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.

[SunsetRunner]

I have the same issue.  I get to the pairing step where the charge shows a 4 digit number, but when I enter it into my phone the software will not accept it and wants a new one, over and over again.  Pretty sure this charge is dead.

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It actually came back!! : I was getting ready to call the help chat but tried looking for the return to factory settings. Under settings I did find "clear user data" and did that. Tried to pair with my iPhone again; took two tries but it worked!! So I'll see if I sync up and get sleep data tonight. I had gotten the new phone software a week or more ago so don't think that was it. My version is 57.20001.188.58 - whatever that is-soft or hard ware?

[Slonik]

I updated my Fitbit last night. After that black screen, won’t reset during several hours. Suddenly it wake up but could't connect to my iPhon. After another few hours conected but very fast lost it 😕 Then it randomly connected, disconnected and lost the connection. The battery runs out after a few hours of basic operation. After last firmware update this staff is completely unusable. @LizzyFitbit  tell my please how and when my Fitbi will work properly.

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I have the same version after update and Fitbit doesn't work stability ... It is completely unthinkable how unprofessional Google is 😕

[Megmeltz]

I'm glad it came back. 188.58 is the older version which has NOT turned fitbits into bricks. Unfortunately we don't have control over when the software is updated. Which means that the new version, which ends in 61, could appear at any time and ruin your and my Charge 5s.   😞

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You're right. It's unthinkable how these enormous, fabulously wealthy companies don't care about us at all. They have forgotten where their wealth came from.

[danielny]

Fitbit support was awful well before Google bought them. I’m fact I was hoping fitbit support would get better after the Google acquisition but alas I was wrong. 

[arthurc2000]

No wonder Charge 5 is no longer in the Fitbit shop..  It is time for the mgt to evaluate the damage done by this..  Reminder: Don't transfer your account from Fitbit to Google.  It seems this new owner have plan to shut down the forums..

[TomS34]

I never recieved this update. I have tried everything in the message and it still will not update. I have had trouble with my less than 2 year old Charge 5 for the past year, have tried every troubleshooting tip and it still has charging and black screen issues. I believe the issues are related to corrupted firmware since the charging status changes erratically. I am currently using Version 188.58 with no way of updating to this version. Please advise as soon as possible.

[Loleo]

I have had a Fitbit since they started. Most have been good, customer service used to be great. The last one and this charge 5 have been time suckers and now I will have to purchase something else and just the research it takes !! (Because of an update they didn’t test and are not backing!!)

Sent from my iPhone

[llerm]

You need to open a support ticket with them. There's no solution for the devices damaged by the corrupt update but replacing the device with a new one. I did and they sent me a code to have a replacement or optionally buy something different at the same price. I had another Charge 5 and the new one is OK. I think that they have subtlely stopped the corrupt update without officially declaring the problem what is quite naif because it is now too public. Open a ticket with them and insist and insist, You will have it if you do not accept a no.

[Niels1983]

my Firmware version is 57.20001.188.58. I stil didn't get update message.

[neonbrett55]

I’ve had the same experiences as you and feel like Fitbit has let a long time loyal customer down.

Brett Crawley

[TGCuatro]

llerm,

Solid advice.  I did the same and sent me a code.  The part I did not like was that the code was only for purchase from the Fitbit site and detailed that the code was not for the new Charge6 or any preorder item.  As far as another Charge5, I didn't take the risk.  My sister purchased one for my son a few days before mine died as a birthday gift.  Sent it back to Amazon.

[ian.pennington3]

Let me know when you have heard anything cause I'm been waiting for almost 3 months about this new firmware update and it's just silence

[poyarzun]

Well, here we are, 3+ months after the firmware upgrade announcement. Good thing, my FB421 on firmware ver x.188.58 works just fine. I do not even want to get the upgrade, but my warranty expires in 10 days... Reading all the comments since the very begining, I'm preparing myself to "coincidentally" receive the upgrade just after my warranty expire and get a bricked device. That's the level of trust I have with Fitbit/Google now, literally consciously bricking devices to force you to get a new one. Just as an example of customer satisfaction/care; had some issues with some wireless earbuds from a German company (not sure if I can name it here but starts with Senn and ends with heiser) and it took a week to have a brand new replacement product in my hands. That's how a respectable company care about users.

[Charles707]

Sounds just like mine. Solution is to buy Charge 6 and even get premium at a discount. Sure. Thats the easiest decision in the history of decisions. 

[Megmeltz]

I agree completely. I'm hoping my Charge 5 keeps working, but I'm not optimistic.

[Loleo]

I have made several posts and opened a chat. They will only give you 50% off and you can’t buy the 6 or the Luxe… the 5 isn’t even in the list of products to buy. You only have 30 days and they won’t be available until end of November… what’s to say in 1 year they “update” again … this is my second one in two years that has done this. 😢

Sent from my iPhone

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I never got a message. I was out on the water when my watch was going nuts with vibrations. Then it died. The next day all the trouble started.

Sent from my iPhone

[Snowbird2]

Please bring back battery and would really like steps instead of heart that is why I use it !!!!!

[Krysie53]

The exact same thing happened to mine!!!!🤯

[TomS34]

Update: After doing a dozen 3 button resets, 2 long push resets and leaving it on the charger for 2 days mine has come back to life and is holding a charge. My version still shows 188.58 sp maybe I somehow flushed the attempted update out of the tracker. Since it has not run out of juice yet I don't know what will happen during the next full charge yet. I'll keep you posted.

[RKY14]

Yep mine did this 3 times. Finally after a month of resets it went black &
no amount of messing with it has revived it.