Inspire 3 came with old Firmware off the box

[GLORIANJ]

On Amazon and also Walmat, there is huge discount on the Inspire 3. I've had since October 2023 and it now as Firmware 63.2001.210.26. It's been fine. With the big sale, I did some research and thinking mine might die at some time in the near future, I decided to buy a "NEW"  Inspire 3. The firmware on the device is 63.2001.188.58.  I started researching and find here that this is 2 versions OLD! So, it looks like these are veing dumped! I noticed that there was a map  that I wasn't seeing on the newer firmware and that the PACE info is much different. There is a separate PACE button and I don't see any "turn on" kind of thing for starting tracking on the unit itself. And, I'm not sure if I can add things like rowing, gardening on to the limited list on this "old firmware" version, but it seems I might be able to on the app. I guess. 

So, do I update to the latest if possible (is it possible at all) OR do I return what is obviously an OLD PRODUCT being sold as if it current???

Really ticked off by this lack of transparency!  The box is pretty much the same except there is sticker on it that says  FV-424BKBK-US which was never on the box of the one bought in late 2023. 

Anybody else spot this issue with this "sale:????

Moderator edit:  updated subject for clarity

[Bill_209]

None of these Inspire 3 devices were being 'dumped', I can assure you.

Devices shipped from the Factory, sitting on a store shelf for some time, or ones that are sold as 'refurbished' may have an older version of firmware but, as soon as they are setup and running on the Google server, they will be updated to the latest firmware version within a week.

The latest firmware version is 214.24.

[GLORIANJ]

THANK YOU for that information! I searched all over for an answer before I posted my question!  Along the way, I saw similar sales over the last few years.

Am I correct in assuming that my "old" Inspire 3 that was running .210.26 would have been updated, too?

I wanted to keep the "old" one as a spare in case the new one had had issue.   Heck, I have my original FLEX from about 2013 and THAT still works!  You never know, LOL!

I'll be looking for the update! I am so happy that my data all is intact, too. I love the Inspire 3! It's great!  THANK YOU, AGAIN for the info! I feel so relieved!

[Bill_209]

The latest firmware versions are pushed out in waves, so just keep an eye out for a pink dot on the device icon in the upper left-hand corner of the App Today screen, which is an indicator that a new firmware version is ready for downloading.  Then, just click the device icon and choose the download button to start the firmware download process.

It is a good idea to have a fully charged device before starting the download process, because it may take up to 20 minutes to complete the firmware download.

[GLORIANJ]

I know all these updates can take time. So I'll be on full alert!~

Thanks so much...You've made my day!

[KenUser]

The new firmware has a lot of issues. If it is not broken, don't fix it. Keep the old firmware.

[Julia_G]

Hi, @GLORIANJ it is very usual when you set up a new Fitbit that you will get a message that a firmware update is available.  Once you have updated your Fitbit it will behave as any other Fitbit on the latest firmware.  During the time that you own it you will find that updates are periodically available.  These updates are sometimes to add new features and sometimes to fix bugs or update security.  Once your new device is updated it will behave exactly as any other Inspire 3.

Devices currently available for sale at approved retail outlets (like Amazon) are fully supported and guaranteed by Fitbit so you should have no concerns.  

I hope this helps!

[Bill_209]

Someone is now reporting that their new Inspire 3 device that was purchased in November 2024 is STILL running with the Factory 188.58 firmware and that Google hasn't updated the firmware on that device to the latest firmware version yet.

What the heck is going on with Google now?

[GLORIANJ]

Still waiting for a firmware update. There was an update of some sort of
the app but the firmware is still not updated.
ALso, the O2 monitor is saying I have to install the app but it's not
compatible with the version I have...and yet, it does update after awhile
for the previous night.
It's all very weird!

---

I have not received any notice about updating the firmware. It's been a
couple of weeks.
It's frustrating.

[GLORIANJ]

I just went through days/hours with Google who told me the new FItbits were sold at authorized sellers. What is the base FIrmware from the new one I bought at Best Buy (authorized seller)...the same as the firmware on the cheapie bought from Walmart (unauthorized seller, I learned) which Google support told me was a problem because they had OLD product that wouldn't update properly.

OK, so guess what? The "new" FULL PRICE one from Best Buy had the update come through and I noted the old firmware...And guess, what, after two synchs, it is now "LOOKING" and can't synch. The same issues as with the cheapie. Update 214.24.

Do I really have to mess with this AGAIN???? I'm ready to ditch Fitbit. I don't want a "replacement" that could be "new" or "refurbished" that Google offers EVEN IF YOU BUY NEW on their store, according to the Google agents I've spoken too. I want my money back! I will have to deal with Best Buy at this point and pray they take it back. 

Google is not addressing this very well.

[GLORIANJ]

I happened to find a YT video that walked through updating and I decided to watch it and in it he instructed on how to check the app at the Google Play store.

