New charge 6 set up - won't update

[leesha94]

Bought a new charge 6 - connected to app and is saying needs update - but update won't process, I've tried rebooting both device and my phone but it will not complete update, spent an hour at it now and feel like I've wasted my money. Please help.

[Rich_Laue]

Any error messages? 

Have you tried through WiFi as well as BT? 

Any firewalls or private DNS servers? 

[leesha94]

It will start downloading, get so far then say can't find the charge 6, when I have not moved it away from phone. I have tried both on mobile data and wifi, neither have worked. No firewalls or private servers.

[Overit99]

So far nothing here helps with this issue. I have tried all the suggestions regarding turning in an off rebooting etc.and continually get couldn’t update after multiple tries. It starts then stops at around 25% and says it couldn’t update. This is ridiculous that getting started on a new device should be so hard. Almost impossible to get any help from Fitbit themselves. I at a point where I will take it back and request a refund. This sort of issue with any device not coming fully functional is not for purpose. I won’t be recommending the Fitbit charge 6 to anyone! Instead I will be warning others against it! Seems this is a regular issue from many forums but no genuine solution from Fitbit or Google.

[Overit99]

I also tried contacting Fitbit and Google that was equally painful. Apparently I had to be put through to technical expert and surprise then they were not taking any transfer calls and I have to wait 24 to 48 hrs for a response. I hope the warranty on this device actually starts when it can be setup, as all the issues are with the device, which I currently hate. I wasted hours just trying to set up because of the issues with the tracker requiring an update to set up. Looking to get a refund it’s simply not fit for purpose and I won’t recommend the Fitbit or google or Fitbit help to anyone.

[Overit99]

Exactly same issues, no help here or from Fitbit or Google completely unhappy with this device and the difficulties in getting it set up and started. Not fit for purpose! 

[joestef]

Exact same problem here. Brand new Charge 6 straight out of the box. Update starts and fails every time. I've restarted the Charge 6. I've quit and restarted the app on the phone. I've disconnected the watch from the app and added it back from scratch. Nothing works. 

[SunsetRunner]

Same issue currently.

Charge 6 is on the charger, sitting at 99% charge, app is downloaded, and it says I need an update.  I start the process and then at some point it just seems to stop.  Feels like the connection comes and goes, and it also had a hard time finding the device initially.  Wondering if the Charge 6 has a subpar bluetooth perhaps?  Disappointing given that part of the reason I bought a Fitbit was expectation that it would be a polished experience.

Of note - I'm on a iPhone 16 Pro Max with the 18.2 public beta.  Don't think that should matter, but making a note of it here just in case.

Joestef, did you get yours working?

[joestef]

After many repeated cycles of restarting the Charge 6 and adding it as a new device in the app, the update finally completed successfully. I have no idea why it worked after failing so many times. iPhone 15 Pro Max running 18.1 

[Mmmparker]

same here. says updating for awhile and then just has the update available back again