Charge 5 Firmware Update 194.91

[LizzyFitbit]

We’re excited to announce that a firmware update version 194.91 for Charge 5 is now available! If you installed it, let us know what you think!

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.

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.

[Simplyflowers]

Fitbit was working fine until update and then right afterwards, the screen went black. Kept tracking steps and I could view in app but the Fitbit itself doesn’t work properly. 

Thank goodness, I was still under warranty. I read articles that Fitbit denies the update is the cause of the problem and the f your are not under warranty it is tough luck. 

bad customer service.

[Kmcvie]

You read my mind. It just takes up space. Now I have no scores for sleep or readiness lol

[Kmcvie]

Unfortunately this article doesn't capture all issues, such as sleep scores disappearing for a couple of hours.  

[Jemima47]

I experienced the same issue as everyone else just before Christmas. The watch was just out of warranty and I assumed it had just stopped working and was not due to an update issue so I replaced it. Annoyed now to find out it was probably due to an update issue.

[richardbsimpson]

My charge 5 was updated last week. Today it just got bricked.

No display. no response to tap.

Battery life was 76% when it was last synced, its been charging for a couple of hours now and the display just switches between black screen and Fitbit logo.

Have had since it was released in 2021 with no issues even after a number of firmware updates.
Now after this latest firmware update it’s just useless, it’s like someone just flicked a switch to brick it.

[anitaka85]

My Charge 5 got bricked after the update. When I connect it to charging it keeps restarting, does not charge and does not connect via bluetooth.

Fitbit support refuses to replace it, even though I got it as a replacement in 03/2023.

[richardbsimpson]

Contacted support, got the following response by mail after some basic checks  (see below).  They have to accept responsibility for this, I can accept that kit fails, but not when it’s related to a firmware update, just unacceptable.

“”Thank you for troubleshooting with us. 

After reviewing your account, we see that your device is no longer in the warranty period, and therefore isn’t eligible for replacement. For more information about our warranty policy, visit fitbit.com/global/us/legal/returns-and-warranty

You can learn more about the latest options in the Fitbit family of products at https://store.google.com/regionpicker

Thanks for being a Fitbit customer.””

[AlanBFit]

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/01/time-to-move-on-fitbit-owners-fed-up-with-battery-problems-g...

[richardbsimpson]

Roll Back Of Firmware Is Needed and or Replacement Of Bricked Units.

Fitbit time to act or damage your reputation in the market.

[Loulou4022]

Interesting, I wonder if they have withdrawn the update? The red dot on my Fitbit app that said there was an update waiting has disappeared? I had refused to update mine due to the problems so the red dot has been hanging there for ages now it’s gone?? 

[SunsetRunner]

Yes, indeed. This has affected way too many customers, including myself.

[TSOPhD]

Installed the update - screen went blank and no longer Syncing.  Reset. Screen comes on and syncs (but will not swipe or tap to another screen).  Works this way for about 2 hours, then battery drops from 57% to 10% and stops syncing. Try to charge and reset again. Fitbit logo flashes, no screen and no sync.  Customer service says sorry here is where you can buy a new one.  This update kills it and I have no recourse.  Very unhappy.😠

[Julesmichelle]

I have had exactly the same experience as so many other replies. Losing charge, black screen when tapped etc etc.  my Fitbit is just over 2 years old costing me nearly £180.00  I would have expected a much long life then I have had.  I this is not acceptable from Fitbit and I have lost all confidence in their products.

what are they going to do to resolve this issue that so many of their loyal customers are experiencing??

very angry ex Fitbit customer.

[AlanBFit]

They will do nothing

[TheTrollman]

There is definitely a problem with the firmware update.  My Charge 5 was working perfectly before the update and now goes into perpetual reboot loops and the battery drains very quickly.  It has not been damaged in any way and the ONLY difference is the firmware.

Moderator Edit: Formatting.

[TaranakiT71]

Mines done the same vibrates after each time I press but still black screen, was advised to unpair then retry except now because it won’t turn back on I can’t re pair to BT. Reading through forums it appears this black screen issue is typical, it’s not even 12 months old

[Midsteelblue]

The update has trashed my Charge 5… been working fine for months until this update…. How did this update pass QA and UAT??

[Victamon]

https://www.androidauthority.com/fitbit-charge-5-update-brick-again-3409627

Look into a 50% off another device, perhaps, if that tickles your fancy.

[markandrewj]

I am sorry this is blunt, but Fitbit/Google needs to do a better job of listening to user feedback.

Even if the battery drain issue was not caused by the firmware update, a significant number of users have devices with the same issue currently. It should be resolved, users should not be expected to be happy with bricked devices.

Updates have also been slow, and often remove, or paywall, features users rely on. 

As an example, the original Pebble had more watch face options, and it came out more then ten years ago now. It also had more features, and a more open ecosystem. Some of us actually use other music apps besides Youtube Music for example, there is no reason the player can not generically control player controls for more then just Youtube Music.

The Fitbit Charge could be much better, and I hope to see more. I am saying this as long time user of both Fitbit and Google products.

None of what I am saying should be a surprise, because the feedback I have provided is echoed repeatedly by other users in this forum.

Making the product less useful, and locking features behind paywalls, will not create more profit, it will drive users to other ecosystems. 

[Kjhex]

Count me in the number (hundreds or thousands?!?!) Of charge 5 users that are now proud owner of a brick.