Charge 3 Firmware Release - 1.88.11

[KateFitbit]

8/14 Update: We are continuing to roll out the firmware update for Charge 3 and expect more users will see it as available. This is a progressive rollout, and all customers can expect to have it within a few weeks. We roll out releases in phases as a cautionary measure so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed. If you don't see the option to update, don't worry - you'll have it soon! 

Please use this thread to share your experience updating the firmware once it's received. If you have a different inquiry, please post in a thread with a similar topic or create a new post. 

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7/23 Update: the firmware update has only rolled out to a small percentage of users, and will roll out further next week. It should be rolling out to everyone soon. Thanks for your patience and interest, we look forward to hearing your feedback on the new firmware. 

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We've begun releasing new firmware (1.88.11) for Charge 3 to customers. This is a progressive rollout which means everyone will receive it at different stages until it has been completely released to all users. We roll out releases in phases as a cautionary measure so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed. 

*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

Please click here for firmware notes. 

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Step by step instructions for updating your Charge 3 can be found here.

If you run into any trouble updating your Charge 3, please review these troubleshooting tips. 

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CHARGE 3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: ALARMS CLEARED

We moved where you set alarms from the Fitbit app to your wrist! After you update, any alarms set will be cleared and need to set up again on the device. 

To make sure you don't miss an important alarm, open the Alarms app on Charge 3 and tap *+ Set up a new alarm*. Tap the checkmark to save and make sure it’s set.

[SteveCoatney]

Unfortunately, yes, it is quite the habit with Fitbits.

But there is a silver lining in the dark cloud.  They usually fail before the warranty is up.  I've replaced several under warranty.  🙂

[jfe]

I've had this for a while now since being a beta tester of it. Love the smart wake up feature, the ability to set alarms on the device itself, reboot device from the device, the time displayed when on a charge, syncing is fantastic. It comes with new clock faces also.

PS.
I've yet to figure out how to turn off the alarm properly. It goes into snooze mode often. No big deal, but help with avoiding that would be appreciated.

[BertilDator]

Interesting, haven't even received the 1.84.5 so stuck on 1.63.5.🤦

[GrandmaFizzy]

jfe.... The new features sound good but at the moment I would just accept for my Charge 3 to be actually working as it should, having to wear a normal watch now  as my Charge 3 is now over 3hrs slow and still not synced since Thursday. Just hope this new firmware release rolls out quickly and more importantly works!!

[Corr]

Hi @BertilDator . Please see the post of @KateFitbit elsewhere in this platform:

Charge 3 firmware version 1.84.5 was only released to a small number of users currently using United HealthCare Motion. If you are not part of that program, you will not get an update.

I'll post a floated thread when the next firmware update affecting all Charge 3 users is released. You'll also get a notification in the app. 

So your version 28.0001.63.5 is the last release.

[Jenknee]

My tracker screen went black but still vibrated and synced. The old hold the button down for 15 seconds while in charger trick wasn't working. I looked for a fix and found the update firmware bit in help. Not sure if it is this firmware version but it seems to have resolved the issue. Hopefully it will last. Fingers crossed. 

[AmeeyBerry]

My fitbit charge3 went blank screen also. But still sync and vibration. Need to push 8 sec. to re-start with showing a smile icon. Then after 4-5 mins. It went blank again. Why?

[MNnice]

I was on support with Ivan yesterday and that was the case. Thanks for the
help.

[User89]

Disappointed to see that there's still no option to have non-US date format on the charge 3, so lazy and inconsiderate of fitbit. 

[DaveyReyn]

Has anyone received the new update yet?

[Ascully]

No I checked, nothing shows up for me.

[Alicia.K]

My charge 3 blackout last year in November one year after i bought it, the shop replaced it with a new one, this one only 6 month old and i had the same problem it was vibrating and switching off i try to charge, try to reset, its switches on and after a few hour off again and now i have black stripes.  Nothing changed,  why is that?? What can i do?  Its so frustrating.  

[BrokenFB]

Hi, There is. My fitbit says Jul 20. I'd be confused if I had to stick with US version. 

[BrokenFB]

My FitBit still doesn't sync. It did last Wednesday, when my phone didn't have Bluetooth on, and now it won't sync again. 

It decided not to work on Friday 3rd. Did ping through some data on Weds 15th after days of trying, including plugging into my laptop and now it doesn't work again. 

My last FitBit stopped working after 9/10 months as well. Is this a common problem? I like Fitbit, but I'll buy Garmin next. 

I have checked and I don't need the new update apparently. Is this a glitch that needs to be fixed?

Does FB have a response? I've reset through the unit menu and held down the button whilst charging. 

[GrandmaFizzy]

Morning everybody. I have good news and I have bad!! My Charge 3 finally found itself yesterday and synced (the first time since Thursday!) So flushed with success at this achievement, I went searching to see if I was one of the "lucky" ones to be able to update and potentially solve this never ending fiasco of faults. Imagine my delight when it said there was an update available. So we start and bet you have guessed what I am going to say yes..... "Unable to update" Tried a couple more times and eventually left it and went and had tea. So imagine my surprise when returning and it says "Update successful and a big smiley face on the screen) I checked what version I have and it is 28.2000163.5 now I am not the greatest mathematician but this is not the firmware release 1.88.11 that this thread is all about so am I still waiting for that to happen?? Had another look at it today, and still showing me there is an update available but of course the same story "Unable to Update"  and to check the usual Bluetooth, Internet, Battery all of which are fine. 🙄🙄🤔🤔

[BrokenFB]

I am in live conversation with a chap called Juan. 

Appears that Charge 3 now needs Android 10 to work. There has been no update about this. The fitbit program doesn't state this.

My handset updated to A10 on the 1st June 2020 and my fitbit started to fail on the 3rd July. I do not see a link. 

I am attempting to obtain the warranty service. Juan isn't being very useful. Anyone know how to contact them directly?

[Corr]

@GrandmaFizzy  Please be patient and wait until you see the update banner inside of the Fitbit app to begin the firmware download.

This will be a pink dot on the envelope at the top right of your app screen.

Searching for the update via your avatar and the help function there does not work, as has been published before.

[Corr]

@BrokenFB 

Just go to the top of this page and click on the question mark.

Then click "Contact Support" ... and so on...

[BrokenFB]

It also turns out that if your phone is not on a list of tested handsets then you cannot claim on the warranty.

https://www.fitbit.com/content/assets/onezip/images/devices/Fitbit_SupportedDevices_Android.pdf 

This is the android list and does not hold new items. A Samsung S20 for instance is not covered as 'not tested by FB yet'... 

It's rather shocking isn't it. 

[BrokenFB]

I did that.. chatting online!!