Ionic- Fitbit OS 4.2 Firmware Update (71.6.19)

[KateFitbit]

Update 9/3/2020: This update should now be available to all customers. If you have any difficulty updating, make sure you are following the directions in this article, and then provide as many specific details as possible in your post so that we can assist.

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We've started rolling out Fitbit OS 4.2 Firmware Update (71.6.19) 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

Release notes can be found here.

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 I recommend reviewing these troubleshooting tips. 

[Baileyi]

This banner shows constantly in my Fitbit app now but when I do the update it gets stuck 20% on watch then after an hour maybe watch goes green and fit bit app cancels update. Even though watch is latest version still banging on about update tracker... geez

[Deb24w]

The new update has broken my Iconic. I have no text or time on the screen, only icons show with no detail once you tap on them. It buzzes when I receive a text but I can’t  see the text . I have restarted the device a number of times and its still not working. I unpaired  the device from my phone thinking that might help...it didn’t and now I can re pair it as I can’t see the code on the device which.is required on the app! 

[KateFitbit]

This update should now be available to all customers. If you have any difficulty updating, make sure you are following the directions in this article, and then provide as many specific details as possible in your post so that we can assist. Please keep in mind that this thread is about customer experience with firmware update 71.6.19. 

[PaulMe]

Kate,

Is this the same code that was released on the 14th August, or has it been updated, taking into account all the issues reported in this 9+ page thread? I don't have a valid warranty as protection if the code kills my 6 month old Ionic.  I survived the previous 27.70.8.0 update which was also widely reported as problematic and often fatal.

*EDIT* Holly Dolly! I feel like I've won the lottery. Not the one I usually try for though. I survived the update to 71.6.19. Everything appears to be in order. Like the find phone feature. But need to evaluate its usefulness over distance in different signal attenuating environments. Active minutes are still in the app. Sure I'll get used to zone minutes. Now to monitor the Ionic over the next few days for battery life and whether it's improved, stayed the same or deteriorated. Syncing is Ok, but will need to monitor over the next few days to see how often I still need to force stop the app to successfully sync - particularly when the Ionic has been out of range of the phone.

Moderator Edit: Formatting

[Wibblyna]

It is 71.6.19 version I am writing about. I lost my active minutes since I updated it to this version. I cycled 39 miles, and it recorded my HR which clearly showed they were either in the cardio or peak zone as well as calories burnt, elevation etc. yet NO active minutes. 

[Brownsugarbair]

>From what I understand it has been updated since then so if you survived you should be ok. The ionic is now retired and I am assuming it's because of all these issues. 

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[PaulMe]

@Brownsugarbair The ionic is now retired and I am assuming it's because of all these issues. 

You could be right - although the replacement timeline fits with the introduction of the Sense - which arguably could be considered a replacement for the Ionic. Any issues are going to plague Fitbit for sometime to come. How many tens of thousands+ Ionics are still at point of sale places? Hopefully firmware development will continue for a few more versions. But would be nice if owners could stop the update nag display each time a new firmware is available if they wish. Perhaps force display an update prompt for each new version with a bypass option.

Moderator Edit: Formatting

[Brownsugarbair]

Exactly right! The problem is Fitbit refuses to do anything them offer an insulting discount on the purchase of a new watch. I paid over 300 with tax so I'm extremely frustrated. I hope Fitbit steps up and does the right thing but I doubt it. 

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[MyLIVY]

Same here. They offering a discount on the older watches. Not even the new ones. Very poor customer service!

[meangene393]

My Ionic has stopped completely. When I tried to update it to version 4.2, my app said that it couldn't find the Ionic and after going through all the troubleshooting steps and even trying to reset it, it has crashed and won't budge. This is my second day trying to get it updated...Now all I see is the Fitbit app. Any suggestions?

[Brownsugarbair]

They offer me 35% but didn't specify if it was on the new or old watches but I need to check. One heard they are offered 20-50% off. I wasn't so lucky. 

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[Brownsugarbair]

Unfortunately none of my suggestions are great but if it's in warranty still try to take to customer service. If you don't like what they offer all to be escalated to a supervisor and for a case #. I was also told to let Fitbit die completely before recharging and this is supposed to allow a reset. Follow the process of pushing all three buttons and as soon as the the logo goes off immediately release the lower right button only until you feel it vibrate the release the other two buttons. I haven't tried yet and am waiting for it to loose it's charge to try it but I have read some have been successful with that. Hopefully we will both get lucky. Keep me posted. 

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[MyLIVY]

Its for the old watches.. i would be ok with 35 on a new watch. Maybe not anymore since i am realizing that the update crashed this watch. 

[Brownsugarbair]

I agree I think 50% on a new watch that is equivalent to what we had. Specially verse 3 or the sense. Let's see maybe with enough calls and complaints they will do the right thing. 

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[MyLIVY]

50% sounds appropriate. Already called multiple times and have a case number. Hoping that others will chime in and influence fbit to keep the customer happy 

[PaulMe]

One small bug/glitch I noticed since the fw upgrade was that after charging the Ionic to 100% after the update, the battery meter stayed on 100 2 hours after the charge. I rebooted the device and now it say 98. Hopefully it will dynamically update?

*EDIT*

Phew! Has dropped to 97 after running GPS for a couple of minutes.

[blacque]

When I charge mine doesn't reach 100.remains at 99 forever. 

[PaulMe]

Ageing battery?

Try a higher current charger.

[Droogy]

Issues I have since update -

Most apps that I'd downloaded no loger work.

No downloaded clockfaces work other than those 'by fitbit'.

Ionic restarts itself if I am listening to music and therefore stops recording exercise.

I have to shutdown and restart my phone to get the Ionic to sync.

I have removed and added the device, deleted and reinstalled the app and reset the Ionic but nothing has changed.

This update debacle needs fixing urgently. 😠

[robbijay]

Since it’s been working again, I’ve been using my Ionic with GPS just to log walks and check it really does still work. I’ve got to say I agree with everyone else who dislikes ’Active Zone’ minutes. Needs reverting. I think it’s actually less information that we all had before with ‘Time in HR zones’ and ‘active minutes’