Fitbit OS 4.0.2 - Firmware Release (27.68.9.15)

[MattFitbit]

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.  

[Jonno34]

If you check my previous message you will see more:

"Well here we go again.  I had a charge 3, did an update and then had nothing but problems.  After weeks of going round in circles with solutions being offered (Change/Upgrade at a cost) then being withdrawn then re offered I eventually went for a paid upgrade after being promised delivery was not a problem.  This was wrong and I had eventually to drive to another country and buy additional car insurance to collect from a carrier.

I was relieved when the Ionic worked well and has done for a few months now however since this upgrade this has not been the case.  Syncing is invariably problematical, it will sync after a lot of faffing, sometimes reboot device sometimes app, sometimes phone.  An unusual  issue is it seems to sync the steps, then say device not found then reset the steps to previous figure.  Phone is a Samsung  J5 which is probably not supported as we seem realistically only to bother with Iphones BUT when I was given the replacement Fitbit were aware of this and it has been fine until this update."

The most bizarre thing is it will start the sync, update the step count, then say device not found, then zero the step count.  So clearly it finds it!  I have just managed to sync, having not been able to all day and several attempts.

[EdSawyer]

Same problems with two Ionics. And, when the wife lost notifications she went to the Samsung Galaxy. I'm toughing it out for now.

[EdSawyer]

All of that was done days ago. Also, shut down the Ionic and iPhone 11 Promax and restarted both together. The bottom line? If it involves Bluetooth forget it. Sync is not going to happen. If near a good wifi network it can talk to, 6 out of 10 attempts to sync on average.

[Shant21]

Don't you all worry. Google will soon be taking care of all our needs when it comes to bricked Ionics. I am sure they will have better firmware releases.

"Fitbit stock surges after report says Google has made an acquisition offer"

[KEHBELL]

DONT DO IT!!!!! MY ionic will not turn back on after getting 1/2 through the update.  My device is not even 1 yr old.

[Scat1928]

My Ionic died after the firmware update.  Less than 2 years old and dead as can be.  Of course it's past the year warranty and the offer Fitbit gave me is laughable.  25% off a $249 device.  Kind of makes you wonder what the update was designed to do.

[Scat1928]

Yep, mine died too and I had the exact same thought as you.  Looks like I'm moving over to Apple.  

[Beancounter1975]

Hi
I’m using an iPhone 8 + with the latest IOS software.


Sent from my iPhone

[Beancounter1975]

And all day sync is turned on

[Harry222]

@YojanaFitbit 

I had updated to firmware 27.68.9.15 and had problem syncing with my iPhone XS running iOS 13.0.3.  After hard reset, restore to factory setting, remove and reinstalled the Ionic, it was working much better.  It is currently showing firmware 27.33.1.30

I was surprised to see the app had prompted me to update the firmware today.  Given so many watches were affected by this update with possible compatibility issue with iOS 13.  Should I update the firmware?

Thank you.

[EdSawyer]

Only if you want to risk headaches or worse. I wouldn’t.

Sent from my iPad

[FontainPipeline]

The update killed my watch. Totally dead and not responding. My phone can’t find it. Not pleased. I would not recommend updating at this time.

[Elcs]

@YojanaFitbit @RicardoFitbit @MattFitbit 

So, FitBit support haven't been in touch with me after my ticket was raised here.

Not that, my battery is now lasting less than 24 hours on a full charge.

I have tried all of the battery saving techniques including forcing the lowest backlight, disabling always connected and disabling notifications.

This is not acceptable.

[Beancounter1975]

I had the same problem and realised that in my location settings on my phone it was automatically set to “always”.  I have changed it to “while using” and battery life is back to normal.  Hope this helps you 

 

 

[Elcs]

 No options available for setting the Location to 'while using' and Sync won't happen without Location permission.

Android 9 on my Note 10+

Android 10 on my Pixel 2 XL

Same issue observed across both phones.

[aumannjoy]

I’m confused @ Elcs if it is set at
“Only when using app” does it still track my walk or runs? I set my Ionic on walk and it shows me where I went on my walk even though I do not have my phone with me or even turned on to the app. My Ionic is set at always too. Yes I know it’s a silly question and yes I am that computer illegitimate.

Sent from my iPhone

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi everybody, thanks for keep sharing your comments. I'll be glad to keep assisting you with all your inquiries.

