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.

[WarwickS]

Oh okay! Thanks for your help Corr. 

[timborino]

"you can no longer set alarms in the Fitbit app"

Why was this feature removed?!

I use lots of silent alarms (between 5-10) and I edit them almost every day. This is very easy to manage on the app or web dashboard. It is a NIGHTMARE to manage on the device itself.

How can I roll back to older firmware versions? How can I get this feature back?

[asiayeah]

"you can no longer set alarms in the Fitbit app"

I am not surprised this feature was removed. It was really buggy and it's likely the fitbit engineers have given up on it. 

[Shadow1961]

Thanks everybody much appreciated 

[harleyim]

We bought our Charge 3s about 6 months ago and they came with firmware version 1.63.5. Why is it we were never advised of firmware update Version 1.84.5? How long will it take for us to be able to update to 1.88.11 and does this firmware update the age old problem of the units continually stop tracking in the middle of an exercise? 

[Wraggieone]

Hello fello Fitbit person.

Could you possibly post a screen shot of the new clock faces so we can take a look. No update for me as and the poor selection of clocks was this devices biggest let down for me.

Many thanks

Matt

[Wraggieone]

Hello 

On the update notes it states there are some new clocks, which is pretty good in my mind. Can you possibly allude to what those clock faces will be ie: will they be the same ones that came with the charge 4 🤞....I live in hope.

Thanks

Matt

[WarwickS]

I haven’t received the update yet however if you go onto electronic websites that sell the Fitbit charge 4, the promo pictures of the new charge 4 you get a sneak peak of a few of the new watch faces that will more than likely make it onto the new software for the charge 3 as both devices have the same screen size and almost the same in design!

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[LizzyFitbit]

Hi everyone. It's great to see you around.

Thanks for continue posting your questions about the Charge 3 Firmware update 1.88.11. As mentioned at the beginning of this thread, this new firmware update will be rolled out progressively. While we don't have a specific time frame when each of you'll receive it, please wait until you have it available in the Fitbit app.

@Alicia.K, thanks for getting back with more details about this issue. I'm sorry that you've gone through this situation and appreciate every step that you've tried so far to get your Charge 3 working. It seems this started with the previous update so you can receive further assistance, I've contacted our Support team on your behalf so they can open a case for you. Due to recent events affecting our operations there might be a delay in their reply, but they'll get in touch with you soon.

@timborino, thanks for joining this thread. Let me share that with our latest devices including the Charge 3, you're now able to set your alarms and Smart Wake directly on your device without needing to sync your tracker to your phone. I understand that it was easier for you to do it in the Fitbit app and please know that our team will continue working on new improvements based on the feedback shared in the forums.

@harleyim, the firmware 1.88.11 for the Charge 3 started to be released on July 17th, that's why you weren't prompted to do the update before. But be sure that you'll get it soon. About the firmware 1.84.5, I'd recommend to take a look to @Corr's post.

I'll continue being around.

[smitymann]

I purchased my fitbit last July and it has worked ok since then, until a week ago.  it started vibrating uncontrollably and then shut off.  It would not turn on and I had to put it on the charger and found it was at 2% battery.  I thought that was strange as I just charge it up 2 days before.  A charge usually lasts about 6 days for me.  Then it worked ok except it will not turn on when I flip my wrist to view like it used to.  Now it seems like it every time I press the side to view the screen the battery shows.  I turned off all notifications but phone and alarms and it seems to be holding battery, for now.  Not sure what to do but it is losing battery power quickly.  

[asiayeah]

@LizzyFitbit Thanks for the update. While we understand firmware updates are being deployed progressively, there should be a way for users to upgrade immediately IMHO. For example, is there a "check for firmware upgrade" button in the Fitbit app? 

I also find the version 1.84.5 is a total confusion and yet in https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1372.htm, it does not have any detail at all:

VERSION 1.84.5

This release includes bug fixes and improvements.

I would strongly encourage fitbit to update their release notes.

It is totally understandable that users (including myself) are anxious about getting the firmware update. After all, let's not forget fitbit does not have a good tracking record of rolling out updates, e.g. it took Fitbit 1+ years to roll out SpO2 updates...etc.

Thank you for your kind follow-up.

[Shadow1961]

What I would do is keep it on charge at night and maybe reboot it several times a day 

[Decoherence]

Re: setting alarms from the app I always found it worked, just that the app would sit forever telling you it was syncing the change with the device. So my solution was to give it a few seconds, check I could see the new alarm on the device, then leave the app...

[stayingalive]

I have a samsung and my charge 3 isnt working either...as of last week. Only 6 months old!

[RaudelY]

Mine died 2 days ago.  I called tech support who walked me through a couple of fix options which did not work.  He then offered to replace it at a 25% discount since it is a couple of months out of warranty.  This is the third Charge 3 that this is has happened to either within the warranty or slightly past. This feels like a pattern so I asked to speak to a customer service rep.  The tech guy said he would pass my message along however have not heard back. I wonder if this will get fixed by the software roll out since so many people are experiencing it? 

[WarwickS]

There is currently a new firmware release being rolled out now. It should take around a week or so for you to receive as they are doing a staggered roll out. Whether this update will fix a lot of common bugs I don’t know 😕
I am still waiting for the update myself and many others 😞

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[DaveyReyn]

I'm still wondering who has received the update. So far apparently no one active on the message board has & I personally know multiple people with Charge 3s that also haven't.

[WarwickS]

It’s so frustrating! As soon as one of us gets it be sure to post it on here 🙂 I’m hoping it arrives for us all within this week as they started the roll out on 17th allegedly.

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[jfe]

It has improved syncing a lot, which was ok in the first place. Dunno about fixing stuff in general. Then again I was not affected by general problems reported. Maybe it was a good thing ordering the special edition (better quality control?). Comes with 20 clock faces to choose from. Thinks the Pendulum one as released for the Charge 4 is the most standing out one, myself sticking with the Retro Double Stat one. Alarm settings on device is really easy to use & you can opt in for Smart Wake. In settings you can opt for Clear User Data and Reboot Device.

[WarwickS]

So just to confirm you’ve received the new update? 1.88.11? 😀