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.

[GaetanoVB]

@Bradcore Using the code worked for me even with the sale.  Add the item to your cart and then use the promo code. It went through without issue. 

Moderator Edit: Formatting 

[Bradcore]

Yeah, must have been a strange delay. It wouldn't work yesterday when I tried it, but I just tried it again and it went through.

[ThatsMrJedi]

It's been many many weeks. Should it really take this long?

[GMU7801]

Ok, LizzyFitbit, it has been over a month since your communication that the update would progressively be rolled out to all within a few weeks. It’s been over a month! Where is it? How do we elevate this to a senior executive at Fitbit or Google. Please provide contact information. 

[DoxieGran]

It's actually 7 weeks now...

[chilehead]

"it has been over a month since your communication that the update would progressively be rolled out to all within a few weeks. It’s been over a month! Where is it?"

Why do you want it? With all the bricked reports here, I'm hoping I never get it. 

[GMU7801]

Mine is bricked and I have the 188. version. So, what can it hurt to try then next version. Worse thing that can happen is that it stays “bricked”😃

[ian.pennington3]

I agree haven't got mind yet and been well over a month, I wish Lizzie
would put up another post to inform us of what's going on

[newtothis83]

So, my replacement pebble under warranty arrived and tbh I'm completely unsure what to do with it. 

The concept of wearing it brings the anxiety over the updates. Dare I try to sync it, maybe I shouldn't even pair it...... 

It's amazing something so small can seem so big every time I look at it the questions override clarity like the elephant in the room.

I'm tempted to bite the bullet and go all in. Full update, sync etc. 

It could be a test of faith in the company but maybe I actually want it to fail to give me a reason to complain louder. How many replacements do the send me before accepting their position.

What if it actually works!! 

Either way, it's useless in the packet and tbh I've almost got used to not even having a watch let alone a tracker. 

Votes please?

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Thanks @Porridge51 

Looks like my new replacement is a 421.... 

Does that change any advice? 

Moderator Edit: Merged replies

[BrendaLy]

May I ask which better brand you chose. My charge 5 is not working and red light in back. Tried the fixed suggested. Should I call helpdesk? 

Same here. If you have any update on how to get the 4 digits code on a black screen. Please share. Thanks in advance

[narf57]

Wondering if you will get the update notification if you are logged in using your Google ID?

[Doreena11]

Me too. I'm so mad. 

I'm still so bummed they are going downhill in quality. My devices used to last longer and if anything I'm less active. I used to swim, run a ton and now not so much. I loved them before and things are really changing for the worse under Google. There are no more challenges and my charge 5 crashed in less than a year. I do love the data and they need to make improvements or I'm out. I have a Samsung phone so the Samsung watch makes sense and they have a new feature that measures your blood pressure!

[DaVinciUA]

Every one that I personally know that has / had a Charge 5 had the same problem. They are good for one year and then the problems start. This probably has nothing to do with Google, since the Charge 5 was flawed from the beginning.

I was very close to buy the new Samsung Galaxy 6 last week and then found out that one is restricted on other than Samsung phones and also the battery last only one day.

So, I really hope a Charge 6 is coming soon without any flaws or they fix the firmware for the Charge 5

[GMU7801]

I wouldn’t buy another Fitbit until they prove they can fix the problem they created and have a process in place that keeps this from happening again. To buy a Charge 6, when the Charge 5 is bricked due to Fitbit incompetency, would probably end up the same! 

[Inkrocks]

I’ve been a Fitbit owner for 5 years or so. Upgraded and now my out of warranty Charge 5 is blank, won’t charge, reset, turn on. Completely useless.

As I’m out of warranty am told to buy a new one!! Seriously?? What a shocking service! Garmin  here I come

[DaVinciUA]

Hopefully all these complains will wake them up and they will fix this soon.

But I have my doubts.

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Yes, it’s broken

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I don't think there is any hope for the Charge 5 and I will start looking for another brand, although it hurts, since I have years of data in my app.

To be honest, it just sucks!

I have the fourth replacement coming, but now I read that some people already have problems after a few weeks and the Charge 5 will not even last 1 year anymore. At one point we have to look at this realistically.

And why is there not an official statement from Fitbit here in the forum to such a huge problem that probably effects ALL Charge 5 owners?

Google's slow destruction of Fitbit is everything wrong with modern tech

https://www.techradar.com/features/googles-slow-destruction-of-fitbit-is-everything-wrong-with-moder...

[Doreena11]

Agreed!

[Joannebx1]

Is this what killed my Charge 5 and my replacement pebble???

[isis_orion]

I’ve put in a request to return mine, as it’s only a couple of weeks old and I dislike it a lot. 

I’d look at polar, they have some excellent fitness watches for whatever you are into, accurate and display is excellent. 

[Sekuxad]

Another Charge 5 bricked here, 16 months since purchase, customer support offers a discount and not much else.

While connected to the charge, it can reach 99% charge, sync, and even vibrate alarms. As soon as I disconnect, it goes down to 1% and dies. 

I'm in Canada and haven't yet received the firmware update version 194.61, and still on 188.58

Tried all kinds of hocus pocus resets, three quick ones, long 15 seconds, praying, and sage burning. No results.