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.

[Brewer257]

They actually rolled out a “fixer” update 3.96 yesterday.  It’s posted under a different topic and they’ve blocked all replies. 🤯

My Charge 5 worked until the 3.96 hit and it went completely dead. Nothing. Nada. Just spent 1 hour & 45 minutes with Fitbit support. Chat crashed after 45 minutes, 30 minutes in line on the phone & 30 minutes to finish.  Support personnel told me the Google takeover ruined the Fitbit culture, products and future almost immediately.

My Charge 5 is still under warranty so I’m getting a replacement. When I asked if it would work with the current updates he was honest. He has no idea. 

[JSK56]

Doesn't sound good. I will be leary to use my new Charge 5 when and if it arrives. 

[Jenny803]

What one did you end up with?

[JSK56]

Charge 5 is the exact replacement. I don't have it yet. 

[UlrikeDG]

@Brewer257I cannot find the announcement for 3.96, but that sounds like an update to the Fitbit *app* not the Fitbit *firmware*.

[mchili]

It’s 3.86 and yes it’s the latest app update 

[JSK56]

That's not the problem. 

[FitbitUser724]

Wow - so glad I found this forum.  My fitbit died on me on 7/20/2023 - did all of the recommended troubleshooting but nothing worked.  Called fitbit and they offered me a 35% discount but not on the advertised sale price - on the regular price.  Extremely poor customer service and no accountability from Fitbit for introducing this problem to their loyal customers.  I was a loyal customer but I must take my business elsewhere.  This is ridiculous!!!

[saltywetman]

they need to pull the firmware update offline to prevent more bricks. but that would be acknowledgement fault which they seem to want to avoid. what a gong show. i'm not going to launch my fitbit app unll there's a  confirmed fixed firmware

[mchili]

If anyone is interested this is a website I look at frequently regarding anything related to Fitbit devices and updates. It actually mentions the charge 5 getting bricked and that any replacements are on back order. You do have to scroll down a lot to get to this as it is chronological by date. 

https://piunikaweb.com/2023/07/17/fitbit-updates-bugs-issues-problems-tracker-heres-the-current-stat...

[mitchtl]

I would be happy to install and review the update, but my Charge 5 is dead, deceased, passed on....

Mine quit July 6 after 16 months. Still trying to get a replacement, am supposed to have options presented to me today. If it is an option to spend more, I will abandon Fitbit totally.

[chilehead]

"I would be happy to install and review the update, but my Charge 5 is dead, deceased, passed on...."

It's resting. Beautiful plumage. 

[mitchtl]

It is astounding that they expect good customers to spend more money after being shafted on the previous purchase. 

[Umarharbi]

They don't want to earn customer loyalty The error is a software update, but they do not want to fix it.

[mitchtl]

I have been offered the 35% discount....if the only option for a fitness device was manufactured by Fitbit, I would not invest in it because no product should only last 16 months. I will count steps on my phone.

[younger1]

Ditto. Deeply disappointed in Fitbit and Google.

[saltywetman]

I bought this Fitbit last year because of fitbits good reputation. Sad to see it's not the case now with support looking to be non existent for a software issue. Getting a coupon to rebuy the same product that still has the faulty firmware and the fact the company still is pushing the firmware update through the app is unacceptable. With so many reported cases of bricked devices amd tech news sites covering this the least Fitbit can do is pull the firmware updates offline until they have a firmware fix available. Shame on this brand

[keibri28]

For those of us who’s Fitbit is completely dead and not responding to charging when will the new release help us?

[saltywetman]

Most likely not since you need to be able to connect to your phone to update the firmware and if the Fitbit is bricked so bad that you can't even power it on, unless Fitbit has some kinda recovery mode I don't know about you're likely sol. But if it is possible to power the device on while plugged into charger there is hope since you'd be able to connect it. I'd advise those with short battery lives on their charge 5s refrain from using the device since it could be the rapid drain that is killing the battery. If it powers on leave it on the charger and don't allow it to go dead that way even if it draws a lot of power your battery won't get rapidly depleted and dead while plugged in. Hopefully a firmware fix comes out soon and you guys can flash it still.

[stephanderson]

My Fitbit Charge 5 is suddenly unresponsive with a black screen after the App prompted a “Charge 5 Update Available”. The device had 42% battery, was syncing fine all day, but since receiving the Update notification, the device now won’t turn on or connect to Bluetooth. I tried restarting via the charging cable button and it’s still unresponsive. Fitbit Customer Support sent a link with further troubleshooting and still no luck. Is my device broken because of this Update???