Ionic battery short life after firmware update

[Cragjock]

Hey all,

After updating to the Ionic device firmware, version 72.1.9 , my battery life has gone from about 6 days down to 3 days with the same activity level.

And, when the Ionic gets to about a 40%, it drops to 10% in less than an hour!

So, what can I do? Can i revert back to the prior firmware version? It seems something in the new firmware version is using excessive battery power. I cannot see what is running in the background. I do not turn any features on or off yet the battery life declines quickly.

Please help. I like this watch! 

TNX

Steve 

Moderator edit: subject for clarity 

[SunsetRunner]

Again, since I've had this dying battery problem three times before after
three differing updates, I do not believe Fitbit issues updates that Ionics
of a certain age cannot deal with. No, possibly the act of installing an
upgrade may push failing batteries one step too far - but I doubt that too:
I do not believe in coincidences. No, I think the main cause is that
shoddy parts have/are being used which they (Fitbit) know are not up for
the work intended for them. In the case of the Ionic, I am convinced the
batteries are subboptimal for their intended use.

With such scant regard for their customers' and their (Fitbit's) own
integrity, then, when my current Ionic dies, as I fear it inevitably will
(due in just under 12 months), I will be washing my hands of Fitbit once
and for all, getting a Garmin instead. Which? says they are by far the
best!!! ...and I bet the batteries Garmin use are fit for the job to boot.

[Helenwht]

I'm on my second ionic after they replaced it because an update killed it, now this one lasts no longer than a day, which is useless as I'm pretty active. Used to last for several days even when I ran & listened to music. I've gone through about 5 fitbits in less years, no more. Total Rubbish. 

[SunsetRunner]

I couldn't agree more. Quite how Fitbit think they can get away with
treating customers like this is beyond me.

[jakeplatt]

Exact same issues and feelings towards the brand at the minute. I did the firmware update approx 2 weeks ago now and immediately saw a battery that is wasting away in half the time, 3 runs with absolutely no GPRS connection, and the other runs with late GPRS connection. Also, I've just noticed that in the last 2 workouts the HR is now not working. 
Time I looked for a new and improved brand and watch I think. 

[SunsetRunner]

I had same with no connection to GPS. Stumbled on workaround:-

Start exercise with GPS on (even if not connected). Then end exercise and
immediately restart same exercise. I found the 2nd time starting of
exervise, the GPS connected within seconds.

This work around unfortunately does nothing to stop this
battery-dying-syndrome I'm afraid though!!! Once any Ionic battery starts
to fade, battery death occurs usually within a few days.

Thank God for Garmin is my only retort!!!

[Tiger77]

This has to be an issue with the firmware update, lots of people reporting issues with battery life suddenly occurring after the update. 

I have gone from 3 to 4 days battery life to needing to fully charge 3 times a day when no increase in usage.  Last night I fully charged it before bed and it was flat this morning. Renders it kind of pointless when have to charge multiple times a day, especially if I want to track exercise first thing in the morning and it's flat.

Is fitbit going to look at sorting this ASAP?

[TimPhys]

I'm having a similar issue with the ionic since the upgrade. I get 2-3 days out of a full charge. It appears that the live chat support is offline too - either that or I've been blocked by them somehow 🤔

It's not a cheap watch, so should have a longer battery life!

[SunsetRunner]

I too am being sensored 100% on this topic now so you might not even see this reply b4 they take it down.

Keep up the good work!!!

[Paul-st]

My Ionic FW version 27.72.1.15 now 1 day battery life after update from 3 days! June 2020 activated 😞

[SunsetRunner]

Mine too.  I have fiscovered tho, this battery drain only surfaces when I have GPS "ON".

But even when it's "OFF" the best I can get from the battery, is just under 3 days.

[LiliyaFitbit]

Hello everyone. For all of you who are new to the Fitbit community, welcome. 

Thank you for the details mentioned and the troubleshooting performed. I understand that this can be very frustrating, your feedback and comments are greatly appreciated. If you experience battery draining difficulties on your watch, please follow the tips mentioned on this article to extend the battery life. If the battery life keeps draining after that, please get in touch with our Support team for further assistance. Click here to get connected with them via chat or phone.

See you around.