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. 

[Roundylb]

That seems to be a good choice. Now that my Ionic seems beyond help, that’s where I’m headed. After 2 disastrous updates in less than a year, I’m hard pressed to find a reason to spend any more time with Fitbit.

Sent from my iPad

[Roundylb]

Well, I let the battery run down to 0, then charged it back to 100%. Still no screen and no button response. (I only know that it charged because the one thing it seems able to do is sync with my iPad.) Kind of hard to restart a device (which was the advice given by customer “service”) that doesn’t have working buttons. To say I’m disgusted with Fitbit and their inability to adequately address their update issues is an understatement. Even though I’m old, I find a tracker to be very helpful, especially during my swims. So I’ll get my old Charge 2 and at least be able to count my steps. Anyone know much about Garmin?

[aadrian77]

Messed up my watch. Reset doesn't work. Switching to Garmin ASAP. 

[Susie-D]

I get no trans -  The clock  & total steps are gone.  I am going back to my Blaze until I decide where to go from here.

.

[ironmikep]

Yep, this happened to me too, first with the Surge and then on the Ionic. Support offered a discount for a limited number of watches, but... the Ionic was being replaced by the Sense (was going to be released in the next week) and I was not able to purchase either watch! The other watches that the code was good for were all lacking compared to the Ionic. I ended up going on eBay and getting another Ionic there (was a new one-warranty repaired by FitBit) for $80. But I think my Fitbit days are numbered when my watches with them are lucky to get 2 years before getting bricked by a firmware update... Looking at Garmin and Polar right now...

[PaulMe]

Just updated mine. Seems OK, and the battery charge doesn't seem to be heading south - although only about 30 minutes since the update. Auto syncing OK since the update. 

Would like to know what improvements and bug fixes were applied other than the activation date that tells me mine was activated in October 2017 - even though I bought it second hand - unused as far as I could tell about 12 months ago. Perhaps it was briefly connected then left for a couple of years. Still, battery is currently like new.

MODs - can you source any more info on updates from the Fitbit software team?

I know we've asked this numerous times before. Here goes another.

😉

[youhippy]

I just tried to do the 3 button reset on the dead ionic. It sprang back to life showing the 0% screen for a second. I've put it back on charge but nothing is happening once again. 

(It's currently up on eBay as parts / not working 😅)

[Susie-D]

Sent from Mail for Windows
10

[YojanaFitbit]

Thank you all for keep sharing your feedback! @aadrian77 I've requested a case on your behalf, our team will be contacting you shortly to help you with this.

[RayPA]

Ya, the firmware update is risky. I hope after Google take over they will have a better team to handle the firmware update.

[Sim.d]

Finished the update two days ago. My battery life went from three to four days to now half a day. Did a factory reset. Turned off gps. Did everything. This update has made my watch unusable. This is my second Fitbit purchase in a year. If this update is not ‘updated’ soon will never be a Fitbit user again.

[Susie-D]

I hope so

[Roundylb]

Hopefully, it’s more useful than “restart your device”. It seems clear, from the above posts, that this doesn’t work on an expensive device that your company has killed with a negligent update. I’m still waiting for a useful email to bring my Fitbit Ionic back to life.

[SunsetRunner]

I think I'll be holding off with this update also @burns_erin. I didn't care for the last one and I'm seeing just too many issues and apparently not enough support. I wonder what Google is going to bring to the party. Maybe this is part of Google's update as I know. In any case, I will be putting this update on my personal waiting list. Best of luck to us all. 

[burns_erin]

@SunsetRunner timelines of update development, internal testing, and rollout means this is likely not a Google backed update. Whatever that might mean for the future (it's not clear how autonomous Fitbit developers might be). I would imagine eventually they'll shift to Android Wear OS or whatever they're calling it. I can't imagine them running two different ecosystems indefinitely. But current devices aren't compatible with what. I'm going to hope my Ionic can hold out until I see which way to jump 😕

[YojanaFitbit]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us. 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. 

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. 

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 or visit help.fitbit.com. @Sim.d in your case the best way to get help for this problem is to chat with us online or give us a call. Click here to get connected.

[Gpatker81]

My Fitbit ionic no longer works after trying to update it very disappointed. Seems I'm not the only that's had this issue I expect Fitbit to resolve this as I won't be buying another watch.

[YojanaFitbit]

@Gpatker81 thank you for contacting our team. I noticed that you already have a case for this issue, thank you for your patience. I really appreciate your feedback.

[MikeBB]

My Ionic won't update at all.  When I start the update from the app it keeps failing.  I've tried everything, over bluetooth, wifi. I've restarted my bluetooth and the ionic.  Also performed a factory reset and the update just keeps failing.  So now I'm stuck.  The app says a firmware update is required but the update won't work.

[Gpatker81]

Hi I'm in the same boat too. Just had a 35% discount code not happy at all when it's clearly a software issue their end.. and for them to say it's a display fault when my ionic has been working fine for 2 years and the only time it doesn't work is after I've tried updating it.. surely they should be sending out a replacement at the very least.

Not Happy