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.

[Kate8080]

Will keep it just as it comes out of the box. Fingers will be crossed as so many different opinions on this thread. 

[ian.pennington3]

Just be the same I reckon, be a risk to buy a new charge 5 going on others
who have done this

[Porridge51]

Good thinking. I had mine made inoperable from an attempt to update way back in June. I tried all the suggested support actions and none worked so ordered and received a replacement Charge 5. 

An interesting observation I made was that my previous C5 device level was an FB421 whereas the newly supplied one had a device level of FB423. I think the FB423 forms the hardware level for the charge 6 and maybe, just maybe, the firmware update is for the FB423s and does work on the FB421's.

Its only a guess but I wonder if due to the takeover by Google, whether the support and diagnostic teams are focussed on the \Charge 6 development and there is no one available to sort out why the new update makes the old model C5's inoperable?

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Meant top say 'doesn't work on the FB421's'

[Agrade]

I have also had my Fitbit bricked by the update; I hadn't been wearing my Fitbit for a long time, so I only got the update in September, and it bricked. Please let us know what's going on, and how this will be addressed. I already contacted help, but since I am outside the warranty period all I get is some money off a new one, which makes no sense given the situation.

[Zekiette]

Google Fitbit is reportedly going to release a Charge 6 on Sept 28, which might explain the the company's radio silence on the bricked Charge 5s.

TechRadar article:  https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/fitness-trackers/fitbit-charge-6-gets-likely-launch-date-he... 

[mattmotyl]

It's a shame. Had they not forced the update that bricked my device and
then insult me when I sought customer service a couple weeks ago, I would
be ordering the 6 as soon as it was available.

[neonbrett55]

My Fitbit charge 5 got a blank screen on the second day after I bought it and wont restart or do anything.

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after a firmware updat my fitbit is 2 days old and nonfunctional.

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mine also went blank after 2 days

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My screen went blank 2 days after I got it and won't restart. What can I do? I have bought several fitbits and this has never happened. Am I out of my money?

[mattmotyl]

You are most likely out your money. A bunch of us have had the same problem
and the best they offer is a 35% coupon to buy a new one (which, of course,
they offer no guarantees won't also brick once they force the new update on
it).

--
Matt Motyl, Ph.D.
Senior Adviser at the Psychology of Technology Institute
<> at USC Marshall School's Neely Center
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<>
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<>, LinkedIn
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Schedule an appointment <>

[ian.pennington3]

Same as mine, it's bricked and no sign of life now, does charge sometimes
but battery runs out in less than a day, wish these people would at least
let us ALL know what's going on, nothing since 13 July when the new
firmware update was released ,pretty bloody average I reckon

[kerrieBBOZ]

@ian.pennington3
I’m just wondering if you happen I be Australian, based on your turn of phrase, or even British? Because both countries have consumer protections such that a product has to be fit for purpose and last a reasonable amount of time for what would be expected for a similar product and if not, you are entitled to a remedy of your choice including replacement or refund, regardless of how long the warranty is. Any company selling products in those jurisdictions should be aware of the local consumer protection laws and if not, your local consumer protection agency might be able to assist with informing them of those obligations.

Sent from my iPhone

[ian.pennington3]

Yes I'm from Australia and yes there could be alot of legal ramifications
going on here over this charge 5 cause these watches are all under 2 years
old and are and have been for a while are useless now so you are right

[honglong1976]

No update yet. Where is it?

[ian.pennington3]

Alot of us are still waiting and waiting and still silence from the admins,
how do you run a business like this, terrible, we are all in the dark

[jog-on76]

Luckily I'm on the UK so when the update reduced my battery life to hours on my 9 month old device I got a warranty exchange.  Now the battery is back to ~10 days and I just ignore the invite to update the firmware.

[chilehead]

"Alot of us are still waiting and waiting and still silence from the admins,"

They don't have an update to share, but it would be nice to see a weekly update acknowledging the issue, and telling us if the problem is actually being worked. I can't blame the admins too much, they are likely stuck in the middle between us and engineering (assuming it's actually being worked on.)

[SunsetRunner]

Mine shows 188.58 as the revision. If I check for updates, it’s says I’m up to date. I know it’s a controlled rollout, but it’s been that since May. 

[Kate8080]

Update

I Have had my complimentary phase 5 for 3 days. Its working well and no loss with the battery so far. Did not and will not install the awaiting update. 

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Charge 5 not phase! Doh 

[Fiberscraps]

When I check, I have version 20001.188.58 on my Charge 5.
I’m having the black screen problem - have tried to trouble shoot with support service- have tried all the recommended things.

I tried the instructions to “restart” from my settings app via my iPhone ( screen black on charge 5 so can’t do it from there) but there is no option to restart, I just have an inanimate icon indicating settings 

[SistahSJB]

Not really interested. The new pebble I bought on Ebay works fine and I use my Charge 5 accessories. I gave up my premium acct, why pay for services from a company that bricked my watch! I'm good.

[M0USER]

My Fitbit as of today, or yesterday, can no longer charge, and it looks like that I am not alone. It's completely bricked now and has zero battery left in it.

And it looks like I am not alone in this boat as I see so many others with the same problem.

Guess a firmware rolled out and bricked everyone.

So what's my recourse?