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.

[Mmontgomery23]

I haven't had any problems worth my replacement Charge 5.. (knock knock)  I had the battery issue with my 1st one, but the new one has been great. I've had the replacement for a year now.  

[llerm]

I had the replacement and to be fair, U waited for 3 weeks before setting it up, thinking that they would retire or patch the broken upgrade. I don't know what they have done, they don't recognise publicly the failure nor give updates on their activity to fix it, what is an unacceptable behaviour, but after those 3 weeks, I connected it and it works fine so far. The update is 188.58 on Galaxy phone and I have not received any new one.

[Megmeltz]

Why aren’t they ashamed of themselves, treating their loyal customers so shabbily? So many of us liked their fitbits for years and even got their friends to buy one. 😞

[Kate8080]

Received a complimentary fitbit just over 2 weeks ago. It was just the watch face, which was fine. It came the day after it was offered and set up was simple. I didn't choose the option to remove my old one. I didn't take the option to upgrade the firmware either. Its still sitting on there. 

Its working better than my old one ever did. First battery charge lasted 8 days. Since recharge again it is still ok. I do love the look of my watch which is why I took the risk. 

I'm not so interested yet - in monitoring myself, but it certainly helps track my sleep which I don't get enough of. 

No sign on this thread that I should ever take the plunge and update it though. Which is very poor customer relations. 

[Aussiej1]

Hi Lizzie my Fitbit battery has stopped working ever since the firmware update

I am now being told I cannot replace my device with the same device and I need to purchase a completely different one please help me my charge 5 is my lifeline mentally

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Yes Charles I don't think it's a coincidence that suddenly there are issues and suddenly you cannot purchase any other charge device except for pre-ordering the new one

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100% agree this is an unacceptable marketing practice

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Yep I am a loyal OCD Fitbit customer but after contacting support three times in the last 24 hours I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling about their appreciation for loyal customers

[neonbrett55]

They don’t care

Brett Crawley

[neonbrett55]

I will tell everyone not to buy one.

Brett Crawley

[arthurc2000]

Unless it is cheap enough to have value.

[TrishKeener]

I hate the update as I have been working towards a year of 10k steps and every day it would tell me that I was one day closer and now with the update it is gone.  Oura ring here I come....

[Megmeltz]

That is so frustrating, Trish. I’m sure that’s why most of us got the Fitbit - to keep track of steps. -:(

meg

[kwibeck]

@LizzyFitbit are you guys working on a solution for this error where the battery capacity is reduced to less then 2 hours after an update?

How come you have messed up everyone's Charge 5s but still haven't tried to explain what's going on?

// Kalle

[Aussiej1]

I feel it is simply a marketing ploy to get more money out of us. Ida to purchase a different device at a discount or to purchase the new version of charge at full price

[Backrosr]

My Charge 5 "bricked also. New chargers no response will not charge at all ! 

[Loleo]

How do you check the version update? Mine has been blinking the FB logo since last night. Now when I go on the app, it says update your tracker.. I tried when I was in the car but no luck. Hope this is a sign of good things to come! 🤞🏻

Sent from my iPhone

[Charles707]

Open the app and click the icon in the upper left corner. Then click Charge 5 and it woll tell you the software version.

Regards,

Charles

Sent from my smartphone.

[SunsetRunner]

Charge 5 bricked, never again buying this product. Subscription cancelled.

[Aussiej1]

Thank you for this information I was also told that their office is out of San Francisco and I could contact the San Francisco area Better Business Bureau and file a complaint

[Backrosr]

After the update my Fitbit 5 totally bricked it won’t charge at all when attempting to charge it was at 64% then it was at critical low within an hour then totally died no amount of charging or resetting has worked. 

[Kudakin]

I broke down and got the Inspire 3 to replace my non-functioning Charge 5. I
am hoping with the simplicity of this one it will last longer. I miss the
options for Charge 5 and the size of the screen was easier to read but so
far this one has been on for 3 days and I still have 79% battery. I mostly
want the steps, heart rate and sleep info so fingers crossed. The 5 can stay
in a drawer in case they repair the issues which I am doubting. This is my
last change for them to come thru.

[TGCuatro]

Backrosr,

I feel your frustration.  My issues started at the end of Sep.  I had the blinking logo for like I left my Charge5 on the charger and periodically tried to reset the fitbit.  I had no idea as to the status of the battery level etc.  I just left it on the charger and would occasionally run the reset with the cable procedures.  Randomly, one day the screen stopped blinking, turned on and the started working.  For a few days my Charge5 would go from fully charged to dead within 3 hours, then the last couple of days the battery has last 6-8 hours.  Yesterday, the battery lasted from 6 am to about 4pm when it was at 7%.  I recharged my fitbit while I drove home and for a little bit before my afternoon run.  The battery level was at 89%.  I went for a run and used GPS as I always do.  I expected the Charge5 to drain and turn off during the run.  Surprisingly, it lasted the whole run and was only at 79% when I was done.  I had hope, like a zombie my Charge5 had come back to life.  Of course this morning, at 6 am my charge was at 100% - 2 hours later it is at 84%. 

So who knows ... one thing is for certain, the fitness device is not working as advertised or reliable.  I went from a device that needed to be charged every 3-5 days depending on GPS use to a device that will not go more than a day without needing ta charge.

Good Luck.

TGCuatro