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.

[DaveyReyn]

I have an Android phone so that hasn't helped in my case yet, still no update.

[LuluGia]

I did the 1.88.11 Firmware update about 5 days ago. I have the app on my android (Samsung) tablet. I was looking at the app and saw that I got the push for the 1.88.11 release. Since I'd been having issues with the heart rate monitor not working and a sometime dim screen, I figured I'd see if the update helped.  It took awhile but did the update (I checked on my app and it shows that the software version is 1.88.11).

So that being said...... I did the update and those issues resolved for 12 hours. Then the whole thing froze. -----Green Light on back on Fitbit was strobing constantly, and the display was frozen, the time stopped changing - the whole device was frozen. 

I looked here on the posts and saw someone said to put the Fitbit in the charger and hold the button for 8 seconds. That totally killed the display...  No more display no matter what I try (have tried all the remedies listed by admins in other threads). It does give the hepatic feedback when you push the button but even after charging I still get notifications via email that the charge is low.  Anyhow I've given up.  This is my 3rd one (had 2 replacements under warranty) and I am done with Fitbit.   

[1catfan]

I’m starting to wonder if it is even worth the risk of updating this new 1.88.11 update. I’ve read about several people on here who have received it and it made their device totally unusable. At least until we know the 1.88.11 update is safe and stable. It is just insane that they made the charge 3 by default in which you cannot even set the alarms from the device itself. I’ve been through 3 replacements fitbits through the years although, not yet with the charge 3 (knock on wood). Does anyone know if Google has officially taken over the company or if it has passed regulation? Maybe when Google takes over, they will have a more reliable product and service. I do have constant synching problems almost daily jn which I have to remove the charge 3, then add it back to my account. I am just about done with Fitbit myself. The problem for me lyes with what other fitness tracker would you use in place? The apple watches and android watches with fitness trackers are so expensive. They are like purchasing a new phone kind of price to some degree. I’m sorry LuluGia you’ve had such a difficult time. No one should experience such a poor device and customer service experience.

[1catfan]

KateFitbit: You haven’t posted an update since 7/23/20. Can you tell us if the 1.88.11 update is still rolling out on schedule and approximately how many (%) people have received it? I’ve read about several people just in this 1.88.11 board that updated it and now their device is unusable. I have a Samsung galaxy S5 that is still running in Android 4.4.2 but my iPad Air 2 is updated to iOS 13.6. I’m still running 28.20001.63.5. as of 7/30/20 at 5:30 pm. If the device rollout isn’t based on geographical location, how do you selectively choose which users of the charge 3 device receive the 1.88,11 update when? It can’t be released through the Fitbit app itself, correct? The only way I can think of it being able to be released is via either android google play store, apple iOS or Microsoft. Is that correct? It would be very helpful if Fitbit provided more transparency and listed when each device will receive their update. Like iOS apple will receive by this date....android google play by this date....Microsoft by this date....in some kind of organized way. Regardless, Fitbit has to be much more transparent providing more information about the updates. You literally have so many customers in tears of frustration by the lack of transparency and support. Lastly, has Google taken over Fitbit yet or has it not even passed regulation yet? Do you have any information when this will happen? It seems clear that the current Fitbit staff is overwhelmed and cannot keep up. Thanks for your help.

[Benji1]

My Charge 3 is completely dead! At first the screen wouldn't wake so I contacted on line support and they told me to change my clock? What? Ok, so I did that and my screen became corrupted and I see half a normal screen and half a vertical grey dotted line down the other side. All attempts to do the reset on charge bring no results and my attempts to contact on line help are useless as it no longer connects! What's up Fit Bit?!

[LuluGia]

Hi 1catfan, Thank you! I am going with the Samsung Active Watch 2. My husband has had it for 9 months. He has not had ANY issues and it has more functions. It is a different look, slightly larger and it is round but I've worn the 40mm one and it is good for me.  I found it on sale now for $219. Definitely cheaper than an Apple Watch.  The one complaint with the Active Watch 2 is that you need to pretty much charge it daily. But it charges fast , I plan to put it on the charger when I am relaxing at night after dinner or when I am in the shower.  Good luck to you!  

[685392]

I've sent my device to SquareTrade twice for this issue and they said it's fine. So I'm thinking I'm having this software issue. SO frustrating!

[Maltie]

I gave up on my charge 3 thinking the Bluetooth is extremely weak purchased a new one on Amazon and for a few days was happy thinking I resolved my problems but within a week again the iPhone loses the charge 3, the app has issues finding the device and I had to reset the new charge 3 a few times, had to remove it from the app and completely reset it to use it again. It’s only been a couple of hours let us see how long it lasts this time! I called Fitbit but all they offer is a replacement and just a refurbished one ugh! They really frustrate you when they deny heAring such issues exist when the community is full of similar instances! To me denial is just a way of ignoring issues rather than solving them.

[Nolefan32]

Last word given was that 1.88.11 had trickled out to only a few select people, and the rest of us would get it "next week." Well, it's next week, and still nothing except for crickets. If there has been problems with the rollout, tell us that much. I've even got a premium account, and yet there seems to be very little that's "premium" about the experience I'm receiving from support.

[DaveyReyn]

I agree, clearer communication on this would give us realistic expectations. From being a Fitbit customer since 2015 I can say the 1 expectation we should definitely have is disappointment.

[Harry.m]

Hi Kate Fitbit by what date will 1.88.11 be fully released by

[Harry.m]

When will I get the update? I’m in Australia with a charge 3

[Ascully]

Coming up to 3 weeks now still no update.  Katefitbit is this release delayed?

[Aisha_H]

Sorry, I am responding late. I have completely just given up on Fitbit. It's a shame because I've had one for years. After I went through troubleshooting it worked for a few days but noticed the battery was extremely drained. Then when I went to charge it, it never worked since. If I take it off the charger it shuts off and I can't use it. I open the app and there's nothing there about any firmware, but the fact that my Fitbit has not worked for basically the whole month of July is disappointing. 

[Ascully]

Maybe the battery is dead?  They only last so many charge/discharge cycles.

[Aisha_H]

I literally was able to notice the battery going down. It died the next day and when I charged it I made sure it was at 100% before taking it off the charger and by the time I had it on my wrist it shut off. Usually, the charge would last at least a week, maybe even two. Less than 24 hours? No way. 

[dadsafrantic]

i'm wondering if fitbit has left the building.  if google rolls in they will have their own way of doing business.  fb has had shoddy hardware and support for some time now.  you can't really blame the support staff though.

[Ascully]

When rechargeable batteries reach end of life you will see that kind of behavior. How old is the Fitbit?

[Kfbates]

My charge 3 screen has been black for 4 days now and yesterday started vibrating at odd times. Today a red light showed up on the back and won't go away. I can't restart it, and changing the clock face didn't fix it. My fitbit is a year old- is my only option to replace it??? I'm really frustrated that none of the solutions have worked

[Imrewired]

Spoiler

How will I be able to set an alarm since I can’t see my screen since it’s completely black?  I still wear my Fitbit since it is still tracking but I only view it’s data on my iPhone since it’s out of warranty and I refuse to buy a new one until some of the current issues are resolved.