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. 

[oftenfrazzled]

Me too.

Updated yesterday. Ionic no longer tracking steps, height/stairs, heart rate etc.

It's just a watch now 😡

[yangtzjiang]

Very lucky,i receive the firmware update today.After the update,my ionic still works normally,thanks god.

[Susie-D]

I decided to try to fix my Ionic again tonight. 

1.  I checked for a new software version from my phone store, (Apple).  It had 3.37 fixes and performance improvements. 
2. I checked my Fitbit Ionic that still shows no Clock & showed (No Trans).
3. I removed the device from phone and reinstalled the device.
4. I checked my Fitbit Ionic that still shows no Clock & showed (No Trans) or total steps.🤣
5. I tried choosing a different clock face not thinking it would work.
6. Checked my device for the clock face.  My device now shows the Clock Face and total steps. The Ionic is working and I am back in business.😀

[pY893t]

I tried your steps above and still have no luck. My screen is black but I can still sync the watch to my Fitbit app and it still vibrates when a text/email is received. I called support this morning and they are going to look into warranty options and get back to me.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi everybody, we really appreciate your feedback about this topic. @Susie-D thank you for sharing the steps that solved the issue with your Ionic, I'm sure other people will find this information very helpful.

If you're still having issues updating your Fitbit after trying the troubleshooting steps suggested in this help article: Why can't I update my Fitbit device? Please try to chat with us online or give us a call to keep assisting you with more specific steps. You can do so here. Remember to connect from a different device, so you can troubleshoot your phone too in case that you need it.

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: Don't factory reset your Fitbit device unless directed to by Customer Support. 

[Susie-D]

Did you try pushing all three buttons at the same and holding them until the Fitbit symbol appears.  Then hold a little longer.

[Shamrocket]

I didn't....however Fitbit updated their app today and, thankfully, all is working correctly again 🙂

[Prometheus123]

Of course, doesn't do any good when the startup does not stay up long enough to actually shutdown.  The symbol comes up for about 2 seconds and restarts, continuously.   

[Roundylb]

Precisely!

Sent from my iPad

[rey_city]

I also did the exact methods  you mentioned and gave up a week ago. I am considering an apple watch as a replacement. My wife bought hers the black friday 2018 same time I bought my Ionic and it still functions like brand new. I asked my sister and her hubby both of them just had their ionics last 2019 and was already not working months ago before mine started acting up last month.

[Roundylb]

I would consider the Apple Watch, but I don’t have an iPhone (Android). Since my main activity at the moment is swimming (which is why I got the Ionic), I’m looking at a couple of Garmin products. So disappointed in Fitbit since the Ionic was my 3rd product from them and I liked it and knew the app. (I’m old, retired and have to be careful with my money so Fitbit killing off this expensive device really upsets me.)
BTW my kids and several friends really like their Apple watches.

Sent from my iPad

[Prometheus123]

I am done with fitbit, took the insurance check and got the Samsung 3.  

[shipo]

How does one turn off the "Ionic Update Available" banner on the phone app?  Given the number of reports of "bricked" Ionic trackers due to this update, I am not inclined to allow it to go through to my tracker; as such, I'd like to remove the update alert from my phone app.

[PaulMe]

How does one turn off the "Ionic Update Available" banner on the phone app? 

One doesn't unfortunately. It's a push notification to the app from the Fitbit developers.They haven't given the user any control over it. All you can do is ignore it.

I can understand Fitbit wanting as many as possible to be running the same firmware - but given the amount of issues - some of them fatal over the past few firmware updates, Fitbit should understand some "reluctance" in the community to update. Unfortunately this forum and social media (which I don't partake in) are the only way for users to communicate to the developers - even though there is still a HUGE firewall between "us and them". I'm sure they annonymously read this forums and of course social media..

[SabrinaSokoli]

I have quite the same problem. My Ionic battery drains fast. It seems to be an issue with the Spo2 . now my battery only last 2 hours after the update. I tried everything and I'm really frustrated, too. 

It seems like a lot of people have the same problem. 

[LeaderSmall]

Did you happened to note if the OS on your FitBit was updated when you left it?  Maybe it just has to sit there all day to get the update.

[pY893t]

Update: after speaking with customer service they have advised me that the watch is dead and gave me a coupon for 35% off another Fitbit product.

[LeaderSmall]

Reply: Thanks pY893t.  Mine has most likely met the same fate.  It's just too bad as I really actually loved the watch.  You would think that an option could be to rollback the update but that's unlikely to happen.

[pY893t]

Yup, it's weird that software breaks the hardware. Fitbit really needs to evaluate their processes for testing new versions of firmware before rolling it out to the general public. Lesson learned for me, avoid Fitbit software updates when possible.

I opted for the discounted Fitbit Sense over a new Apple Watch 6 because of price. I really liked my old Ionic so I hope the Sense is even better. 

[shipo]

Please keep us posted on how you like the Sense, I "sense" there is a Sense in my future.  😛