comment on any/all media posts you see about the rollout of the 6. Shame and loss of sales is the only thing that will possibly motivate Google to make their Charge 5 customers whole. 

[SapphireDiamond]

You want my opinion??  It sucks! I detest it. And to top it off, the battery level was removed. I also just checked and I see my billing is also screwed up. I'm not supposed to be billed until summer but you have me being billed in Feb 2024 instead of August 2024. I've had a Fitbit for several years and I've really enjoyed it. But right now, unless there are some changes I like, I'm seriously researching for an alternative option. 

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One more thing, the update WASN'T optional!!  We woke up this morning to find it had updated!! 

[Hqrse]

Hate the new dashboard!!!  Why didn't you post a tutorial on how to use it!!! Thinking about cancelling premium based on this lousy rollout.

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It was great before Google bought Fitbit.  Won't buy Google again 🤬

[soup.joke]

still no firmware update yet.  Not like new app interface.

[aussiechick01]

Nope.  Mine has just completely died since installing the update.  Black screen, won’t reset and is now overheating while charging.  Two fitbits in just over two years so I’m not buying another. Customer service said it was out of warranty but did offer a small discount to buy another 🙄