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.  

[Ohjustme]

Is there any way to remove the banner in the app that informs us of an update being available. I do not want to update the watch and don't want to see the banner telling me of it.

[Butterflywings]

Try swiping down and tap on the right white icon and scroll through the settings.  Hope that helps 

[Ohjustme]

Hmm, swiping down in the fitbit app? That's where the banner is.

[DF3036]

Got it. The new swipe down menu has a sleep mode that was enabled so it overrode settings. disable sleep mode and now I have my options back.

Dave

[tltan86]

the update takes about less than 10 mins with no issues. keep up the good work!

[NewHippie]

Hi MattFitbit-

I started the Iconic firmware update yesterday (10/09). Right in the middle of the progress, the screen on my device went black. So I started the update again. Now, the app cannot find my device. Device does not respond to manual re-start or a charge. What should I do?

[LwrHrtRt]

Contact support. Get a case #. Hold them accountable.  It's not just you and I having this same issue. The forum is filling up with it. I just got off Fitbit Chat Support myself:

Natalia: I was discussing with my team and we have been receiving some customer's reports about this issue after the update.Natalia: However, Fitbit has not notified us about that. When there is a common issue, Fitbit sent us an alert with the release and the steps that we need to follow in each caseNatalia: So many agents and supervisor are waiting for instructions to continue handling this case.Natalia: I have a suggestion for your case.Natalia: I'm going to send you a follow up email, that way, we can keep in contact regarding this common issue and wait until the Fitbit release.

[Shant21]

First, lets clean the pins on your charging cable and the back of the tracker:

1. Clean the pins gently and carefully with a cotton swab/cue tip and a little bit of rubbing alcohol.
2. Make sure that no pieces of the swab are left behind and that the surfaces are completely dried before plugging the tracker. 
3. Change to a different outlet from the one you currently use. 
4. Leave the Fitbit on the charger for 30 minutes, making sure the pins on the FItbit are correctly aligned with the ones on the charging cable. 

Now,  lets restart the Fitbit: 

1. Take the Fitbit off the charging cable. 
2. Press and hold the left and lower right buttons at the same time for 15-20 seconds until you see the Fitbit logo on the screen.
3. Put it back for about an hour, making sure the pins on the Ionic are correctly aligned with the ones on the charging cable. 

• When you plug the Fitbit to charge do you feel a small buzz or vibration? 
• Do you use a wall outlet or a computer to charge the Fitbit? 
• Are you using the original charging cable? 
• Do you see the light on the back of the Fitbit when you put your finger for a few seconds? 

[MisterrrT]

So what are they? 

Moderator edit: Format

[lillegend4]

Don't do this update unless you are prepared to buy a new watch.  I just tried to update and now the screen is black and does nothing.  As a long time experienced IT guy I have never seen a device that just dies after an update.  Not only did it die but the display shows nothing and the device doesn't power on.  This looks more like a defective device along with buggy software. Normally a device will go into some type of boot loop that you have to recover from but this device just died with no ability to to even attempt to recover from.  Where's the recovery mode? I guess I'll be going back to Samsung.  My watch is less than 9 months old.

[d_k]

Updated yesterday. Straight from the latest 3.x release (without the 4.0.1).

Downloaded at about 150kb through wifi, (router showed that the ionic was connected). The whole procedure took about 15 minutes.

After a reboot, i've got a short introduction. About 5 minutes later it told me that it would like to recalibrate so i've connected the charger and a few minutes later it did show a green checkmark -> worked as well.

There are pretty cool new features. Why don't you mention them at your "What's new and fixed" page?

So what's my experience? (might be android specific)

• instant sync.
  during the last few weeks / months i had to trigger a sync two or three times till it really launched (or was able to complete). with the most current app and this firmware everything works as smooth as possible. open the app and after a few secons (without manual triggering / refreshing) the sync is completed.
• battery usage
  maybe caused by the sync issue with the previous release, but: during last night the battery went from 51% to 50%. thats about 1/4 of what i had before. so the watch seems to sleep better and deeper as well 
  I'll check if that continues with such a great performance during the day, but that would boost the stamina of one recharge to somewhat around a week, or even more.
• quick access menu
  when swiping down, there are the notifications (as with previous releases), and additionally floating in the upper quarter of the display, three icons to access music, credit cards and a new quick settings menu
• quick settings menu
  
  • do not disturb (on/off)
  • sleep mode (on/off) -> sets brightness to lowest, and display wakeup to tap / button (not by movement)
  • brightness (dim/normal/max/auto)
  • screen wake (auto - motion / manual - button)
• replies to notifications
  way more options, didn't explore everything new. at least: multiple emoticons, remorse option (cancel sending)
  preferred replies (textual and emoticons), plus a button to expand the list and get access to more 
• Settings "app"
  • screen timeout (10s/15s/20s/45s/60s)
  • sleep mode
    • schedule (allow sleep mode to turn on during sleep hours)
  • left button is customizable (quick settings / pay / notifications / music controls )

thats quite something. don't know if some of that (especially in the settings section) was released earlier, but the rest is pretty cool.

Many thanks for developing new features and fixing bugs, especially for a device older than 6 months (sadly thats not standard in our modern world). 💖💖💖

The only annoyances: your communication politics, especially regarding the SPO2 sensor. 🙄

Moderator edit: Word choice 

[njdan]

This update has bricked my Ionic, it no longer powers on.

The last screen was the green one with the logo, then it turned off and is now dead. 

[NewHippie]

Update on my dead Iconic -

You will have to buy a new device, unless yours is still under warranty. It's worth it to start an online chat about the firmware update issue. My device is no longer under warranty, so they did give me a discount to replace my Iconic or other select fitbits.

It's a still concerning that an update can render a device completely useless, where you have to buy a new one. This is some serious stuff.

Oh yes, and thanks for teaching me a new word: bricked

[Kiatisak]

I thing we have to ensure wifi is good signal before try update

[Fotopaul]

So how do I downgrade my Ionic? This update was nothing but trouble, I had a Ionic that worked pretty well notifications keep popping up as they should. Now i have to manually sync the ionic 3-4 times to have it to connect to the app and then some notifications pop up. 

This is on Android so no iOS13 bug causing it. 

I will get a refund from Amazon if there is no option to revert back. 

[carlfxy]

Mine has been going on for a couple of hours now over bluetooth.Had to put the phone on charge as well as the fitbit 😞 

[njdan]

My WiFi was fine, I was playing video games while it was updating.  The phone was next to the fitbit which was plugged in.  

After the green screen with logo it turned off and is now dead.

Support said they are going to send me a follow-up email in a few hours to analyze the firmware failure.  Not sure what this means yet for a replacement. 

[zhntr]

Update went fine; however, I have lost the ability to long press the bottom right button and launch the bottom-most, left app. 

Also, would be nice to know what the "bug fixes and improvements" are.....

[mackrackit]

The upgrade went ok, but the new way of replying to a message is terrible!!

Why so many extra clicks?  The idea of being able to respond with a quick message from the watch has been defeated.

How can I roll back to the previous firmware?

[carlfxy]

Ok so my update is done, it took 4 hours on bluetooth ... omg seriously.