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.

[Catwoman777]

you must be tired. Delete that tile and re-select it. I was not getting my
readiness number. I deleted and reloaded. It worked. I used YouTube to
find a video on how to do it.

[SteveCDN]

NASA launch pushed back again … surely hope that Fitbit software engineers are not involved in fixing firmware problems😀

[klklklkl]

Update: finally i've received my replacement charge 5. did not update the firmware!

[Erik1960]

What is your firmware version?

I got mine also but it was shipped with 1.142.37

Erik van de Ven

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

[Catwoman777]

I did not either and have no plans to.

[Casick]

After updating my Charge 5, it became unresponsive to double tap.After doing restart procedure it would work for a day or so then freeze up displaying a white “x” with a red circle around it. After contacting Melissa at customer support and  providing a picture of the charge 5 in “red circle x mode”, I was basically ignored. All attempts to contact customer support since have been ignored. This Charge5 eventually became completely unresponsive and died. I have replaced it with a charge5 I got my wife. It now wants me to update it. I’m very hesitant as the update I did to my original Charge5 ultimately lead to its complete demise. What do you suggest I do with the new one? Update or not?

[Erik1960]

If it ain't broke don't fix it until there is a better release.
My story is similar. I upgraded my first unit and it bricked. Just the fitbit logo at best. I get a replacement but shipped with old firmware after being out of a tracker for a month. The version was 142.37. Strange that Fitbit doesn't send their units with latest firmware.
I noticed sync issues so I was hardheaded to hit the upgrade again. The upgrade went fine but have to see how things go in the next days. So far so good.
I am sure that many charge users successfully upgraded to 171.50. But would be eager to know the failed % of upgrades.

Erik van de Ven

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

[cfsFit]

Do not update. It's likely that the update will destroy the second Charge 5 just as it destroyed the first one.
Wait for a new update and for many of those affected similarly by the last update to confirm that the later update works.

[Erik1960]

I would agree with you.

But this is the official view of Fitbit after my query if I should upgrade my replacement fitbit after the first one got bricked by the upgrade.

FITBIT:
With regards to your concern, we recommend to update firmware of your Charge 5 to the latest version.

Updating the firmware should not damage the device, instead it will allow your tracker to access the latest features and improvements.

It is just a coincidence when the issue occurred on your Charge 5 previously after doing the update.

Erik van de Ven

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

[LiJaHi]

@Casick don't update it. You can just carry on using it and ignore the update button.

[jabob]

After sharing the forum responses to Costco, manager replaced my Charge 5 with new one. She was unaware and so very helpful. Mine keeps requesting to update but I am going to ignore. I have been in Fitbit jail for awhile do to my responses not meeting their criteria. I will continue to monitor the responses from fellow charge 5 participants. 😊

[SteveCDN]

Great feedback and good For Costco. It would appear Fitbit (Greedgle) have abandoned any corporate responsibility and their silence and actions on this matter speaks for itself.

[Catwoman777]

Did you try going through Twitter Support? . I started there. It was a
hassle for hours but finally convinced them Fitbit broke my Charge 5. Got a
new one. I’m afraid to update as it works great
Good luck

[AtNinthLife]

I do have a replacement coming but how do you stop the update? My current Charge 5 automatically installed it.

[CoreyMac]

I get that a warranty is not forever, but when your software "security" patch breaks your customers equipment, surely that should follow a different path.  By bricking customers equipment with a patch that in theory is aimed at fixing security things and you mess it up and don't test it enough to keep from ruining the products they purchased, you should replace their equipment.

Otherwise you are teaching them to not trust the vendors and not apply patches because the risk is too great of harm to their stuff.  That is not the scenario that best protects the community from the baddies.

[delawareBirder]

@CoreyMac  I totally agree.  I am supposed to receive my replacement Charge 5 on Friday.  I will not update it with any firmware until the general consensus is that the firmware is safe to install.  Both my wife and I have Charge 5s.  The latest update bricked my Charge 5, but hers was not affected.  It would be preferable if Fitbit would install the latest firmware and test the device before shipping it, but they leave that task and risk to the user.

[CoreyMac]

The worst thing is that I have not seen a single indication that they intend on fixing the root cause of the problem or that they even acknowledge the issue they have created on any of the devices. Charge4, Charge5, Versa2, Versa3, etc...

This is really not that big of an issue except for the horrible way they are handling it.  If you break something, own it, fix it and get on down the road.

If they would just fix the firmware so the problems cease, then all these hardware issues would stop.  What is with this denying you made a mistake and not fixing the bugs...??!?!?

[Catwoman777]

Don’t hit the link to update.

[AtNinthLife]

I never have hit a link to update. It automatically updates when I sync with the app. And if I can’t sync, what is the point of the Fitbit. I’ll search in all the settings and maybe reach out to the “support” team.

[LiJaHi]

@AtNinthLife mine has never automatically updated - the link is there inviting me to update but I am very careful not to touch it. I only sync briefly once or twice a day so if there is a possibility that it could automatically update over time while syncing, hopefully I am not giving it enough time. Customer Support denied it could happen automatically though.