@FontainPipeline Welcome to the Community Forums. Sorry to hear about the issues that you're having with your Ionic. Thanks for the syncing steps that you've tried. Can you please try the suggested steps here. If after trying each one of the steps on that help article your Fitbit is not responding, please let me know.

@Jonno34 thanks for sharing this information with us. We really appreciate all the steps that you've tried to successfully sync with your Samsung J5. Please keep in mind that when a device is not supported we cannot guarantee its functionality with the Fitbit app. It might work at a certain time and then it can stop working out of nowhere after an update. This is because the app is not optimized to that device and any change could impact the performance.  In the meantime, you can try these steps:

1. Restart your Ionic
2. Reboot your phone and check that you phone and Fitbit App is up to date
3. Open Bluetooth Settings on your phone and delete your Ionic from there (forget device)
4. Open Fitbit App > Account > Ionic > Remove device (tap on the trash can in the upper right corner)
5. Reboot your Bluetooth and double check that it is not connecting from there
6. Force quit the App. Open it again Account > Set up a device

Turn on the Always Connected option in the Fitbit app. This setting improves the Bluetooth connection between your phone and Fitbit device. Note that turning on this feature may cause the battery on your Fitbit device to drain more quickly than normal. 

@EdSawyer Thank you for all the steps that you've tried until now. Verify each requirement before moving on to the troubleshooting steps:

• Your iPhone isn't managing other Bluetooth connections. If you have multiple Bluetooth products like speakers or headsets paired to your phone along with your Fitbit device, you may have trouble using more than one at the same time. Turn off other Bluetooth connections when not in use.
• If you use more than one device to sync, make sure the other device isn't nearby. If the device is nearby, turn off Bluetooth on it.

If your device still won't sync, you can try these steps:

1. Force quit the Fitbit app. For instructions see the Apple help article.
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth off and back on.
3. Open the Fitbit app.
4. If your Fitbit device didn't sync, restart your iPhone. For instructions see the Apple help article.
5. Open the Fitbit app.
6. If your Fitbit device won't sync after the restart, log in to your Fitbit account on a different phone, tablet, or computer and try to sync.
7. If your Fitbit device still doesn’t sync, remove all other Fitbit devices from your account and from the list of connected Bluetooth devices on your iPhone and try to sync.

@Shant21 and @KEHBELL your feedback is appreciated.

@Scat1928 Please keep in touch with our support team and keep me posted on the outcome of your case.

@Beancounter1975 Thank you for sharing this information about your syncing device, using the option "While using the app" will definitely safe your phone's battery life. Thanks for adding those pictures. I'd recommend these steps for any future syncing issue: Why won't my Fitbit device sync? 

@Harry222 You've done a great job performing those steps on your iPhone XS. Thanks for letting me know that the factory reset help your Fitbit to sync. You can either keep using your Fitbit without the update or you can update it right now. Eventually your Fitbit will need this update and in case that  you need further assistance we'll be here to give you a hand.

@Elcs Thanks for sharing the picture of your phone. If you go to "Settings" on your phone. Then "Apps" > "Fitbit" Can you see an option "Battery"? There should be an option to optimize the battery usage there. About your case with our support team, please keep replying to them. They will be glad to keep assisting you.

@aumannjoy I'll be glad to answer your question. You can use either the Multi-Sport option or the SmartTrack option your Ionic to track your runs. Thanks for letting us know that your Ionic is set on "Always" option.  

I'll be around in case that you have any other question.

[edraac]

So I got the update banner again this morning and decided to take the plunge. Everything has been running smoothly so far. In fact, super smoothly: sync seems faster, notifications arrive to my watch with little to no delay, battery seems good (but I haven't exercised today and it's only 4 hours since the update), etc.

The new Sleep Mode and Do Not Disturb settings seem promising, especially the scheduled Sleep Mode settings. Thanks Fitbit!

[EdSawyer]

Thanks, but I've decided on the best route to solving the technical issues with my Fitbit Ionic.  I just ordered a Sumsung Galaxy watch.  Fitbit and I are done, Google or not.  I've totally lost faith in Fitbit and all of my personal connections (people I work with, social networks, etc) know it and why.

[Jonno34]

Noted all of that and as per my previous experience with my charge 3 I do not expect anything to change in a hurry.  Fitbit seem to hide behind the compatibility stance when their retailers will happily tell you their devices are compatible with android X.X or higher.

I must say that the replacement of my charge 3 after issues with this phone was YOUR (fitbit) solution