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.

[dawneegirl4ever]

My fitbit Charge 3 stopped working also.  I had the same problem last fall and they sent me a replacement.  This morning, I went through all of the troubleshooting steps and it won't power on.  I contacted customer support and they can't do anything because I'm outside of my original warranty purchase, even though the device I have now was just sent to me in October of 2019.  It is less than a year old, but they do not have any kind of warranty on "replacements."  I was offered a 35% discount on a new device.  I'm not going to pay to replace my device.  This one didn't last 12 months.

[dawneegirl4ever]

Be aware that there is no warranty on your replacement.  My original fitbit died in September of last year (2019) and I received my replacement in October.  The replacement died yesterday evening during the new firmware update and they can't help me, since the warranty is only valid from my original purchase date.  They DO NOT warranty replacements, apparently.

[KAS70]

I updated my FitBit yesterday. The App is an epic failure post update. My wrist unit is tracking my exercise etc.. the App is not connecting to my wrist unit. As far as updates go.. did you perform user acceptance testing or did you just push it out and hope for the best?

[Whoosie]

Mine is failing to update.  I see the faint line, but my app just says “updating” with no indication of progress.  I first left it updating for 2 hours, then tried 6 hours, then overnight. Meanwhile, the app does not display data from the past day or so (while I have been running the update). 

[RobinBlitz]

Thanks! I will stop updating. No use

[RobinBlitz]

The last. Thanks. Will quit updating now

[S3v]

This 1.88.11 update killed my Fitbit charge 3. The screen went black and won’t turn back on even though it’s syncing and the green light in the back is flashing. I tried to update the clock face and tried to reset it while charging. Nothing works. Please help. 

[Huyster]

My Charge 3 SE is still sitting at 1.63.5. I know the latest is slowly rolling out but it can't be the big of a jump.

[Kengiese]

I wrote a message to explain my many problems with the latest firmware update, but my message encountered an unexpected error.  Going,down hill fast.

[Ryanthered]

With the problems others had wit the firmware update, you may be better off without it.

[WaywardSon]

Replacement delivered today.

There were no instructions at all on setting it up. I found them by searching this forum, but it turned out to be pretty easy.

First it downloaded and installed software, which is this new version. The only real oddity I noticed so far is that while the app knows my active hours completed for today, the new fitbit doesn't. It only know the one I completed with it. Not a big deal, just something I noticed.

It's nice to be able to read the display again, though now there will be a bit of a learning curve as the UI has changed a bit from the last version.

[Scottm454]

I received the firmware update. No issues. Running the app on a pixel 4. I followed the installation instructions and it was done and running fine in about 15 minutes. I've had the charge 3 about 18 months give or take, Never had one problem with it. We just replaced my wife's 3 with a 4. All works as expected

[DaveyReyn]

Yesterday was 4 weeks since this update was announced as starting to roll out. 3 weeks ago was the end of my 45 day return period on my 25% off out of warranty replacement Charge 3. I was going to return my Charge 3 & get a Charge 4 when I saw it was updated with smart wake & adjustable screen timeout, both features I value. Instead they tell me the Charge 3 is also receiving those features in an update that is rolling out, so I keep my Charge 3 & now can't return it but instead still don't have the update. Excellent customer service as usual from Fitbit. Everytime I open the Fitbit app & see no banner for update available it just keeps reminding me what a mistake it has been to be a loyal customer to this company.

[Kamaraju]

It does that with most of their models incl. Versa. I have to hard restart my tracker all the time for it to recognize the fitbit again.

[Kamaraju]

Same here. It reports that there is an update and when I click next to update. It gives me an error message saying I'm on latest version, though I'm not. 

[Kamaraju]

can you tell us few weeks is how many weeks?! And how you push the roll outs?! Based subscriber's name, location,...

I have been issues with inaccurate measurements of steps, calories, miles incl. device not found for several months now si ce it's purchase in Jan' 21. 

[Nicosoccerfan]

@Ascully I know it's been like 6 days since you got the update, but out if curiosity, are the clock faces the same as the newer ones the Charge 4?

[AhmadB1]

This update is rolling out very slowly, and it's frustrating.

I don't understand why Fitbit doesn't run some kind off Beta program to test the update, make adjustments, and then release it to the public. 

[DaveyReyn]

@AhmadB1 there was a beta test, @jfe earlier in this thread was part of it. I also question why this rollout has been out a month already & I still don't have it. With beta testing already done & after 4 weeks of customer updates for more field testing we are only left to guess they either found problems & are delaying further to work through them (which would be nice to know) or are not prioritizing customer service & figure we can all just wait because "soon" is good enough. If they were not confident in the quality of their firmware they could have made no announcement & rolled it out to 5% of the Charge 3 users for 2 weeks as a final test & then announce the update & tell everyone it will be out to everyone over 2 weeks.

[AhmadB1]

@DaveyReyn Thank you. 

I couldn't agree more with your points.