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.

[4-0]

That was my experience today. Exactly what you wrote. 

thanks for the tips!

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Customer support has been great once you get through

[DeanK75]

I have exactly the same problem. 

Update: 

customer service was great and after a few questions and protocols a new device is on it’s way to me. 

great job Fitbit. 

[Erik1960]

You are lucky my friend. Even after I told them the nearest DHL drop-off is 3 hours drive they still made me do it. The replacement sending is on the way. Let's see

Erik van de Ven

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

[Catwoman777]

That is so good. I did get a “new” one but it still needs an update. I’m
afraid to do it. If you need to as well and choose to update, let me know
how it goes.

[VballKitty]

I got a new FitBit after mine got wrecked with the update. I decided to do the update and it worked fine for me. I was very concerned about doing it but I did it anyway. My FitBit is holding its charge and working fine.  I did have to turn on notifications though. I wasn't getting vibration with incoming calls or messages on my phone. After changing the notification settings that is working fine, too.

I don't know if it will work for you though

[W_D_S]

Seriously!? Who helped you? I want that person directly. Lol 

[VballKitty]

I don't know who it was. At the time, I didn't know the update had wrecked my FitBit. It seems that the update spontaneously started without me asking for it.

My FB was working fine, then I just got the back screen. I tried a bunch of things on my FitBit by myself, then I called customer service, stayed calm and did what they asked. They determined that my FB died, checked my warrantee and said they would send a new one. Altogether, I was without my FB for about 10 days. 

[4-0]

Yes!...I expected the run around. But nope!Try again, you can handle the "run around"Right? Stick with it.  The most difficult part was getting someone on the phone and they will read from their script. I think they are required to. Stay with it.Good luck.Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

[4-0]

Mine is just plain dead....it was a slow death like many others. 1 year old device thanksSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

[4-0]

I will not update until the next version come out.thanksvSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

[Nurparmaiel]

Ever since I’ve downloaded this update, my five day battery now only lasts 10 hours. I’ve tried uninstalling and reinstalling the app, doing a factory reset on the device. I’ve done everything I know and nothing is working. I bought this Fitbit Charge 5 two months ago and have never had a problem with it until now. Please fix the update!

[4-0]

Agree!Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

[Catwoman777]

Glad to hear a successful story

[W_D_S]

They are replacing my device!!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳 Finally!!!! The support rep today checked my warranty and said my device is covered and sent me my warranty options. Shouldn't have taken 3.5 weeks to get to this resolution but I guess the lesson is you have to keep talking to different people. Super happy, kudos to Fitbit for doing the right thing! 

[Catwoman777]

Yes sucks it it such a difficult process. Glad they are making it right!
They finally did for me too. Good job FitBit.

[SunsetRunner]

I too experienced the severe battery drain after the update came through. I even waited a few days before installing it. Wished now I had checked the boards first. Reported it to Chat support, they said Engineers were working on a fix. I dealt with the 7 hours of battery for a couple of weeks, and then it just kept dying. It got to the point where it was literally only functional while on the charger. It would read 100%, take it off, dead. At one point I even watched it lose charge while it was actively charging. I chatted support again, saying "I know I already reported the battery draining, but now it is in this state, and I've done (insert everything I tried) to help. It's dead." I confirmed it was three months old, they confirmed it was still in warranty and mailed me a new one via slow mail. I'm sad I don't have the ECM on my new device, but I am NOT updating the firmware on this one. As others have said, I'm also going to not renew my Premium subscription. And I'm going to start looking at other companies. I've lost faith in Fitbit and now being a Google subsidy, makes me wary.

[4-0]

Understand everything you said and I guess it shows how much we enjoy our fitbit by the passionate posts everywhere. Not to mention the cost and expectations that we have a right to.Nobody bats 1000, but the mark of a good company is how they make right on the their mistakes. I think they are doing this. The biggest problem has been getting through the customer support phone line. After that they have their script and try and help you resolve the problems Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

[SteveCDN]

I hope it wasn’t the same engineers whose lack of complete testing. delayed the space rocket launch test today.

This firmware update (sic) is really inexcusable 😀

[Catwoman777]

Oh man. That is terrible news. Thanks for sharing. I need to find a new
company too

[AtNinthLife]

Is this update available in Canada yet? Battery is gone within 24 hours for the last week. Charge 5 is my first and probably last Fitbit. Just doesn’t seem worth all the issues.