Fitbit OS 4.1.2 Firmware Update (70.7.27)

[MattFitbit]

Hello Ionic family!

We’re excited to announce the release of Fitbit OS 4.1.2.

We started releasing this new update 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 aren’t distributed based on region or location and can reach anyone no matter where you reside.

WHAT’S NEW AND FIXED

Read our help article for the latest updates.

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Find step-by-step instructions for updating Ionic here. 

If you run into any trouble updating Ionic, review these troubleshooting tips.

We appreciate your patience while we work to roll this out to everyone. Looking forward to hearing everyone's feedback in the comments below. 🤖

[noBrain_noPain]

@MrPicl even after the factory reset?

[Matsur]

Please tell me what the update will do for me. I have checked the link and it doesn't say anything I can use. I have been a fitbit customer for a long time and if this update destroys my ionic, which has never been able to sync with android correctly, I will be replacing it with another brand. Please provide straight answers to straight forward questions.

Many thanks.

[Bob808]

The battery drain happened right after the firmware update and the reset did nothing to help fix the issue.



Sent from my iPhone Xs

[Timbrada]

So good.  I wonder how they feel about this update now.  They have screwed so many people.  Anyone who keeps purchasing from them with a minimal discount or nothing are just asking for disappointment. Fitbit is just horrible to deal with.  I think you get a better discount by just using the Mothers Day specials.  Just sad. 

[dcarrera]

I did the update yesterday, fitbit turned off.  It will not turn back on and was fully charged.  Anyone els have this issue?  Messaged Fitbit still waiting for a reply.

[Iain_K]

@drchris 

No, you are sadly not missing anything, thats just the level of Customer Service we are expected to put up with.

[ComputerGardian]

@dcarrera 

Try holding the left button and the bottom right for about 30 seconds, once you see the fitbit logo let go of the buttons. If you are having this problem, 9 out 10 your fitbit is toast but I hope not.

[dcarrera]

Thanks for the advice. I have held the left button then left and the right. Still nothing. I’ll wait for a reply before I cut my losses. 

[Bob808]

Try holding all three buttons in for at least 10 seconds. This might force a full reboot.

Sent from my iPhone Xs

[Carrotybeef400]

In other fun news, I figured I chat with a Customer Service Rep. Here's the transcript in case anyone's interested.

Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:37:49 PM): Since all necessary troubleshooting steps was already exhausted, let's move forward to checking your warranty status. To do so, may I know your current country of residence and the name of the retailer where you purchased your watch?
Me (5/7/2020, 12:38:00 PM): USA, kohl's
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:38:08 PM): Thank you. Allow me a moment to review your watch's warranty.
Me (5/7/2020, 12:38:09 PM): i had this fitbit for over 2 years
Me (5/7/2020, 12:38:47 PM): and just to add to that information, everything was working perfectly fine up until the latest firmware update
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:39:46 PM): Thanks for sharing this information.
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:40:31 PM): I've carefully checked your account and I've seen that the watch falls outside the 365 days of Fitbit's limited warranty.
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:41:15 PM): But since you have been a loyal customer and your satisfaction remains our number one priority, let me see what I can do for you.
Me (5/7/2020, 12:42:26 PM): i'd love to hear if there's any patches in the works to fix the firmware update. it's unfortunate that all the functions of the fitbit were rendered useless and unfortunate to throw out a perfectly working unit and replace it
Me (5/7/2020, 12:42:40 PM): well, previously perfectly working unit
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:43:46 PM): I hear your concern and wI know how important it is to wear your watch in good condition in functionalit. Rest assured that we aim for improvement and your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:44:16 PM): I appreciate your patience, Kikei. As I would like to keep you in the Fitbit family I was able to get you a 25% discount code that you could use to purchase a new tracker that you could use to continue reaching your fitness goals.
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:44:52 PM): I'll be sending you a separate email containing the discount link after our chat conversation. This will direct you to the store to purchase your preferred tracker or watch.
Me (5/7/2020, 12:45:20 PM): is there any way to roll back the firmware?
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:45:27 PM): Another advantage should you opt to use the discount code I offer is that for Fitbit Versa Lite's Mulberry, I am glad to offer you a great deal of 40% discount towards the purchase of the said watch. Note that Ace 2 is not applicable for the discount.
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:45:44 PM): The firmware will never get back once it was updated, Kikei.
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:45:53 PM): I am sorry for the inconvenience.
Me (5/7/2020, 12:46:11 PM): i appreciate the discount, but it's kind of a slap in the face to ask us to purchase a new device especially during these times
Me (5/7/2020, 12:46:29 PM): and especially when it was fitbit's rollout that caused all these issues
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:47:01 PM): I do respect your honest feedback with this one.
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:47:15 PM): The discount code has a 30-day validity once generated which will give you ample time to think of what you will do with it.
Edmark (5/7/2020, 12:47:17 PM): By the way, after our chat, you will receive a brief survey. Any feedback you'd like to provide would be most appreciated and will help us refine our support processes.

