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.

[greenghoulie]

@DavideFitbit I appreciate you dropping in, but can you clarify what to expect with, "I do recommend that you continue the communication with them so they can let you know about the options available for you?"

Many of us reached out and were given a coupon. I did not use my coupon; I spent $150 less than 18 months ago and feel I deserve a working piece of hardware. I don't want to drop more money because what happens in the next 18 months?

Are you suggesting that if I spend more time with chat or phone techs, they will present a better option? If so, why wouldn't this be posted?

Why don't you make a post that says:

"Hey all - If you are under warranty and have exhausted the troubleshooting steps, your device will be replaced through our service department. If you are out of warranty, we offer a 35% off coupon to one of three FitBits that may or may not continue working over the next two years."

Let's just be honest: an apparent critical mass of Charge 5 users in and out of warranty are bricked due to something related to a firmware update.

[Uge3]

New Android update just dropped.

* To keep getting the latest Fitbit app updates, you'll need to make sure your device is running Android 9.0 or later.

 * Bug fixes and performance improvements

.

[Heretohelp1234]

I have waited months, still haven’t got it

😞

[saltywetman]

@Heretohelp1234 After seeing all these people killing their devices with the update. Why would you even want it

[JSK56]

There is a difference between an app update and a firmware update. I wouldn't do either. 

[GMU7801]

Chatted with a rep today for about 30 minutes…..my last try to fix our Fitbit problem. Got nowhere! They had access to my data and that my watch battery was wearing down from 100% to less than 20% in 10 hours. I asked about the next update and when I would expect it. They said they would not be sending it to me, that my watch was clearly defective and an update would not help my situation. So, I asked if it’s defective, why won’t you send me a replacement. They said I was out of warranty. Clearly “they” are not acknowledging in any form that there is a firmware/software update issue. If they did, this would be a huge issue for Fitbit. So, as long as they don’t recognize it as an issue, I t is a defective watch and out of warranty. Signing out now……..time to move on and buy a non-Fitbit product. I am yelling “uncle”

[tazzyjazzy]

I called a 1/2 hr ago for 10 minute call and got different response than I did Monday or Tuesday (I posted it above)

I told this rep that another charge 5 user had been offered / issued a replacement even tho her warranty was actually a month further out than mine and that my device was already a replacement and only 5 months ago due to battery issue again. And I was only offered the discount.

He immediately sent me an email which he says shows they will be offering me a solution when they have resolved this issue. He definitely acknowledged that the charge 5 has been affected by the firmware update and they were looking into it and going to respond to users affected soon. 

[chilehead]

"He immediately sent me an email which he says shows they will be offering me a solution when they have resolved this issue. He definitely acknowledged that the charge 5 has been affected by the firmware update and they were looking into it and going to respond to users affected soon. "

It would be really nice if Fitbit would post here saying there is a known problem, rather than trying to deflect the blame onto out of warranty devices.

[saltywetman]

They need to pull the update off the servers to prevent more devices from bricking if they want to minimize the number of devices they need to replace. It's not rocket science but it seems people don't have common sense these days. 

[Kat.W]

On July 22nd, I plugged my just over one year old Charge 5 (got it on June 30th, 2022) in to recharge after using it for a whole week of hiking without any issues.  I guess since it was finally plugged in and my phone was connected to Wi-Fi, the update occured because within minutes of unplugging it at 100% battery it buzzed twice and went to black screen.  I tried restarting it, but that didn't fix anything, I tried disconnecting it from the app, which was a spectacular failure btw don't do that because I forgot that I needed the 4 digit code from the device that was currently not showing anything.  I contacted customer service and was basically told "mm.  That sucks. Oh well, it's 21 days out of warranty here's 35% off a new product!" (Not their actual words but the general message). Instead I just stuck it in my backpack to deal with later and lo and behold the next day it worked again! Yay! Somehow it reverted back to the 188 update! But now the battery SUCKS.  Like, literally.  It'll go from 100% to 20% in less than 20 hours even on sleep mode when it lasted a full seven days with multi-mile hikes everyday literally the week before the update.  I have a two-year warranty with the store I bought it from and I know I could exchange it with them , but is it just going to brick again?  Is there going to be a solution/update to the battery issue in the near future? Or should I just wave goodbye to Fitbit and cut my losses?

[Mitch325]

My Fitbit locked up during the update and now the screen is blank so I can even reset it.  I tried all the troubleshooting and still noting

[chilehead]

"Somehow it reverted back to the 188 update"

It's pretty clear to me that almost all the failures here are due to some devices trying to update to the latest version and failing to complete, thus saying it's at 188.  But it's likely the failed install left it in a bad state causing these issues.

[JSK56]

That's what happened to mine. It even told me the update failed and had them to try it again. 2 hour battery life after that and the 188 version. 

[Ecgirl07]

I got my replacement today in the post - does it seem a bit cheap if they fitbit by google are just sending out the "pebble" in a soft package envelope and not a full new boxed Charge 5 with a new strap? 

Probably shouldn't complain as they have replaced  the fitbit part but thats not what it looked like I was ordering and isnt a like for like replacement for the faulty Charge 5.

[chilehead]

"does it seem a bit cheap if they fitbit by google are just sending out the "pebble" in a soft package envelope and not a full new boxed Charge 5 with a new strap"

Not too surprising, there is nothing wrong with the charger and strap you already have, so just sending out the watch part saves them a bit.

[llerm]

We all are waiting for Fitbit to release a fixed version of the upgrade or a patch. Many of us have received replacements but we cannot start using them as they may get bricked too. I personally love the Charge 5 and prefer it to any other model even Sense which I have too so I am extremely disapointed having a new charge 5 in the box which I'm scared of connecting

[JSK56]

I am using my replacement Charge 5 for two weeks with no issues. I just do not click on the new software available on the app. I cancel it each time. 

[Disgruntled75]

‪2nd Charge 5 since launch. 1st was replaced under warranty shortly after the screen went black, days after an update and going for a swim. Less than a year later and my replacement did the exact same thing. 35% discount offered which is just not acceptable. ‬

[FBJFC]

That’s what happened to mine as well. I asked customer service several times if there was a way to try the update again. I never really felt like my question was answered. I was told by one agent that it showed on their end that I had completed the update. 

[MJLP]

I agree. What Fitbit should do is take account of our comments and act accordingly fixing the problem and providing a good solution to their loyal customers