Inspire 3 won't update

[watchfan]

I've had my Inspire 3 since November 2024 and am still on firmware 20001.188.58.  I believe this is at least a few versions old.  I've tried unpairing, resetting, keeping on charger, updating app (iOS).  The device won't update and there doesn't appear to be a way to manually update it.

Any suggestions on how to get the update?  I mainly want it to use the newer clock faces (like Juxtaposed) which aren't available for my old firmware (Install button grayed out).

[Bill_209]

That is very unusual, @watchfan.  It shouldn't take more than a week, at most, for a new device to be updated from the Factory 188.58 firmware to the latest firmware version.  

The Factory 188.58 firmware version is so old at this point in time that it is basically worthless, as you have pointed out.  The latest firmware version has many improvements that you aren't able to take advantage of, such as many new clock faces and excercise types, as well as an improved heart rate measurement algorithm, so there is no excuse for Google to be taking so long to update the firmware in your new device that you paid good money to get.

Have you tried contacting Customer Support yet?  If not, just click the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the App Today screen and then choose Help and then Help Center to initiate a Customer Service contact.

[watchfan]

Thanks Bill - I did try support again.  The agent said I was on current version - to which I pointed to the release page showing at least 3 newer versions.  Then said I should clear user data (which I have done, twice).  Then said the Inspire 3 is a legacy product and no longer supported(!?).  Then came back and said it is supported.  I asked for an L2 agent and they said they'd email me.  I get there's not a lot of support on a cheap product, but it's a frustrating experience.  I really want to stick with Fitbit, but support interactions like this make it a struggle.  If anyone else knows a way to force an update, I'm all ears!

[Bill_209]

What a pathetic Google Customer Service experience, @watchfan!  Unbelievable!

Did that worthless Customer Service representative give you a Case Number to reference, because it is highly unlikely that you will ever receive a follow-up email from anybody.

There is no way to 'force' a firmware update of your Inspire 3 device, so I would recommend contacting Customer Service again and tell them to either update the firmware in your Inspire 3 device ASAP or issue you a RMA number so you can return your device for a replacement under their 1-year Factory warranty.

You have nothing to lose at this point in time, because an Inspire 3 running with the Factory 188.58 firmware isn't worth having at the price that you paid for it.

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@watchfan , you should inform the next Google Customer Service genius that tells you that the Inspire 3 is no longer a supported device to check the Google help page for security updates and they will find that it will still be supported until  at least June 2026.

https://support.google.com/product-documentation/answer/15181553?hl=en

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Moderator edit - merged messages 

[watchfan]

Thanks Bill - I did hear back, they said to keep syncing it and eventually it will update!? I may follow your advice and try for a warranty replacement.  I notice there are a few other threads with this same issue, so I don't think it's just mine.

[jsvaton01]

I just bought Inspire 3 like half an hour ago and noticed the same issue.

So the way it works is the smartband is notified by some server that a update is available and only then you can download it? Feels quite strange...

[Bill_209]

It normally takes 3 - 5 days for a new device to get an updated firmware download notication (pink dot on the Device icon in the upper left-hand corner of the App Today screen) @jsvaton01, so you shouldn't be concerned unless you still don't get the notification within a few days after that.

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@watchfan, you've been syncing your device several times a day since November 2024, so what does that tell you about their advice?

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Moderator edit - merged messages 

[watchfan · Accepted solution]

Wanted to close the loop here - my device updated to 214.24 this morning.  FitBit support said it won't update to an older version, so the delay was caused by slow rollout of this version.  I'm just glad it finally updated!

[Bill_209]

Waiting 5 months to get a new device updated to the latest firmware version must have set a record, @watchfan.

[pantt]

Inspire 3 is certainly full of bugs and nowhere near as good as the original, which I hadn't  bought it tbh. Poorer at recognising exercises, especially swilling and cycling.  Sleep measurement is laughable and as for updating it can take 10 minutes which is just hopeless.