[Gmshaw]

Time to go to the top, let him know how you all feel...perhaps Fitbit may be acquired by Google, but there's no harm in letting the founder know what you think. He started this company with great intentions.

If this gets taken down, and I hope it won't,  you can find him on Twitter.

Chief Executive James Park CEO, President and Founder 405 Howard St San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 513-1000 **personal info removed**@fitbit.com ...

[ComputerGardian]

@dcarrera 

You have ti hold the left and bottom right button together, not left then right, both together at the same time. Just as it was said to hold all three at the same time. If nothing appears, try putting it on the charger as I dont know how long its been in this state. Normally in this state it would take a full day for the battery to drain.

@Carrotybeef400 

Are you even remotely surprised? Its the go to response, but the firmware can be rolled back, but not to the prior firmware before this one which was 27.70.7.14, It can only be rolled back to 27.33.1.30, all the ones in between have been deleted. In case anyone is interested, here are the links to the firmware history and the App history except the app history doesn't follow the app version installed. They claim os 4.0+ but the app version is 3.19.2.

Firmware: https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1372

App: https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/2302

I am in talks with others currently to see what can be done to rectify the injustice that has fallen upon us.

[Carrotybeef400]

@ComputerGardianthis was absolutely what I was expecting but I figured I shared the transcript for the sake of sharing knowledge. 

[dcarrera]

I have tried all sorts of combination including 10 sec, 30 sec it’s been in the charger since last night. 
Thanks again for the suggestions. 

[nativenolagal]

Sorry to say, shortly after this update I’ve started having trouble with my touchscreen.  My watch is only a month old.  I’m hoping it’s related and can be fixed..

[MrPicl]

24 hours on, I’d say there’s an improvement in battery use after factory reset on current firmware.

[KB8VOM]

Mine appears to have died like so many others. Was acting slow to respond then not responding at all. I did a shutdown through settings, won't turn back on and appears not charging. How are they going to fix all these trackers??? If they don't fix it, I am going back to my old school analog watch!!!

[ifatokun]

Unfortunately, you have just joined the ranks of "bricked devices" post recent updates. My Ionic did exactly the same thing on 22nd April and not worked since, except for flashing Fitbit logo,  regardless of numerous resets. If your device is out of warranty then the most you can expect is 25% discount on a new Fitbit. Hundreds of people all over the world have been having similar problems with different device models. I would suggest you look at another brand, I got me a Samsung Active2 to replace my ionic.

[KB8VOM]

Yup, got the same run around and 25% discount code. An additional 40% off if I downgraded to the Versa Lite so I guess that is the product they are now pushing.

I been in the battery industry and with proper charging and maintenance, which this is not a battery issue, a self contained device should last 3+ years. 

No Thanks Fitbit, I have 2 other analog watches that I have paid about the same price that are just shy of indestructible. So long for smartwatches for me, I don't need a device to tell me to tell me how fit I am, it was a nice feature. 

So long Fitbit and good luck staying in the game!

[sytzeng]

Hi all,

I just got my iOnic replacement.

It works fine after updated to 27.70.7.27.

So, i think maybe Fitbit's updates only good for a fresh device. If this is case, then maybe a factory reset before any update is the way to avoid all these troubles.