Ionic difficulties after firmware update

[tlharv]

I bought my Ionic in May 2018. After 16 months of excellent performance, suddenly the touch screen stopped working this morning.  It still tracked steps, interfaced with my iPhone, and otherwise performed normally (although the battery dropped from 100% to 65% overnight) - the only difference is that the touchscreen aspect of the display was dead.  So I called FitBit tech support.  Restart did nothing. Factory reset should have fixed it but in this case it bricked the device.  It won't turn on at all.

Fitbit checked the purchase date and I'm four months out of the 1-yr warranty period, so I'm on my own. Seriously? Their product completely fails after 16 months and they're ok with that level of quality? 

The insult to this injury is that my watch is worse off AFTER having called tech support -- now I have nothing except a 25% discount code toward another one of their high-quality products. Seriously, what possible incentive do I have to get another FitBit device or recommend it to anyone?

Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity 

[MHGroh]

In early August 2019, my Ionic started not to hold a charge. Then the display would not display, but the device was operating (counting steps, heart rate, etc..). Following Fitbit's restart and reset procedures, as provided by their support team, did not fix the fault. It now makes a great fishing lure. Their reply to their problem was, "Even though your Ionic is 13 months old, it is out of warranty. You can buy another, thanks." I have owned three Fitbit devices, and each one has gone dead one or two months past the warranty date.

Not impressed and looking at the numerous other fitness trackers available.

Michael

[nagallan]

I had the same issue with mine a couple of weeks ago. Very frustrating to buy such an expensive device and have it not working as soon as warrantee is over.

[judeep]

Same issue here

[DRahmel]

Same thing just happened to me.  It was working fine until the last couple days.  Then, all of the sudden, I was getting a low battery warning each day. Now it is completely dead.  What is going on?

[judeep]

Basically Fitbit put out a software update that has bricked hundreds of watches. They are now very quiet about it. 

[MHGroh]

Fitbit’s SW update bricked our devices. I will be calling them again. 

[JJH1534]

Well it has been about a month since I logged in to see the comments and no fear I see that the software update that fried my Ionic continues to break other Fitbits.

Just saw that this issue has now hit the CBC news in Canada.  The article is specific to the Charge 2, but it is clear that the software update is effecting Fitbits across the board.  This is a quote from the article ""We have determined that a recent firmware update is affecting the performance of a very small subset of our older Charge 2 devices," said Fitbit in an email."  They also state that they have received 150 complaints.  I feel that the number is much higher than 150.

So Fitbit are you going to come through and replace all the devices that your July update has fried?

[GammaChad]

Mine Ionic bricked as well... I just posted my story. Apparently my Profile was hijacked last month as well.

[MHGroh]

Mine bricked the second week of August. Fitbit support told me all they would offer is 25% off a new Ionic. This morning I read the article and went to Fitbit's Support site. I was surprised to find out how many people were having the same problem.

[JJH1534]

But will this change Fitbit's policy and will they replace all the Fitbits they have broken that are out of warranty?

[JJH1534]

DRahmel   Doesn't take them long to take action when you post something they don't like, does it? Same thing happened to me back in July.

[Kuyei]

Same situation. Didn't update for almost 2 years. Worked fine. The minute I update it. It Bricks. Wish I had read the forum first.

They are out to get their only consumer base to purchase additional devices. Avoiding them for life.

[Raybro]

I did an update last night or thought I did the actual version number didn't change and the watch seem to work after it. However today I go to check it and it is dead. Iconic bought 7/18. One month out of warranty! 

[DRahmel]

JJH1534 - Nope it sure doesn't.  Silence as the complaints go in the circular file or they outright ignore them but say something they don't like and your post is gone.

Hey FitBit moderators!!! Since you are obviously reading the posts, how about addressing our complaints instead of ignoring them?!?!

[LokeMT]

Hi,

Having issues with my Ionic HR Sensors and reading the many threads in this forum and one which is particularly disturbing is device "bricking" after firmware update.

So my questions are:

1. What if your 12month + 1 day old device  "bricked" after firmware update?

2. Are you agreeable to accept buying a new device from Fitbit at a discount?

3. What is there to stop Fitbit from bricking your beyond warranty device and/or issues developed after firmware update?

4. Can you "not update your firmware"?

5a. Do you expect to buy the most expensive Ionic in the Fitbit lineup and for it to last beyond 12 months?

5b. Do you think Fitbit expects the Ionic to last for more than 12 months?

Well , I think it will come down to TRUST AND FAITH IN THE FITBIT BRAND.

Can you trust Fitbit? I DON'T

Comments anyone?

Note: Moderators may skip as I can "smell your empathy-laced" replies and my guess is your replies will be like "Fitbit is looking into this and that problems and actively seeking a solution blah blah and case by case basis etc etc.

[eduardovk]

I cannot agree more with you.

[tweber2010]

Same here. Mine was bricked after syncing on Sept 2.

[MHGroh]

Very frustrating. I have emailed and spoken with the support staff and all they will offer is a 25% reduction on my next purchase. Tomorrow, 10 Sep, Apple is expected to announce the release of the Series 5 Apple Watch. I liked the earlier watches, but the battery was an issue.  The rumours are that the new watch will last longer and have a built-in sleep monitoring App. We will see.

[eduardovk]

I had the same problem with my ionic and I have received the same answers from Fitbit support team.