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.

[roxanasc]

sooo I have news! I updated the app and also my Pocophone Xiaomi and all of the sudden my fitbit started working as normal. I worked out with it and it didn't colapse! Should I still return it o maybe just wait to see the battery life?

[Starforsaken]

@DavideFitbitOur feedback might be appreciated, but it's also ignored.

It's the new firmware that broke our devices. Have you even tried reading some of the posts here?

You're literally losing paying customers, and you're still completely missing the point.

[Kunukuboy]

Perhaps a truthful "technical" explanation from the engineers of what is wrong with the hardware/firmware/app that caused the problems and what is being done to fix it would make us all feel better about Fitbit.

[cfsFit]

I contacted Customer Support about my replacement Charge 5, and the agent urged me to install the firmware update. I asked whether the firmware update had been revised since I installed it in July and experienced battery draining and other issues as a result, and was told that it had not been updated since then. I remain reluctant to update my Charge 5 until there is a new version of firmware that the Fitbit Community confirms fixes the issues caused by the last update without introducing new issues.

[Erik1960]

So wait until there is a new version and anybody that doesn't experience any drain issues or the like refrain from updating.
it is prudent to be extra cautious to upgrade firmware with fitbit. Seems they don't do proper alfa and beta testing.

Erik van de Ven

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed and word choice.

[Barryfla55]

I agree with you. Right now you have one that works the way it should, versus one you know wont if you update. I really don't understand why they are so insistent on this update being installed given all of the issues. I would suggest not until proven that a new update works

[jabob]

Great news! I hope it lasts.

Glad all worked out for you and Fitbit honored your request.

[Barryfla55]

Yup I have as well. Never sure when  our remarks will be deleted and no real clear reason why. I think most of us just want them to fix the problem. I have done everything that has been suggested to try and my watch still only gets 3.5 hours of life. It was full at 8:50 a.m. and I had to wonder around the development I live in, meeting with a couple of contractors to get work finished. Then home. Sat for abot 30 minutes and noticed it was down to 17%.

[delawareBirder]

@Barryfla55  Enjoy the shortened battery life while it still works.  My Charge 5 was only getting  3 - 4 hours of life until yesterday.  I started working outside at 4:15 with 86% battery.  I finished about 3 hours later and the screen was completely blank.  I can no longer charge the battery.  Upon reset from the charger, it's stuck on the Fitbit logo.  I requested a replacement under warranty and am supposed to be getting a replacement.  No confirmation via email of a shipment.  We'll see.

[jfe]

Battery longevity charge is typically a week here.

[colleenscharge5]

Used to be. Since the update - 72 hours now, but I understand that is
longer than what some users are experiencing. This is a very disappointing
state of affairs.

[Devonian]

I had exactly the same problem. The bad news is that the screen froze and then went blank. A few reboots but only lasted an hour before reverting to add a card. Screen went blank and although synching with the app the device became totally unresponsive including to reboots.
Not a power issue as I could see on the app that it was charging. Despite it only being a few months old I was offered a reconditioned model or a half price new in exchange which I am not impressed by

[colleenscharge5]

what is wrong with this company? We have all paid upwards of $150 for the
Charge 5. Weeks later they are garbage. I just want a different device. One
that works.

[Sarahyogi]

Me too. I’ve received my new one and it’s working so I’m scared to update it! 

[delawareBirder]

@Sarahyogi  Personally, when I receive my one under warranty, I will not update the firmware,

[Barryfla55]

I believe it. Mine has gone from 5 to 6 DAYS before upgrade to 5/5.5hours a week ago to 3.5 hours today 8/20.  This is the 2nd watch I've gotten. The first one died after 4 months when I went swimming for the first time with it. I was in the pool 10 minutes and it was dead. Customer service at the time was great, i offered to send it back, but they told me no and sent me a new one. I am still under the 1 year warranty from the first watch, so not sure what they wl do?

[fpanda]

Since upgrading my Charge 5 to firmware version 1.171.50 syncing is very slow and fails more frequently.

I usually sync once a day. Before the upgrade it completed fairly quickly and without issues. Since upgrading to 1.171.50 syncing takes very long and sometimes fails or requires a second pass to transfer all data. I followed the instructions under Why won't my Fitbit device sync? but that didn't seem to have improved the situation (at least not for long).

[Devonian]

Assume that a new upgrade will fix glitches.
Unfortunately there’s no way no reinstall old firmware
Andrew Crosthwaite

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

[fpanda]

> Assume that a new upgrade will fix glitches.

Yes, that's exactly why I report the issue, hope this will be fixed in the next firmware release.

[SankalpGuha]

I have the same issue. And the support email does not seem to want to help out. Keeps saying they are awaiting resolution from seniors