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Fitbit OS 4.0.2 - Firmware Release (27.68.9.15)

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‎10-09-2019 15:35

‎10-09-2019 15:35

Fitbit Update: 10/9

 

Hi everyone,

 

We’re excited to announce the release of Fitbit OS 4.0.2, available for Ionic (Firmware Version: 27.68.9.15). 

 

We've begun releasing this new firmware to customers. This is a progressive rollout which means everyone will receive it at different stages until it has been completely released to all users. We roll out releases in phases as a cautionary measure so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed. 

 

*Firmware releases are not distributed based on region or location and can reach anyone no matter where you reside. We do not recommend performing a factory reset to force the update to your device as your data will be lost and you may not get the update. Please be patient and wait until you see the update banner inside of the Fitbit app to begin the firmware download.

 

WHAT’S NEW AND FIXED

 
This release includes bug fixes and improvements.

 

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Step by step instructions for updating your Ionic can be found here. 

 

If you run into any trouble updating your Ionic, I recommend reviewing these troubleshooting tips. 

 

We appreciate your patience while we work to roll this out to everyone.  

Want to get more deep sleep? Join the discussion on our Sleep better forum.

Best Answer
633 REPLIES 633

‎10-15-2019 02:39

In response to Dom661

‎10-15-2019 02:39

I think it’s from the new update. If it’s not repairable then they can supply me with a new one! 

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 03:20

In response to Ellie2401

‎10-15-2019 03:20

I have a similar issue after the latest update.  The time on my watch started to drift.  Then it wouldn't sync.  I unpaired in hopes that I could repair and correct any issues.  However now the watch isn't doing anything and I can't repair.  Hopefully there is a fix for this issue.  

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 03:35 - edited ‎10-18-2019 03:57

‎10-15-2019 03:35 - edited ‎10-18-2019 03:57

I was having the notifications and settings issue with my watch, but thought it might be because of the new watch face I added, so I tried to change the face a couple of times & got the same problem.  Then I tried to delete the app & reboot my watch & pair my watch to my phone again.  Now my watch isn’t recording my steps.  It says I only walked 7 steps yesterday...

 

Then I figured it might be the iPhone iOS update, so I looked here.  I use this watch for time and steps, mainly, so I really need for it to work properly.  How can I fix this?  I doubt the steps issue is related to the iPhone iOS update.  Is it related to the watch iOS update?!??

 

Edit - I just checked & it hasn’t logged my sleep for the past 2 days either! 😩

 

Edit 2: 10/18/19: I rebooted my watch again last night. It looks like my steps are finally tracking again & my sleep is being recorded. *whew!*

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 05:08

In response to Ellie2401

‎10-15-2019 05:08

My fitbit has just done the same this evening. was charged to 67% then in under 4 hrs later was dead. is sitting on charger, symbol is showing as charging, but still at 0% . it updated 2 days ago... not happy

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 05:57

In response to Ellie2401

‎10-15-2019 05:57

Same issues with mine.  Awoke Sunday (10/13) with Ionic functioning as normal.  Then about mid-day it went blank.  Can't charge or reset.  Cleaned all ports for charging but no help.  App won't sync, just keeps "looking" for the watch.

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 06:23

In response to SilviaFitbit

‎10-15-2019 06:23

I do have the update: 27.68.9.15, is the version my app and watch both show.  Have had it now for over a week.  Still not tracking heart rate in a stable manner since this update and still cannot access all 7 options on the today tab feature on the watch itself!  

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0 Votes

‎10-15-2019 08:38 - edited ‎10-15-2019 08:43

In response to kyla_s

‎10-15-2019 08:38 - edited ‎10-15-2019 08:43

@kyla_s 

I don't think that the update bricks 50% of the Ionics. Only people with problems or questions tend to use this community. All others with functioning devices do not visit. And heh, the thread is now 12 pages long. How many different users bricked their devices? 40? I think it is only a minority of the worldwide Ionic users. 

