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.

[Robcee]

Really surprised that we can't use the Charge 5 discount on the Charge 6, esp with it being announced while this is ongoing.

The fact that the last official update here is from 3 months ago tells me we're not going to get any sort of update or recompense.

Not that they care much, but I've used fitbit for almost 10 years, Ive bought several of my family memebers fitbits as gifts as well. I think I'm done based on this experience. Shame to treat long term customers (and advocates) this way.

[Aussiej1]

They don't care about their loyal customers even a customer service rep I spoke with yesterday was complaining about her charge 5 not working

[ian.pennington3]

It's bloody terrible from these goons, at the very least you'd think
they'll let us know what's going on with this defunct charge 5

[arthurc2000]

Interesting.. The Fitbit software is always bug free if you check the release note.  There is no mention it fix anything just new feature.  Well, it is dishonest.  When I check the release note from Apple, it will at least say: "Fixed an issue that prevent the battery from dying".  haha..

[SunsetRunner]

I am still on 188.58, should I be happy about this?

[TGCuatro]

Widdershins,

I think it is a crapshoot - there is no rhyme or reason.  

TGCuatro

[Loleo]

Then don’t hit the update button! (I didn’t but it still updated)

[SunsetRunner]

As far as I can see the new app has lost the update button. 

[SunsetRunner]

@SunsetRunner DO NOT update it! I updated mine, which started the end for me. I did all of the suggestions posted here to get it back, to no avail. Once I deleted the Charge 5 from the app and reinstalled it, it reverted to 188.58 but continued with the issues. It eventually went to showing the Fit it logo on the screen for about 30 seconds while plugged into the charger, then goes blank. It's been 11 days since it connected to the App. I have been trying the 3 button pushes and one long push several times a day while waiting for the battery to completely die, to no avail. The Mods will do nothing except repeat the "party" line and refer you to customer service, who will offer a pittance "discount" on purchase of a new tracker. I already moved on to an Amazfit Band 7. Any company who screws up their product with an update, then doesn't support it, doesn't deserve any further business. I continue to keep an eye on the forums and checking the tracker in the hopes they will come to their senses, fix their mistake, and stop seemingly purposely alienating customers.

[Riderx]

It's not only the update, this is happening to a bunch off us without doing
the update, suddenly no more battery life, I charge it all night and when I
start wearing it in the morning the battery life starts draining at an
alarming rate, by noon it's dead! And they won't replace my Charge 5
because I just past my warranty limit, they then offered me 30% and then
50% off my next purchase but only for 30 days. Worst customer service
ever!!!!

[SunsetRunner]

Since I updated the app on my Charge 5 phone, the phone doesn’t record 33% to 60% of my nightly sleep data, for either the latter segment of my sleep or for a middle period. In the latter case, the phone mysteriously starts recording again.

I have spoken with six advocates, none of whom seemed to comprehend English. Consequently, I had to spend 20 to 30 minutes trying to help each advocate understand the nature of the problem. The first 4 guided me through suggested "fixes" (including resetting the phone). However, none of the 4 fixes solved the problem. The 5th advocate said someone from the warranty department would call me. Didn't happen. After putting me on hold to speak with a supervisor, the 6th advocate finally, after 30 minutes, told me that there were bugs in the new software. She said that a tech-support specialist, who was familiar with the problem, would contact me via email with instructions re how to fix it. Haven't heard from anyone.

How can I get clear, accurate, knowledgeable, efficient and effective help from Fitbit? That's a reasonable request, given the subscription fees I pay for Premium.

I'd like a response from Fitbit.

[Backrosr]

if it’s still working don’t update😳

Get Outlook for iOS<>

[SunsetRunner]

Sorry. In my post 15 minutes ago, I meant to say "watch," not "phone."

[karand]

It was the problem with the sleep recording that got me onto this thread a couple of weeks ago. I asked why this problem wasn't being addressed in the update (and why it hadn't been fixed long before this). No answer to my original question, but I learned about the faulty update, so was able to warn family members not to apply it.

I can tell you that the problem with sleep recording has been going on for years, with no fix from Fitbit. It's episodic--sometimes I'll go for weeks without experiencing it, and occasionally it will happen every other day for a week. For me, it most often manifests as failing to record the hour or so of sleep.

Another user shared an action worth trying: sync your watch with your phone app a few minutes before you turn out the light. It doesn't prevent the problem, but it does seem to happen less often when I do this.

[neonbrett55]

I agree and will let potential buyers to stay away from Fitbit.

Brett Crawley

[Charles707]

Don't hold your breath. 

[arthurc2000]

I overheard the charge 6 have advanced Google features, like Youtube, Music, etc..

It sounds like to me that the new features screw up the Charge 5 firmware..

There are many players in the smart health watch space.  Sooner or later, the Fitbit will be forgotten..  Only the Google Pixel Watch will survive, the price is probably around 350+ USD.  

[neonbrett55]

I too have bought several Fitbits over an 8 year period and am shocked at what they have done to loyal customers. Will never buy or say a good word about Fitbit again.

Brett Crawley

[Megmeltz]

I had a similar problem on 188.58. Finally I broke down and called customer support. I did not have high hopes. I talked to a pleasant patient man. He walked me through all the steps I'd already done (but help desk people really must do that. They have to be sure that the steps were done correctly.) Then when we got to deleting and re-adding the app he said Do NOT delete the app. So we just let the app update the Charge 5 and **ahem**ed if it didn't work. That was a few weeks ago and Charge 5 has been fine ever since. I sure hope this helps.

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Do you have an iPhone? My friend with an iPhone has this problem and I, with an Android, do not. 

[neonbrett55]

Mine too!

Brett Crawley