Introducing Charge 5 Firmware Release - Version 1.171.50

[FitbitCommunity]

We’re excited to announce that a firmware update for Charge 5. 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. 

WHAT’S NEW AND FIXED

See What's changed in the latest Fitbit device update? for release notes.

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, see 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.

[SunsetRunner]

It has the usual tappable changing data point on the face, which I actually prefer. I like the gray scale one also with no data point because it would be appropriate at a work meeting for example.

[SunsetRunner]

I don't listen to music during workouts. It's distracting and a potential source of injury.

[Kunukuboy]

I discovered a weird workaround for the short Charge 5 battery life.  I can't be sure if it will work for others. 
Here it is:  I put my Charge 5 in the freezer for a couple of hours.  Battery life went from 1-2 to 6-7 hours, enough for a sleep check or a workout?  
It has had to be frozen before the next use.

[BjarneC]

#Kunukuboy, I have actually used this procedure often on PC lab top battery´s with success.

My procedure is.

The battery should be fully discharged, and in a sealed plastic bag before it is placed in the freezer.

The battery should be in the freezer for about 24 hours.

The battery should be at room temperature before it is recharged again.

For best result repeat this procedure 2-3 times, - between each trip to the freezer please assure that the battery is fully discharged.

I have seen improvement on lab top batteries from holding charge for about 30 min. to now 2 to 2.5 hours.

I have NOT tried this on a Charge 5 ONLY on lab top batteries, but maybe it will work.

DISCLAMER:

You can search the internet for more information about this, since there is suggestion NOT to store battery in the freezer, but this is also NOT a suggestion to do that, only to put it in the freezer for 24 hours a couple of times, to see if it´s improve the time the device stay charge.

[SunsetRunner]

The caution against freezing lithium ion batteries is due to the possibility of cracking the internal barrier between anode and cathode. It can also cause pulling away of the anode and cathode materials from the barrier, reducing battery life. A battery internal crack could potentially cause a thermal runaway situation if it develops in the permeable barrier and extends all the way through from anode to cathode, allowing mixing of the two. There are other things that can happen too.

Repeated freezes/thaw cycles increase the risk.

[radesix]

No amount of battery freezing is going to fix a firmware issue.

This procedure, while it may have worked at one time with some device, is not necessary.

[Kunukuboy]

Don't knock it till you try it.  It works!  According to the boffins the Charge 5 issue is not solely firmware related anyway,

[Andreeks]

Maybe for you and few other people. Also depends on the kind of workout, but for most of basic exercises once you get a hold on technique you're good to go and music will give you a boost thanks to hormones.

Anyway having music controls on most of the fitness bands out there should be enough of a hint on what are people needs.

[radesix]

The problem with my battery is solely related to the firmware update. Zero problems until the update.



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[mchili]

@SunsetRunner Are you referring to the Bloom? You mentioned a gray scale version.  It shows a gray scale on the sample but mine only taps to the color screens. 

[KSparrow254]

Still having battery issues 2 weeks after firmware update.  Did not have this problem prior to update.  Battery lasts 4 hours.  This is unacceptable.  I have even not worn during the day to minimize movement at work and still dead in 4 hours.  
VERY FRUSTRATING!!!

I have a large (for me) run in a week and now do not have my device.  

This is a known problem and the reply I got 2 weeks ago was wait for firmware update.  

[jabob]

Mine as well.

[jabob]

You are preaching to the choir. I have requested just a new tracker, not the whole watch and every response is to go through the same scenario Fitbit has posted which ai have tried many times. Fitbit broke my tracker with whatever happened. I am tried of reaching out to customer service with the same response I have been getting for a month. I have been patiently waiting now replace.

[familydweeb]

Since installing this firmware update I have not been able to get through a single run without the GPS dropping and not reconnecting. It happens regardless of whether the GPS is set to Phone, Dynamic, or Built-In. Is there a way to fix this on the Charge 5 or the app or will it require a new firmware? 

[familydweeb]

I have the GPS issue regardless of whether it is set to Built-In, Dynamic, or Phone.

[delawareBirder]

After getting emails giving me the same things to try with no success in response to my chat sessions, I called customer service.  They reviewed my account and saw that activity and verified that the battery is draining too quickly.  I was told to expect an email from the highest support level.  Here it is:

Thanks for letting us know about this issue. We’re aware of it and are working to identify a resolution as quickly as possible.
We're sorry for any trouble. We appreciate your patience and look forward to getting you back on track.

For help with your Fitbit device and services, see help.fitbit.com

[Karenfox5]

Hello everyone!

 I’m one of the people who never had any issues with my charge5 until I installed the update.

 I worked with customer service, trying to reset, changing the clock face and everything else.

Eventually, they agreed to send me a new device.

 I received it today, as part of the set up process, I was given a choice to install the update, I chose, no thanks, I’ll do it later.

So far, it’s working great!  Holding a charge, wakes up when I move my wrist, tracking everything.

I’m very happy.  I’m appreciative of customer service coming through for me.

For those of you still having issues, demand a replacement, I don’t see a bug fix coming very soon.

And if you do receive a replacement, DO NOT install the update during setup.

[Catwoman777]

So happy for you. I returned and they got it Wednesday. Radio silence. I
want my replacement!!!!

[jabob]

Glad you got your issue resolved. I have been requesting tracker for weeks and I just get the same ole reply. Wait and be patient. Over this response. I reinstalled an old charge 3 after my 5 died to Fitbits glitch last month the screen is barely legible but it does track to phone. I tried everything that was suggested and nothing fixes my Charge 5. If they do not fix my issue, they have lost a long time client. 

[jabob]

Now that they have come out with the new charge watch; I doubt this will happen.