And with this much different plattforms (android versions) and producer specific functionality (e.g. agressiv energy saving mechanism,...) it is hard to guaranty 100% functionality. And I understand their point of view. If you do an update out of warranty, it is on your own risk. But if they force the update the argumentation changes. If you do so you have to be sure that it works on every device 100%.

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 08:42

In response to Ellie2401

‎10-15-2019 08:42

Has anyone heard anything about this?  I've tried all of the troubleshooting steps and now I can't repair the watch to my account.

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 08:53

In response to benedikt.ebli

‎10-15-2019 08:53

@benedikt.ebli you raise a valid point and I actually appreciate you reminding me that this forum does represent a very small sample size of the overall devices out there in the world. In the frustration of already been one of the unfortunate people to have an updated brick their device I admit I overlooked that. 

 

I also appreciate you pointing out that Fitbit doesn't force anyone to do the update. It is suggested and as is with any software/firmware to keep things running smoothly. And I would agree now that it is at the owner's risk because Fitbit is not forcing it upon their users.

 

Thank you for reminding a very hesitant and somewhat frustrated person of some really valid grounded points. I hope more people read your post. 

 

May I ask if you did the update yet? If yes was it successful for you? Did you do it via wifi or Bluetooth?

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 09:03

In response to kyla_s

‎10-15-2019 09:03

Using iOS 12.4.1

Updated to 27.68.9.15 successfully.

 

After the update, text/calendar notifications do NOT vibrate or show up on the screen. But when I swipe down, I can see them. Is there any setting in the new firmware I have to turn on?

Best Answer
0 Votes

‎10-15-2019 09:11 - edited ‎10-15-2019 09:27

In response to benedikt.ebli

‎10-15-2019 09:11 - edited ‎10-15-2019 09:27

@benedikt.ebli 

 

Well, there is this thread plus the numerous stand alone threads of people with either bricked or impared Ionics post upgrade.  I take your point that its a limited number of people, but in the real world reputable businesses measure failure rates in parts per million, not percent.

 

If its just a handfull why incur the bad publicity storm of dissatisfied customers?  Id have happily extolled the virtues of a company that stands by its customers and encouraged others to buy from them (Buy Saucony running shoes by the way), but now I'm so mad at the way I and others have been treated I will go out of my way to leave poor reviews at every opportunity, something I would never have done otherwise.  Whats that saying, "It takes years to win a customer and only seconds to lose one".  Well, well done Fitbit.

 

I was aware I was outside of warranty, I questioned the need for the update here (and still got no answer as to what this update fixes specifically), and asked how I could NOT do the upgrade (still no answer to that).  BUT, I turns out my device was already not syncing or being recognised by my phone so I had to reset and reinstall anyway.  Effectively this was not something I CHOOSE to do, it was not possible to avoid, and that is why I am spitting mad at Fitbit for their dismissive response.

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 09:12 - edited ‎10-15-2019 09:22

In response to kyla_s

‎10-15-2019 09:12 - edited ‎10-15-2019 09:22

@kyla_s 

If there is a way to avoid this update I couldnt find it.  One of the mods admitted as much upthread  (since edited?)  the implicataion being that eventually you have to do it as the check box just keeps coming back.

 

I actively tried to avoid doing it, and yet my device is still bricked.

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 09:14 - edited ‎10-15-2019 09:15

In response to benedikt.ebli

‎10-15-2019 09:14 - edited ‎10-15-2019 09:15

@benedikt.ebli Agreed, we don't know how many bricked devices there are, or exactly how the firmware was updated (I.e which phone, WiFi or Bluetooth, etc). What we do know is that many people (40?) on this forum have reported the same result, a bricked device after a firmware update. And Fitbit's response for those outside the warranty is a big fu. Also, if it is indeed only 40 devices, Fitbit can't afford $12k to send out replacements? Which makes me think the real number reported cases is way higher than 40, otherwise why be so cheap about it?

