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.

[fuksi]

@LizzyFitbit I still can't see any updates. I contacted support and they told me I need to keep waiting. It's been a while now. Anything that can trigger the update besides planet alignment?

[HaulinAuss]

I've heard that a total eclipse mat trigger the update too.

Get Outlook for Android<>

[ian.pennington3]

It's the same for most and they still haven't done anything about it and
even worse there hasn't been NO explanation, what sort of buissness do
these guys run, disgusting

[Rowdy155]

Charge 5 user

I have the new update, however, I am disappointed that I can no longer see my average and maximum heart rate when I log my exercise (rowing). The old app would show the heart rate for the full workout. Hopefully this feature will return in next update!

[GaetanoVB]

Let's all remember to differentiate between the attempted Charge 5 firmware
update that bricked many of our watches and the recent APP update that they
thought was a good idea while ignoring our pleas for help with our
destroyed devices.

[karand]

Good point, @GaetanoVB. I was fortunate enough to miss the firmware update--it had apparently been halted before it got to me. But I did get the app update, and it's terrible. Did they think to run it by any actual users?

[karand]

@Rowdy155, they're phasing out the Charge 5, so it seems very unlikely that there will be any further updates.

[MACMU]

Hello, just an update on my situation. I went through 5 chat support agents only to be strung along with instructions of waiting for the latest update after update. There's supposed to be another update after 4.04 for the app. My firmware is still at 188. And all updates, whether firmware or app, depend on regions, too, if my experience is any indicator. I'm heading back to the store to return this faulty fitbit which I just bought October 2023. 

[bulloo]

Please do it in your first priorities as u are still lucky if you get
refund relief which I m doubtful about but still give it a try.

Sadajewat Kaul

[GLindsayM]

I am at version 4.06. The problems started when they moved from 3.90 to 4.00 two months ago. They have had 6 updates since. Things are better but I have no intention of moving to the google platform at their deadline in 2025

[SunsetRunner]

Planned obsolescence? kinda feels like planned obsolescence...

[JulsPlus]

Dont do it unless you want to replace your Fitbit for 50% off.

[HaulinAuss]

Just for the record, my wife and I purchased our Charge 5 watches in April of 2022. While we've had a few minor glitches along the way, overall they work well. Guesstimate that our watches may last up to 9 days or so on one charge. The functions we use the most (sleep, steps, distance, heath metrics, etc work great). Initially we didnt like the major update that occurred a few months ago primarily because the charge level disappeared on the app, but fortunately it has since reappeared.
Don't know if we're in the minority or majority. In any case, we feel fortunate after reading about the issues others are experiencing.

Get Outlook for Android<>

[Ange1972]

My battery is all OK. It's everything else that's stopped working, I may as well just be using a cheap step counter as that's basically all my charge 5 is giving me at the moment. I purchased my charge 5 in July 2023

[mchili]

My charge 5 finally updated to version 57.20001.194.91.. where are the new watch faces that were promised us?? Still the same awful faces.. This was the main reason I wanted the update because my watch works fine otherwise.. so frustrating! 

[jsm91815]

The 50% off coupon I received couldn't even be applied to a Charge or Pixel watch.  Horrible quality and customer service.

[Paolov80]

194.91 new update also for me just minutes ago.All works ok except for the new clock faces promised in June,they are still missing.

[EzrelaEpona]

I'm having issues with my Charge 5. It syncs, but as soon as the screen goes black, it reverts to saying that it is 9:15am, and has not recorded any of my steps at all today. I was at netball last night - it said that it was 5:26pm the entire time and only recorded 2 steps. The battery was low (8%) last night so I thought that was the issue. I put it on charge around 7:30am this morning and took it off charge at 9:15am (says battery is at 99%). I have restarted the device with no change.

My Charge 5 has firmware version 57.20001.188.58 which is the old firmware from my understanding? And from my understanding, the new firmware 194.61 was announced for a progressive rollout in July, 5 months ago... surely I should have had the option to update the firmware by now?

I am a premium user, and am feeling upset, frustrated, and disappointed. Reading the community forum has not instilled confidence in me as to a solution for this problem.

[Suncloud27]

FINALLY Recieved update minutes ago.  It didnt brick it but nothing is different...  and no new clock faces!!!  😫  just nutz.

[bulloo]

Majority of us are not as lucky as you have been may be an exception.

Sadajewat Kaul