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. 

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks, but they denied responsibility again.  

[Jane47]

This update has caused a serious problem with the battery life of my Ionic.  It is charging fine, but the battery is only lasting about a day before it completely dies.  It used to last several.  How do I fix this?

[SunsetRunner]

I was told I would hear something from them shortly. Since I posted this, I
have heard nothing.  I have been looking at
other tracker! I feel like Fitbit does not care about the costumers they
have. I have been with fitbit for a long time, it’s truely a shame.

Moderator Edit: Formatting

[SPAT2961]

Hi

How can i roll back to older version I have more issues with new version

pls help

[Dinzarelli]

You can’t roll back @SPAT2961 

You’re now in the faulty Fitbit club with the rest of us. 

[PaulMe]

I have more issues with new version

pls help

Only option open to you, other than restarting the device, is to reset it, and setup again from scratch. Be warned, a reset could kill your device. But if it has issues - then is probably worth the risk.

[carolcm]

Don't update.  I applied the firmware update and am now a proud owner of a bricked Iconic.   Not happy, 3rd Fitbit in 5 years due to firmware updates.

[MclovinDaPuncak]

Same! No support only excuses.

[Dinzarelli]

The list is growing @Fitbit  what are you doing about this? 

[MclovinDaPuncak]

"Please take this 35% coupon for a new device in the next 30 days. Thank you."

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi everybody, thank you so much for sharing your experience with our support team. We appreciate you comments about this update.

If you have more doubts about your Fitbit warranty please reply back to the last email you got from support. As mentioned before, if you have doubts about the response that received from our team, please feel free to get back to them. They will be glad to give you more details about your warranty options.

Please note that if you're experiencing screen went blank or Ionic not responding at all after update 4.2 (71.6.19). Please contact our support team with these specific details so they can confirm the information with their tools:

1. Confirm that you've performed a firmware update to 71.6.19. 
2. Confirm that you've restarted your Ionic
3. If your Ionic is still on but has a blank screen, try to change the clock face. If you have questions about this, you can tag me on this thread.

@msam.ua thank you for sharing this information. I've updated you case, you'll get a response soon. @carolcm welcome to the Community Forums. Sorry about the different issues with your previous devices, our team will contact you shortly.

Please know this is a thread about Firmware Update (71.6.19). Thank you for your understanding. For general issues you can check our help articles. If you already tried troubleshooting steps and you're still having issues with your Fitbit, I can request a case on your behalf. 

See you around.

[Michele0395]

I recently downloaded the 4.2 firmware update and have had nothing but problems since. At first my Ionic turned into a brick. As soon as I figured out how to do a manual factory reset, I was finally able to set it up again but now all it does is track my steps. It's not tracking HR, sleep, SPO2, calories or active minutes. This update took the smart out of smartwatch. Sure wish I could roll back to a previous version. Didn't have near as many issues. 

[imquocanh]

thank you @YojanaFitbit  for your reply,

you can try to restart your Ionic to try to fix the hardware issues related with vibration and brightness.

--> i did many time, and i tried any other method i read from fitbit forum but no luck.

You should be able to download SpO2 Signature clock face as any other Fitbit clock face: How do I change the clock face on my Fitbit device? What country are you located? Usually if you don’t see the SpO2 clock in the Clock Face Gallery, it isn’t available in your country.

--> i can't switch to SpO2 face cause it required the OS must be newest, my current version is: 70.8.0 (in fitbit app) and is 27.70.8.0 (in ionic setting --> about section)

You can update you Ionic with these instructions. If you run into any trouble updating your Fitbit I recommend reviewing these troubleshooting tips. If you need more help you can check with our support team, they will be glad to keep assisting you.

--> i read many complaints here about the update to OS 4.2 Firmware 71.6.19, I'm afraid my 2 year old ionic won't work like everyone else's if I update to 71.6.19 OS.

I want to ask:

1. Was the vibration issues fixed on 71.6.19 OS ?
2. Was the screen light fixed on 71.6.19 OS ?

3. This update (OS 4.2 Firmware 71.6.19) is safe to my 2 year old ionic ?

4. If this update make my ionic can't work like normal, what is Fibit do to resolve ?

Plz clear me at each questions, thank you

[YojanaFitbit]

@Michele0395 and @imquocanh thank you for trying the suggested steps. Our team will getting back to you to keep assisting you. 

[RKPFit]

Like others, it seems my Ionic smartwatch has become the dumbest thing in my house, including the doorknobs.

After updates to firmware & app:

It doesn't sync, it doesn't keep time I can't even say it looks pretty anymore due to my frustration.

I have turned phone and Ionic on & off..no sync

I have uninstalled and installed the app 3 times...no sync

I have removed the Ionic from my account.  It took an hour for it to be found even though it was right next to the phone...both were on chargers.  It updated, forced me into Premium trial, it synced for less than 12 hours.  My phone says 2:56, my Ionic says 2:31, the gap keeps getting longer.  Phone says 4489 steps, Ionic says 6228 steps.

I have tried everything that has been recommended here and on the Android sites, I think it's time to throw in the towel.

Past experience, Fitbit will not come through w assistance and their offer of discount on another product is laughable. 

They really don't seem to be interested in keeping customers. 

I have stuck it out for 7 years, not sure I will stay.

[jjwhite509]

Mine does the exact same thing and no response from Fitbit

Sent from my iPhone

[dcapper]

I'm glad I went to a Garmin to get rid of fitbits junk. 3 ionics was enough. Now you can't even do an upgrade right and it bricks units. I have one ionic left and I'm glad I didn't update it. Why don't you reply to the people that their units are bricked? You only reply to the people that say thank you. The problem with Fitbit's customer service is you don't have any. You send out refurbs at 25% off. What a slap in the face. When my last Fitbit dies that will be it for any of your products  

[Whistler888]

Yeah the Ionic is a somewhat buggy device where many have become bricked when updating.  We would not have even tried updating if it were not for the available SPO2 data.  Can tell everyone that you must have a very strong WIFI and BT signal on something like a iPad Air 2 or iPad Pro on the latest software to work.  On Android 10 using a Google Pixel the signal can get lost and is not as reliable in our experience.  Keep everything plugged in and charging close together.  This update takes around 20+ minutes and the notification graph on the Ionic stays the same for 5+ minutes at a time.  This is a problem as you are unsure if the updating is still installing or has looped into the spinning circle of death.  Whatever you do - do not prematurely disconnect as a “partial installation” may brick your device.

Luckily all the updates have been successful - but each time feels so super sketchy and risky.  So test thoroughly beforehand using both Android and Apple devices to sync etc. and use the one that never randomly disconnects.  Yes SPO2 works and music is still ok and GPS works - but do not expect everything to just work because it does not.  BT connection with music is glitchy and transferring MP3s in is a terrible glitchy process.  While GPS tracking can be wildly inaccurate with easily lost signals

The software and Apps are buggy like Strava connect and sync - but overall the device still works.  Hardware and software are very long in the tooth now compared to Apple etc.  If on Android would be looking at Garmin or Samsung etc for a better user experience.

[Jane47]

@YojanaFitbithow do I get help w my issue?  I cannot DM the support team since I do not have Twitter and I can no longer find the support email address on the website.  I do not want to sit on hold forever: how do I get attention on this?  

[SPAT2961]

It the update has killed most of our watches and before it was fine now
they say warranty is over. We know warranty is over and there was no need
of any update while there was complaint for last few months.
Now it is not tracking steps, HR and has become a time piece on my wrist
dont know how for how long.

#fitbitionic @fitbitIn @fitbitsupport