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.

[EntropicLife]

You can still find Charge 3, generally on sale/clearance.

Get one with the 25% off coupon- if applicable- and get 2 warranty...

You'll get a new one in less than 2 years...

[BobDavis]

Interestingly, my fitbit is now mysteriously working again.  Crazy.

[LuluGia]

FYI.. this is my saga of my Charge 3 ownership and now the issues after the latest update was completed 1.88.11.  This is the update that shows in my device information on the app.   I was notified of the update via the Android App.

I have the original charge 3 which I received on 11/2/2018.  I think I am just over this device now, DONE..  During my first year of ownership, while it was under warranty, it was replaced twice.  First time, it just bricked- black screen, totally unresponsive.  Second time I had the Dim Screen 'virus'.  Only time I could read the face was in a pitch black room.  

Last week the heart monitor went nuts, showing a heart rate of 118 which then went up to 138 (my actual heart rate when taken manually was about 65), then the heart monitor just stopped working.  I then saw that this latest update had been pushed out to me so I took it.  It seemed to work for almost 24 hours. I changed the face to a new one. And the heart monitor worked for a little bit with the proper rate, then stopped measuring, then showed the very high incorrect rate, then stopped working again. Meanwhile the back green light has been on pulsing for 4 seconds, then off for 2 seconds continuously.  

I read these forums and did some other searches which talked about putting it in the charger and then holding the side button for 8 seconds.. Then I was supposed t get the smile face for a soft reset.  Instead I got a permanently blank screen.  When you push the side button in it still gives that feedback that it was pushed , but the screen is blank.  Oh and the back is still pulsing the same way.

If you have not taken this update, DONT DO IT.  Maybe they will fix it. Maybe not.  I also had noticed that the screen had been getting dimmer plus the problem of over counting steps has continued on since Day 1.

[LuluGia]

You'll probably have to get a new one within 3 months. That's what happened to me since the first one bricked.

[liams085]

• Same for me

[Denise70]

I am in the same situation, no notifications for over a week! I shall follow this post for any answers!

[BobDavis]

Wouldn’t it be great if Fitbit came out and gave us an explanation. An apology would be nice as well. I believe they revised something on how the devices talk to our other connected devices and it screwed up. Hopefully it’s fixed long term. My watch has always worked. The data did not communicate.

Sent from my iPhone

[Denise70]

Yes my Fitbit has always worked , it wasn’t till last week that I noticed I wasn’t getting any notifications! Really annoying as I keep missing calls and now need to turn the sound on my phone!

[EPD85395]

I let mine vibrate for as long as it wanted to until the battery died.
Plugged it back into the charger and it started vibrating and screen flashing again.
That eventually slowed down and it rebooted and sat there with the horizontal bar in the center.
Unplugged charger and plugged it back in again...smiley face.
Unplugged charger and plugged it back in again...charging for a while then started the vibrating screen changing scenario.
Put the C3 in a plastic bag with a desiccant pack in case it had somehow gotten damp inside (although everything here in Florida gets damp inside of late.) Left it in the sealed bag for several hours.
Opened the bag and plugged it back into the charger.
To my amazement, it charged fully and seems to be working as well as it had before all of this started.
Crossing my fingers that it doesn't relapse.
My C3 firmware has not been updated. 28.20001.63.5.

[aquari]

I am having the problem where it will not turn on at all now. I did not even upgrade to the new firmware. I have 20001.60.39

[DaveyReyn]

Since last week I noticed if I go under help section in the app & check for updates it says one is available. I would select update & it would start but then right away say failed. Since yesterday it would start & show progress bar but after about 10 minutes say failed (twice it required rebooting the device by holding the button to get the progress bar unstuck from the C3 screen). It appears that update check in the app is useless, not sure why they even give it as an option. I'm still waiting for the banner notification & Friday will be 2 weeks since they announced the slow-roll-out.

[Ascully]

You have to wait for the banner notification the update button in help will not work.

[DaveyReyn]

I wouldn't even be confident that the banner notification would work, there has been issues in the past actually updating firmware on Fitbit products. With Fitbit the policy needs to be to set expectations extremely low and then still be disappointed when they offer you 25% off another product as a solution to every problem just outside of the 1 year warranty...

[SunsetRunner]

it is amazing to me that they don't stand behind their inferior products more. Mine died 1 month out of warranty and they won't do anything but offer me a discount on a new one. No thanks!

Time for an Apple.....

[SunsetRunner]

at least you got a case number, I got nothing but a broken device that is 15 months old.....

[DC1308]

This is absolutely unacceptable. My Fitbit hasn’t been working since 7/23. There are lines across the screen, the heart rate monitor no longer works, no blinking lights on the back and the batter goes down quickly. How can everyone keep having the same problem yet we just get offered a discount code for a new one? This item was too expensive to replace just over a year later! Never buying a Fitbit product ever again.

[EtheP]

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@Ascully wrote:

Coming up to 2 weeks since this firmware was announced, has anyone got it not showing for me at all and I am refreshing the app like a madman.

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I agree this is strange.  I've owned more than one Fitbit and this is the longest I've gone without receiving an announced upgrade.  Looking at some of the posts, I wonder if they have had to pull it due to problems.

[DaveyReyn]

The last updated info from Kate the moderator in the 1st post is:

"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. "

No indication of any issues so we can only expect we'll be getting it "soon" - I have not received it & it appears from this thread that maybe 2 people did & 1 person has it from being a beta tester.

[EtheP]

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@DaveyReyn wrote:

The last updated info from Kate the moderator in the 1st post is:

"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. "

No indication of any issues so we can only expect we'll be getting it "soon" - I have not received it & it appears from this thread that maybe 2 people did & 1 person has it from being a beta tester.

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Let's hope you're right!!

[WarwickS]

Yeah I’ve not got it, I think some users who have an android smartphone have began to receive it.

Sent from my iPhone 11