Former Fitbit customer
Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 09:20

In response to sanmanae

‎10-15-2019 09:20

Speak to Fitbit support on twitter and they’ll open a case for you about it to get it resolved 

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0 Votes

‎10-15-2019 09:40

‎10-15-2019 09:40

Hi,

So apparently this update now shows media controls from the device if playing from the phone.  However since update i'm unable to do so as it keeps showing notification I need to pair my phone.  It is paired and syncing with no issues as well as receiving notifications.  I would GREATLY like to be able to use this functionality.

 

PS I have disconnected fitbit from phone via app twice with no luck.  All attempts to pair to phone directly have failed.  I am only able to get device functioning w/phone via app.

 

Phone: OnePlus 6 android 9 with latest sec updates

fitbit: Ionic w/OS 4.0.2

Best Answer
0 Votes

‎10-15-2019 09:45

In response to JaredNoel

‎10-15-2019 09:45

Battery has been crippled on my Ionic since the update.. was getting between 4 and 5 days out of the battery, now lucky to get two days! 😡

Best Answer
0 Votes

‎10-15-2019 09:56

In response to benedikt.ebli

‎10-15-2019 09:56

I called Customer Service before I came here.  And before that I tried all the recommended solutions and they did not resolve the issue.  Nor did they resolve the issue when I went through them again with customer service.  Clearly Fitbit has issues dealing with iOS, see the big pink notice at the top of this page - they need to work that out or stop claiming compatibility. 

 

If a company markets a product as compatible with specific devices and operating systems then they DO have obligation to make sure that a relatively simple process like a firmware update doesn't break the device entirely. 


I have worked in tech for decades and it is never appropriate to break ANYTHING with an update. It is even less appropriate to go under a rock without addressing the issue.  And it is entirely inappropriate to fail to provide adequate customer service on your products. 

 

I have talked to Customer Service, and then I came to this community -- and there has been no response about what happened, why it happened, and what Fitbit is doing to correct the situation and prevent it happening again in the future.  

 

A device that cost a couple hundred dollars should last at least one year before it becomes a brick - and it should never be broken by the company that created it.

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 10:12

In response to benedikt.ebli

‎10-15-2019 10:12

That may be the case that it is not 50% but Fitbit can’t and won’t answer the question of what are the bug fixes are . How can anyone decide whether to take the downgrade or not. Plus you can’t get rid of the annoying banner that an upgrade is available. This also is not the only thread with this issue. It doesn’t have to be 50% to be a big issue. There will be people who don’t report it and give up. Mine broke on the last release and I was lucky that Europe has a 2 year warranty which I can only assume was given because of a poor reliability issue. I bought the ionic as my last Fitbit also failed after less than 2 years and I only had a 1 year warranty with that. When this one breaks and I am sure it won’t be long then it is off to Garmin. will cost a bit more but will be better value in the long run as it will outlive Fitbit by some distance.

Sent from my iPad
Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 10:15

‎10-15-2019 10:15

The update slowed the iconic, but not until after I calibrated it did it brick out on me. It responds but the screen is blank and when I go to reset (hold back and button buttons), only a screen of colored vertical lines appears. It seems many users are having the same issue. What is the fix? Forcing customers to go out and buy a new watch on a discounted prices sounds like a scam. 

Best Answer

‎10-15-2019 11:14

In response to kyla_s

‎10-15-2019 11:14

@kyla_s 

Update worked for me. I did it via Wifi because the update is way to big to do via Bluetooth. I do not understand why Fitbit does not omit an update via Bluetooth. It is way to dangerous.

I understand your frustration. From my stand point of view it is easy to write because I have 24 months of warranty and bought through Amazon. I generally do because they are very satisfactory in their way to handle guaranty problems. It definitely pays to pay a little bit more.

But I also know how PC motherboard manufacturers handle cases regarding defects vaused by bios or uefi updates on boards out of warranty. They mostly deny it. Of course Fitbit can provide substitutes but they do not have to. This way maybe looses customers but the Ionic is regarding its feature set very cheap in comparison to competition.

Best Answer