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.

[jabob]

This is exactly what I encountered while charging my 5 in late June on night. Something happened, I never received the update or clicked on update. Per Fitbit my watch did not receive the update. After that charge my Fitbit became useless no matter what was recommended to solve the issue. Fitbit you have a problem and it needs to be fixed.

[Babaff]

Same issues as everyone else - upgraded firmware and died, red circle with X. Got a new one mailed, now just 3 days later same issue is happening. No sync and battery is draining instantly. What the heck!? You’re going to lose some customers. This is not the first time this has happened either..

[Davydubb]

I think you are right, Ive instagram and Twitter messages and comments sent, doubt if there'll be a response, but I'll keep it up

[Xeniaw]

Oh I've gotten the notice to update, alright. 1st it wouldn't let me, just kept failing to update. Now my Bluetooth won't even pair no matter what I do. I've tried to log out, force quit, uninstall and reinstall, restart device. When I try to being up customer service now it won't even offer chat, only the forums. At least here I see I'm not the only one with issues!

[Catwoman777]

I had those issues as well. Get on the Twitter support. Once the person
helped me and saw all the problems I got a case number. If you use the
return shipping label it took 3 WEEKS. I now have a replacement on the way.
It has been a very frustrating experience.

[Hangon48]

I just got off the phone with Fitbit. I didn't know about this community. Anyway, my call was to ask them to reset my Charge5 to the way it was when I bought it. Because, like so many here, I think it worked just great before the last two updates. I'm just bummed out that I can't utilize my Fitbit like I used to. Also note that today there is a mass problem with just the Charge5. Right now, it cannot be synced. They are working on it.

[Ythannah]

Well. I've gone from bad to worse here.

I finally contacted Support about my lack of notification problem and was told I had an older version of the app and needed to install a newer version. Was given the steps to do so, starting with uninstalling the old version. Once that was done I went to get the new one, only to find that it's not available for my phone (older Samsung Galaxy).

Fine, I'll install it on my laptop instead. Once again I was told that the new app isn't available for any of my devices.  Wth? The laptop runs Windows 10, it's not exactly archaic. All the sites that purportedly offer older Fitbit app versions look awfully hinky to me.

Now I have a Charge 5 that functions only by itself, no connection to any device, no stats, no data. 😞

[radesix]

It’s not that we are unlucky, it’s just a recent isssue. Historically I have been very happy with Fitbits. I have been a user since 2011 and have never had any issues until this year. The last two firmware updates in a row hosed the device and required replacement.

Quality has gone down hill dramatically since Google acquired Fitbit.

Get Outlook for iOS<>

[franklelee]

I was also told they were working on it... Wish they had told everybody before we started resetting our watches and losing our workout data 😞

[Tbartel1]

I updated mine while it was connected to the charging cable. It was fully charged when I went to sleep (wearing it). And I woke up with it completely shut off - no power. Hooked it to the charger and still nothing. Completely shut down. 

[Sohoboss]

This is of no use not unless Fitbit fix the problem with the Charge 5 not syncing and thus cannot be updated!

[Devsdobetter]

Fitbit was acquired by Google for over 2 billion dollars.  If they took .0001 percent of that money and paid a developer to write a proper windows app with diagnostic and wipe capability, then everyone could simply plug their device into their computer and either direct connect or wipe it.

[MsBumble]

Since the update I have lost the GPS element when exercising. Its recording but have no map of where I have been. ....

[Caitline25]

Is there any ETA on the firmware update? I've never had any issues with battery prior to the update and since then my charge 5 only lasts around 12 hours, or less if I'm actually logging exercise. The GPS now cuts out regularly which was never an issue before and my watch keeps opening up wallet and getting stuck on the fitbitpay screen despite not selecting this option myself. I've had to remove my card and I still find the watch opening up the wallet independently, which further damages the battery. I've already done all the battery saving options such as removing GPS tracking, notifications and auto-wake and this has made no difference and has made my fitbit kind of pointless as it can no longer do any of the things I purchased it to do! So frustrating! I love fitbit products in the past and want to keep using my watch daily but the battery issue is making it impossible. It would be nice to know if we shoudl expect the fix-all update soon!

[jabob]

The problem is some of us have been told they have been working on it since Early July. 

[delawareBirder]

@jabob Seriously?  Since early July?  I think it may be time to quit waiting and go another route.

[Catwoman777]

Change to phone gps

[PdL5]

UPDATE: My app has synced with my Charge 5!  Not sure why it is working again.  I know so many others are still having problems.  The app actually only stopped synced this morning; more specifically  only the sleep metric stopped syncing. Calories, HR, steps all kept syncing.  I never had a battery issue.  Bought mine as a Christmas present for myself Dec. 2021 and it’s been perfect up until this morning.  But now it’s good again so there’s hope for you all on this thread too!  I have an iPhone 12 Pro Max in case this is phone or OS related.  I also tried all of the recommended steps earlier today.  Good luck to you all. 

[DarBenson]

Mine was doing that as well.

[mchili]

Mine suddenly synced again as well!