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. 

[YojanaFitbit]

@Windwie welcome to the Fitbit Forums. Did you already update your Ionic? If you did, this message will go away shortly. If you had issues while updating your Ionic, please try the suggested steps here and the banner will disappear after that: Why can't I update my Fitbit device?

@Claudiup thank you for sharing this information.

@msoucy nice to see that you're digging into the Fitbit Forums, in this case I've already contacted our support team so they can get back to you. They will be glad to keep assisting you with the display issues of your Ionic.

Thank you all for troubleshooting your Ionic.

[imquocanh]

hello there

my iphone iOS is 14
my current version is: 70.8.0 (in fitbit app)
and is 27.70.8.0 (in ionic setting --> about section)
Problems:
1. My ionic is not vibrating anymore (on alarm, on any notifications else)
2. The screen light is so dark when it set to auto (like dim), i must change to Normal or MAX)

3. I can not change watch face (allway require to update the newst OS before change face, example: SpO2)

should i update ionic to OS 4.2 Firmware 71.6.19 ?

please clear me:
1. The vibration issus was fixed
2. The screen light was fixed

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 ?"

Thank you

updated: i edited the post with two questions because the mod delete it.

[enaira]

you are still lucky that they offered you a discount, but that’s still fristrating cos its not cheap at all. for my issue they just said that they couldn’t do anything about it anymore. so frustrating. 

[SunsetRunner]

I started the update and my Ionic has not worked since ( blank screen).  I called the helpline and they had me troubleshoot a few things but nothing worked.  They are now offering me 25% off of a new device to replace this one.  Hardly seems fair to force me to buy a new device when the update shut my watch down.   I replied to the email with my reasoning and received a reply stating thank you for the feedback.  No word for almost a week now.  

[Natagoat]

For anyone with real problems after the update, today even though my ionic wasnt under warranty it is being replaced. I think you need to check within your country whether your trading standards state that it is unlawful to break someones hardware with your software. Here in the uk its against our trading standards and once i mentioned it and that I needed to follow their complaints process so that I could escalate my case, they took responsibility. I think people are going to have to be adamant theyre not taking anything less than a replacement.

[MyLIVY]

Tried that, still nothing!

[oftenfrazzled]

Hiya, since i updated to this version of the firmware, (27.71.6.19) my ionic has had to be restarted umpteen times, i have had to remove and re-install the fitbit app several times; deleting the ionic off the app .... it basically keeps unlinking itself from my Galaxy A51.

It worked perfectly before this firmware update.

Why does it randomly disconnect itself? How long is this going to go on for? I am sick of having to keep going over the same steps.

Mind you: reading the comments below mine, i should be grateful that at least the tracker is still working, even though it doesn't sync periodically.

[YojanaFitbit]

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

@enaira sorry about the issues that you Ionic was having before and after the latest update. I've updated you case with the details you've shared with us. Your case has been evaluated, they will be in touch with you shortly. @SunsetRunner welcome to the Community Forums. Thank you for sharing these details with us. Please wait for a follow up email.

@Natagoat and @MyLIVY  thank you for sharing the details of your case. Our team is checking each scenario to confirm warranty options.

@oftenfrazzled did you try the suggested here: Why won't my Fitbit device sync?

[MyLIVY]

@YojanaFitbit 

Thank you that you are looking at each case. I am still waiting on a proper response. Hope to hear one soon. 

[Dinzarelli]

What do you recommend for an ionic that now doesn’t track steps, sleep or read heartbeat, and support say it’s just one of those things?

[Enthusiast]

My Ionic runs through the entire process of updation. After clicking on "done" the version stays same as before and the banner is also visible.  I have tried updating multiple times.  The result is same.

[Matt17H]

I have been given the same offer, seems crazy to not use it. If it does happen again I will walk away from Fitbit’s and look at alternatives.

[MyLIVY]

@Matt17H are you out of warranty?

What did you have to say or do to get a replacement?

[SPAT2961]

Hi I did update after that issue with GPS and hear rate started then I contacted customer support and did factory reset and update FW 27.71.6.19

App prompting to update tracker again...

Issue of GPS and heart rate cropped up again today also not recording steps, pls support.

[SPAT2961]

yes I think my Ionic also started issues with GPS and HR after the latest update 27.71.6.19. App still prompting to update..

I am clueless and my workouts are not recorded properly..

[Natagoat]

Just wanted to update my replacement ionic came today (I was out of warranty so keep fighting for your rights as a consumer) when ive linked the new ionic I couldnt stop the automatic update to this new firmware but its been 100% successful on this device ive not had the syncing issues which started immediately after i updated my original watch, its holding time and appears to be logging my stats correctly. It did take nearly an hour to do the update where as on the original it took 5 mins if that, but maybe thats where the issue was maybe it originally didnt fully update but thought it had (maybe 🤔) Fingers crossed this is now fixed and theyll be no more dodgey updates and hopefully fitbit wont rush through updates that have been proven to not work correctly on their pilot releasing.

[SunsetRunner]

So my Ionic also just died after this firmware update. Fitbit offered 35%
discount for old watches. This is just unacceptable. My wife has 4th Versa
in 2 years (similar replacement after replacement after replacement). I am
done with Fitbit and unfortunately won't be able to recommend their
products to anyone. Instead I bought Garmin Venu a week ago and absolutely
happy so far. You will get more graphs and stats, more sports to track and
no issues with syncing. Honestly it is very surprising how reliable
updates, syncs and bluetooth can be.

Don't forget to download all your health data from Fitbit before deleting
your account! 🙂

Cheers,
Nick

[msam.ua]

Its 4 days passed since I provided all the clarifications to the fitbit team. And didn't hear back from them.

Fitbit broke my watch with the update and didn't provide ANY options to assist me with the issue.

I'm frustrated. This is a full disrespect to the customer. Fitbit doesn't give a chance to stay with them

[Natagoat]

@msam.ua did you call the customer service number or did you try online chat? I found calling in is more effective, its more difficult to fob someone off when theyre on the end of a phone.

[msam.ua]

They send me email asking for details and I replied back 4 days ago...