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]

I wish I could’ve said that I have to have it for health reasons and if I can’t count on it I couldn’t use it so I gave mine away which works sporadically and bought an Apple Watch which is reliable though a little expensive

[Jksfloyd]

I just made the mistake of updating my device (should have read this before doing so) now my screen is unresponsive to swiping.  It does seem to track everything fine on the app. I did the instructions above and changed the clock face.  It helped to get rid of a text message notification it was stuck on but did nothing to fix the non-swipe issue. Sounds like people have called and they’ve been unable to help.  Are they offering replacements or at least a major discount? 

[Dumi2508]

Hi Jksfloyd

Yes, it seems to be issue where the new firmware is frying the screen of the fitbit. Whilst fitbit has not acknowledged it I am sure they know it. It is happening to too many people for it to be coincidence or a unrelated hardware failure.

They are offering replacements if your charge 5 is within warranty. As the charge 5 was released in September 2021 almost all charge 5 should still be under warranty. Just connect with customer support and log a complaint.

Best regards

Dumi2508

[Catwoman777]

Sorry to hear that. After you follow all the process it seems they are
replacing most. Start with the Twitter support person. Good luck

[DrDaveUK]

I guess I can say I fall into that fortunate group.    I guess it's been about 2 weeks since my last post in this thread and since then I've only had to recharge once, and it's currently at 44%.   I did have to update the replacement pebble, and even though I had many of the same problems that all of you had with my original one, this replacement seems to be working well.   I did confirm through Fitbit Chat that they would replace the replacement  should it have failed.   

I'm just amazed how long this thread is getting because there are still problems with so many units.  

[Dumi2508]

Probably it is an issue with the charge 5 devices that got produced initially, maybe some mismatch with the hardware and firmware, as many say that the replacements they got are working well. I suppose fitbit will have to replace them all as almost all devices fall under warranty

[Kaustav243]

07th Oct 2022

My Charge 5 battery was messed up after the update to 1.171.50 , tried everything but nothing improved the battery back up (would last around 12 hours without any workouts). Raised this with Fitbit and a replacement was shipped as the device was in warranty , the replacement is sitting on version1.142.37 ,and is giving an awesome battery back up of almost 4-5 days with a short gps workout almost everyday.  I ain't taking any risk with software updates on the replacement (it keeps prompting me to update) until the next version is released. Hope this helps.

[Catwoman777]

Same situation with me I will not update. It is working fine

[BurntOrange]

I received a replacement under warranty about 2 months ago, and I am having the issue.

What's odd is it just started a few days ago, and was working fine before then.

I suppose the replacement Fitbit could be old stock, but  seems unlikely

[Catwoman777]

Since the one I got snd many are 2 versions back it is obvious old stock.
ALL replacements should have had the latest version installed.

[SunsetRunner]

These are the steps I follow when updating anything from any manufacturer; hopefully this is helpful.  However, these steps are what I perform and I am only sharing with forum to be helpful. With that being said it is your device and you choose how to proceed as I am not an authority just someone sharing a guideline that I hope will be helpful.  

Good practices when updating electronics:

1. Make sure device is fully charged
2. Prior to an update: Restart device (fitbit in this case) & corresponding hardware (in this case your smartphone)
3. When device is back online proceed with update

The steps above generally prevent most update issues with electronics

However sometimes a clean install is needed:

Resolving post update issues:

1. Fully charge device
2. Perform a factory reset of device (fitbit in this case)
   1. Delete/remove device from fitbit app
   2. In the case of fitbit also delete/remove the bluetooth profile from smartphone
   3. Force close fitbit app
   4. Reboot smartphone
3. Follow procedure install a fitbit

Confirm update is installed; if not... then reapply update following the initial "good practices..." steps above.

***Additionally, after each update is complete let updated devices(fitbit in this case) rest for 15 minutes to finish any background activities. 

1. Then perform a reboot of the device(fitbit in this case) and any corresponding hardware (in this case your smartphone)

ref to performing resets:

https://help.fitbit.com/manuals/charge_5/Content/manuals/html/Update,%20Restart,%20and%20Erase.htm

[Kaustav243]

I ain't taking any risk 🙂 until fitbit releases the next version update (i.e the one after1.171.50)

[9v9z9f]

How do I update my charge 5 watch?

[CoreyMac]

Look back a couple of message for a pretty reasonable step-by-step from @SunsetRunner.  The mobile device app should prompt you if your device has an update available.

Note however that the majority of these 50+ pages of messages are specifically because the current update has broken MANY devices.

It is really worth a read back a few pages to get a feel for whether the update is a good idea for you.  It might work or it might brick your device.  Fitbit will be no help really.  If it bricks it and you are under warranty, they will send you a refurbished replacement in a week or so.  If you are not under warranty by even one day, they will offer a 35% discount on older products in the product line (not the newest models) but no replacement even though it is their firmware upgrade that ruined your device. 

At least that is the experience we have seen here.

[Kaustav243]

Don't update the firmware unless you want to risk bricking your device !

[Catwoman777]

Hit the Update Tracker on top banner in app

[MCampau]

My charge 5 battery went from seven days of use to 2 hours of use even after I tried all the battery saving suggestions within a month after this version was released. My suspicion is that fitbit sold the company to Google and stopped giving any real support to their current customers. I am done with fitbit and will tell everyone I know to avoid this company like the plague.

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I did it and that is exactly what happened. Within a month I went from 7 days use to 2 hours. Fitbit doesn't care about the damage because they sold out the company to google. Spread the news drop fitbit like a hot potatoe.

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I can't believe you are even considering fitbit in the future, Garmin or many other health monitors would have better treatment of their customers. Fitbit announces they have sold to google and getting the fitbit support to tell you anything but where to buy another charge 5 is impossible. No concern any longer.

[Catwoman777]

I totally get it. See the massive complaints on thus thread

[MCampau]

Catwoman777: you have been posting since July and here it is October, what needs to be considered is that this was intentional. Fitbit is being bought by Google and the charge5 is the latest fitbit product and most likely google is going to release their own product (sure to be more expensive) so they probably want everyone to buy THERE new product and discard the fitbit. This is speculation but it wouldn't surprise me if they wanted to remove their competition and monopolize. Just saying.

[Catwoman777]

Don’t disagree. I got a replacement but will not update tracker. Learned
the hard way.