Ionic- Fitbit OS 4.2.1 Firmware Update (72.1.9)

[FitbitCommunity]

Update 1/20/2021: The firmware is now released to 100%

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We've started rolling out Fitbit OS 4.2.1 Firmware Update for Ionic. 

We release firmware updates to all customers in phases. The update will be available to everyone soon, and a banner will appear in the app when you can install the update. If you don’t see the banner yet, check the app again later.

*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

Read our help article for the latest updates. 

HOW DO I UPDATE?

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

We recommend updating your Ionic over a home Wi-Fi network as this can greatly reduce the time it can take to get set up. For more information on connecting your Ionic to Wi-Fi, check out this article. 

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

[Taylian]

My Iconic is at version 27.72.1.9. Which should be what this thread is about if I'm not mistaken. My issue is not about not getting the update. It is about getting the update, and now my device doesn't work right. 

[hzeng1]

I followed the update request on my phone to do this FW update. The watch was on charge when I did the upgrade.

After it said searching WiFi to do the download, the phone lost the connection with the watch. The watch stuck in the loop with logo on. It may be off for a while then it seems reboot again.

I tried reset and not working. Finally I follow the factory reset by

1. delete the bluetooth connection in my phone

2. delete the ionic on my app

3. hold three buttons

4. when logo disappeared, I released the lower right button. The vibration never happened.

The watch seems in this loop and I cannot recover it. Please suggest what I should do.

[McGregz]

Hi @YojanaFitbit my queries/gripes are only firmware related..but It's bricked my watch! Your message is slightly concerning as you say fitbit roll out in phases as a cautionary measure. Well my watch is broken because of this 'cautionary' release and I've been dimissed by the customer care team because my watch is out of warranty and it's Fitbits policy not to replace it. I've asked what part of the policy pertains to a firmware program ruining someones device and they're unable to answer this. Can you? To offer a 35% discount (on selected products) outside of policy hardly makes up for it In my opinion and is also a pretty blatant admittance of their error to a degree, rather than a gesture of goodwill.

Regardless I think It's totally unacceptable for a large company that has even admitted these issues in part not to come clean and do the right thing by their hapless customers. I would absolutely wear this on this chin in almost any other circumstance but you can see my point here?

I understand this hasn't affected everyone on this thread but It absolutely has affect me and others. My rather pricey watch was running perfectly and was well looked after. Now It doesnt even turn on, simply because I was trying to look after it by keeping the firmware up to date.

Is there any way you can put me in touch with someone higher up than than standard support guys you've linked to? That just ends up being a perpetual cycle of frustration and waste of time as they're probably limited as to what they can do in what must be slightly unusual circumstances. I really hope you can help.

Look forward to hearing back from you.

[YojanaFitbit]

Thank you for sharing your feedback about this update. If you are experiencing a different issue, please be advised to find a similar thread or post in a new thread, we want to keep this on topic. Which means anything related to non-firmware inquiries won't be addressed here. @Roundylb in your case, a representative will be getting back to you via email shortly.

• If you already have a case open for the issue that you're having with your Ionic, please keep communication open with our support team. 
• If you have issues after completing the update, try restarting the watch. and if you have any additional questions about your Fitbit device or services, visit help.fitbit.com.

**Please note this new OS Firmware Update is a progressive rollout. We roll out releases in phases as a cautionary measure so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed.**

[SteveMac]

Hi, 

i have done the update on my ionic now the watch is basically dead!! Cannot get past the Fitbit logo, can you help please?

thanks

Steve

[SunsetRunner]

I was hoping for addition of Open Water swimming distance recording to Exercise 

[KateFitbit]

@SteveMac you don't appear to have updated yet, have you tried restarting the Ionic? 

[SteveMac]

Kate,

Thanks for the reply I cannot get anywhere as all I have is the Fitbit logo on the screen, I have tried resetting the watch but nothing happens !! 

[TracyWilkins]

2019 there was an update that was bricking everyone's Ionic.  I held off until there was a further update around Feb 2020.  Is this new update bricking Ionics again?  If so I will hold off updating this time til they fix it.  My Ionic is 4 years old and still going ... so far!!

[RayPA]

Yep it brick my watch.

[TracyWilkins]

Oh that's just not funny.  If mine pops up saying update available, I will hold off again. Think I have been lucky to have had mine as long as I have with no problems looking at some on here.  3 months and a dead paperweight for £250-£300 and no recourse.  I feel so sorry for these purchasers.

[YojanaFitbit]

Thank you all for your comments! @RayPA and @SteveMac I've requested a case on your behalf, our team will be contacting you shortly to help you with this.

[Padzor]

So I installed this and found the battery was draining much faster than it had been previously. I performed a reset and it now won't turn on.  At the point of the reset it was at 93% battery charged.

I've tried the hold left and bottom right buttons for 10+ seconds, and all other combinations etc ... with no joy.  Any suggestions?

Thanks,

p.

[burns_erin]

Yeah, I think I'll hold on off on updating. Probably going to wait we've see what the merger brings

[Roundylb]

Good idea. Mine is seemingly dead now. And I’ve had no reply from Fitbit although I was promised an email.

[Padzor]

So I contacted support and was basically told "Nothing we can do and nothing to do with us.", 5 minutes later got a discount code for 35% discount on a device, aside from ones which would actually replicate the functionality I had lost.  I'm depressed by this response and right now considering how to escalate this.

[Melscpt]

I've noticed that since the update my versa will not hold a charge. Before the update my watch would last 4-8days. Now mine wont even last throughout the day.... What gives?

[SunsetRunner]

My experience is that a Fitbit discount voucher brings their price down to the same as you can buy from wider market so is actually worth nothing 

[Padzor]

It genuinely feels rather insulting.  Look, our software process is deficient and ended up causing your watch to fail, so we'll make it up to you by offering you a discount, but not on anything useful.

[burns_erin]

Are they still doing that thing where the code is with a link to a specific portal rather than the standard site? I had one of those once. The process and offerings are usually delayed from the main site from what I could tell. I waited until it was almost expired and what I wanted showed up and then price dropped so it came out a decent deal.