Even though a few days ago, the Google agent walked me through uninstalling and reinstalling the Fitbit app, I checked and see that is is Version 4.40 now on the replacement Fitbit I just bought at Best Buy yesterday  (Under Settings > Help).  Then I checked the app store and the version I see under "What's New" that the last update was April 14, 2025.  If you hit >>>> under what's new and scroll all the way down, under the Compatability section, the version  listed is 4.41 for Android 10 and up (my phone is fine at 14).

Also there is this  from the online website of Google help:

Note: Older versions of the Fitbit app (from 3.00 to 3.90 and from 4.00 to 4.21) may experience issues after September 30, 2024. You’ll need to update to the latest version (4.22 or higher). In order to update to newer versions of the app, use a compatible iPhone or Android device.  (If you click on the "update to the latest version link" you get to a page which says there is the version number at the top which it is not, it's at the bottom)  Also, you will see the above NOTE that I quoted.)

Now, going back to the Google Store, there is a blue bar saying UPDATE.  So, I just tried it and it says:

4.41 (110273285) 

SO what the heck is version 4.22 or higher?  AND YET, when I updated when the update notification came in the app this morning, it was for 63.20001.214.24 for the FIRMWARE  So, after updating from the Google Play Store, I got a question about which what to track (steps, active zone  minutes, etc) and now...STILL...not syncing.

My app says I'm CONNECTED TO FITBIT but the Inspire is looking and looking and looking and ....not finding after an occasional "blip" that never connects  (And yes I turned Bluetooth on and off, etc.) on a restarted phone. It last synced 5 hours ago after only 2 syncs.

SO, if someone tells you to delete and reinstall the app....that doesn't seem to solve ANYTHING.  Because where the heck do you get the correct version of the app and how does that tie into the "Firmware version 63.20001.214.24" that is the update coming in????

[JuanFitbit]

@Bill_209 @Julia_G Thank you for your comments and help. 

@GLORIANJ , A warm welcome to the Community! Thank you for your messages and keeping us updated. 

Regarding the Firmware update and your last post about the app updates. 

The Fitbit app updates and Firmware updates are independent. Because of the new requirements for the latest Fitbit app after the 4.22, only the ones after that will be able to pull up the Firmware update. 

Meaning, you'll need an app version newer as the v4.22. The current one is 4.41 for both systems (iOS and Android) .

Usually the update for the Firmware update takes a few days after the initial setup to be prepared for being installed. But we also have noticed that for some users it has taken a bit longer. 

Regarding your issue with the syncing of the Inspire 3:

Do you have other Bluetooth devices paired with your phone(keyboard, headphones, speaker,etc)? If so, we recommend to sync the Inspire 3 when the other devices are off or far away enough from your phone so that they are not connected at the same time as the tracker. 
Also, make sure that you have a strong internet connection. 

I assume that you already read this: Why won't my Fitbit device sync?,right? 

If so, please follow these steps; you may have already done some, but the order is important:

• Restart your Inspire 3.
• On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and remove all connections to the tracker. (Forget, ignore, or unpair device depending on the phone's operating system version.)
• Turn Bluetooth off and then restart your phone.
• When your phone is back on, turn Bluetooth back on, but DO NOT attempt to connect to the tracker from there.
• Go to the app. From there, try setting up the tracker as a new device.

[GLORIANJ]

Thanks for your response, but after hours with Google reps going several
rounds of trying to get sync work I'm not doing it again now after the
"new" Inspire from Best Buy is also not syncing. I'm returning it. I erased
any info on it and resurrected my old Inspire which is still working. I
just wanted a new one to keep the older one as a spare. I reinstalled my
old one but will not be doing any update on it. It works fine and I'm not
going to mess with it after reading the litany of issues this latest update
has created.

I don't know about this app 4.22 version because it's NOT on the app store.
I'm sorry to say that I've researched alternatives and am not planning to
buy another FItbit after using various models since 2013. I'm reading that
the future for Fitbit is doubtful, with 2 watches being discontinued and a
lot of doubts about Google's plans for the future with the Fitbit brand.
It's too bad because I really like the Inspire 3.

[GLORIANJ]

Thanks for your response, but after hours with Google reps going several rounds of trying to get sync work I'm not doing it again now after the "new" Inspire from Best Buy is also not syncing. I'm returning it. I erased any info on it and resurrected my old Inspire which is still working. I just wanted a new one to keep the older one as a spare.  I reinstalled my old one but will not be doing any update on it although the 422. is available. It works fine and I'm not going to mess with it after reading the litany of issues this latest update has created.

I don't know about this app 4.22 version because it's NOT on the app store.

I'm sorry to say that I've researched alternatives and am not planning to buy another FItbit after using various models since 2013. I'm reading that the future for Fitbit is doubtful, with 2 watches being discontinued and a lot of doubts about Google's plans for the future with the Fitbit brand. It's too bad because I really like the Inspire 3.