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.

[vikrantsagar]

Same here. I have been trying to update since yesterday and it just doesn't completes the updated.

[vikrantsagar]

I can't update my Fitbit Charge 3. I am a new fitbit user and been pretty happy so far until now.

Every time I try to update via my fitbit phone app, the update starts but then its stuck.

Please advise.

[Ferny]

 It won’t update.  I’ve set it next to an iPad with the Fitbit plugged into charge and it didn’t update in over 2 hours.  Tried again and left it overnight - still nothing.  It’s clearly not working.

[Tella1]

When I open the Fitbit app, it says that I have to update, but I cannot update because the update stops every timre when it is almost done. I cannot simply open the app now and see my steps etc. because the app opens now every time with the text that I have to update and can try this again. Nothing is working now, the fitbit doesn't count anything at all now. What can I do to solve this problem?????
It is Charge 3 version 28.20001.6 3.5

[antigoneX]

I scoured the help pages, finally contacted fitbit support via twitter, and they are now sending me a replacement charge 3, as it seems it cannot be fixed. I urge you to contact fitbit support as the final option.

[Tella1]

Thank you, I'll try that too

[RebCCL]

Just an update on my problems with the update. The tracker itself is still tracking everything but I lost the display a few hours after the update itself went smoothly. I tried following the recommendations of the resets and changing the clock face but they didn't help. Since then I've had the clock appear randomly very briefly halfway across the screen for a few minutes but then disappear again so I can only really use the app, not the device itself. 

I contacted customer service online through the help centre and used the live chat. The person was very helpful and checked I'd followed all the recommendations and then said they'd send an email offering a replacement because I've had mine for 13 months in the UK. I got the email and it did offer a replacement but also a discount on a Charge 4. I chose the replacement but I was only offered a standard black and silver Charge 3, mine is a rose gold special edition I paid extra for so I'm a bit sad I'll get a version I wouldn't have chosen but I guess I'd just like a Fitbit which works right now.

I'm waiting for the replacement now and hoping this one can cope with the update. 

[Tella1]

YES!!!! I did it!! I connected my Charge 3 to my PC and lay it on top of mij smartphone.
Started to update and after about 20 minutes it now says READY...pfftt.....
It was my 8 attempt and I don't know why I had to do it

[robartG]

Many thanks. I've dug out my old Charge 2 (whose screen had died) and that
has paired up perfectly and is monitoring well on the app.
Crazy!
I've only had Charge 3 a couple of months and it has crashed once before.
And now this! I shall try several times more today and if no joy will
follow up with Fitbit as advised.
Thanks again, and good luck with the replacement!

[Dixonlyn]

Ever since the upgrade, my charge3 does not stop making noise and flashing whenever I walk or move my arms- it is really annoying and is using the battery up in one day. I have tried everything to stop it. What else can I do? 

[Wraggieone]

So my Mrs has now had the update, the install went smoothly without a hitch, took about 25 minutes or so and all working beautifully.....sadly still nothing for me though. Ironic really as she's couldn't give two hoots about it.

Hopefully I won't have to wait to much longer 🤞. Been on this since the 17th of flippin July!!

[USNJAGLN]

Fitbit is not going to do anything....I've been on chat with them multiple times over the last month, and all they did was apologize and say their techs are working on it.  No offer to discount an upgrade, no other options to get the product working, no fixes.  I've been researching other options, looking at Garmin and their customer service ratings.  You pay for a product, you expect it to work.

[USNJAGLN]

Fitbit is not going to do anything....I've been on chat with them multiple times over the last month, my first Charge 3 the screen went totally black, they sent me a replacement and that one won't pair with my phone.  So I chatted with them and all they did was apologize and say their techs are working on it.  No offer to discount an upgrade, no other options to get the product working, no fixes.  I've been researching other options, looking at Garmin and their customer service ratings.  You pay for a product, you expect it to work.

[Nolefan32]

So many people now getting the update, I'm starting to wonder who I went and ticked off that I haven't got my invitation to the party yet.

[Wraggieone]

@Nolefan32 Same here man....we must've upset someone 😬😄

[sandyc126]

That may  e a blessing especially with all of us ha omg issues.Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

[jfeinour]

Don’t do the update, it has disabled my Fitbit and it doesn’t work anymore. And from what I have read Fitbit provides little to no help.

Sent from my iPhone

[Mags11]

My tracker doesn't show anything in the No Score or Sleep, or water since the firmware uodat

[rickdlong]

I tried an online chat to register my complaint, but was told I could send a email to support @Fitbit.com.  Below is the email I sent, but I got an automated reply telling me email support was no longer available, so I'm assuming that no one from Fitbit will read my complaint.  Maybe it will get some attention here?

To Whom It May Concern,

I updated the firmware on my Fitbit Charge 3 this morning as prompted.  I read the notice that alarms would be wiped out and that they would have to be re-entered.  What I did not see was a notice that there would be NO OPTION TO RE-ENTER THEM VIA MY IPHONE!  I spent a long time fumbling through every screen on the iPhone app trying to find where I could re-enter my alarms.  Finally I gave up and went to Dr. Google to answer my question.  That is where I stumbled upon your note in what's new in the update, that the ability to enter, update, delete, and manage silent alarms on any device except the Fitbit itself would not be available.

I am not happy with this change.  I use silent alarms on my Fitbit every day, often changing them or suppressing them on a particular day.  I am an "older user - 67 years old" and while I like the sleek design of the Charge 3 and small clock face, I find it difficult to manage data by inputting prompts on it.  I have large hands and the beginnings of Arthritis.  I do all of my entering on my iPhone app and I also use it to review my steps, track sleep, etc.  About the only thing I use the Fitbit screen for is to check the date and time.

Please, please, please reconsider this last update and bring back the ability to manage silent alarms on my iPhone app.  I really like the features of the Fitbit and don't want to have to move to another device to work around this change.

Thank you for hearing my complaint.  I look forward to a new firmware update in the near future with this feature restored.

Regards,

Rick Long

[robman501a]

Geez, so many negative reviews about this update. I'm starting to think I should just avoid it as it causes so many problems.

As for the update process, since I've had no luck at updating it with my Android phone, I've contacted Fitbit support via Twitter and they created a support ticket. I've explained everything and anything that I've done with it in extreme detail as they would probably tell me to do those things anyway. I've also explained the update notification vanishing in the Windows 10 app. We'll see how this goes. I don't want this update to break my Charge 3 since I love it and it works great!