Charge 4 rapidly losing battery -- firmware issue?

[vicioussquid]

I have a Charge 4 that is a little over 1 year old -- just out of the warranty period, of course! But ever since last Thursday, after my last workout, the battery has been draining rapidly within 2-3 hours -- from 100% to 0%.

I've completed to no avail:

• Numerous charge cycles with the original charger, with different outlets/chargers
• Monitoring battery drain wearing and not wearing the device
• Multiple reboots
• A factory reset and re-paired with my phone
• Cleaned the device with an alcohol swab
• Turned off Fitbit GPS, set to default screen/timeout settings, etc.

My firmware is 48.20001.100.76, listed as the most current on the Fitbit site here. The app updated on my phone 6 days ago, which coincides with when my Fitbit started draining. So I guess I'll see if Fitbit releases a new update that resolves this issue? If not, the device is mostly useless now.

Unfortunately, Fitbit support was not helpful. And like for many others, only offered a coupon for a new purchase that expires in 30 days. This is my first, and likely last, Fitbit. I've mostly enjoyed the product and software, but reading about other people's issues and similar problems with the Charge 5, I have zero incentive to continue with this brand.

Is anyone else experiencing this issue with the Charge 4 with this firmware?

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FYI, I noticed that the Fitbit app released an update on August 1, though the Charge 4 firmware is still listed the same. I've updated the app on my phone (Android 13), and charging my Fitbit now to see if there is any change in behavior.

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No improvement on performance as of 10/9/2023, even with new app (Android) versions. It also stopped counting my steps when I try to wear it for the short time it's live. Guess this one's destined for the landfill in just one short year...

[vicioussquid]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you're experiencing similar issues, but glad to know I'm not alone. During my forum searches, mostly on here and Reddit, I read about the Charge 5 having similar issues with a firmware update back in December. Not sure if it was resolved for those folks.

[Ashpolkam]

I am facing the same issue with my Charge 4 since this past week. It's 2 years old and the battery drains within 3-4 hours. I don't use gps, messaging or the call notification system. I purely use it to track my calories burned and steps counting. 

Is there any resolution to this?

[BRD62]

Not that I'm aware of but I haven't reached out to Fitbit support yet.  I'll be sure to update this post when I do.

[pm51]

Having same problem. Frustrating when trying to track a long walk or run

[KnyfeParty]

Yeah it seems pretty widespread (like you reading similar stories popping up online). When I reached Support, I got a response that acknowledged that it was an issue, then redirected me to an email for a coupon to buy a new fitbit.

If it's affecting multiple models, then  clearly it's not a 'your fitbit just died, so let's help you get a replacement', but a larger issue they seem to not want to acknowledge

[GWB67]

I'm having the same issue with my Charge 4 and looking on here, it's affecting Charge 5 users too. Mine started having problems 5 days ago and last night the battery went from 100% to flat in about 4 hours. I'll contact support again! 

Presumably getting a new one won't solve the issue as wouldn't it update to this version that's causing the problem? 

[vicioussquid]

No, I would think you'd have to try a total different model than the Charge series to potentially avoid this current issue, but that's just a guess. Thanks for sharing your experience, hopefully it's fixed soon.

Thanks for sharing your experience KnyfeParty, hopefully the influx of tickets will push them to further investigate and release a new firmware. Waiting is about all I can do at this point.

[GWB67]

After speaking to them today, I'm not optimistic. My device is pretty useless now as it goes flat in no time at all. 

[vicioussquid]

😞

I agree, I haven't been wearing my device at all, just using the app if I walk or hike. I'm not going to charge it multiple times a day. But I'm not throwing it out yet; I'm going to keep an eye on the app store to see if Fitbit releases an update.

[GWB67]

I see they've since emailed me a discount code for another one! 

[BRD62]

I've contacted support as well.  No discount code or coupon as of yet.  Any thoughts or recommendations on something other than a Fitbit tracker?

[vicioussquid]

Hi BRD62,

I haven't researched extensively yet, but I know some people look to Garmin as an alternative. Or go full smartwatch with an Apple or Samsung. Google (Fitbit's owner now) recently released a Pixel watch. While I'm a Pixel fan, I've seen some mixed reviews, especially for battery life.

I was trying to avoid a full smartwatch, hence why I like the Charge series. I also like the minimal design. Garmin has a similar model called the vivosmart, but I'm not sure of its features or reviews, or how it compares to Fitbit.

[GWB67]

I'm trying to find a small one too and looking at the Garmin vivosmart 5, but it doesn't have built in GPS. It works off the phone GPS so not sure if that'd be as accurate.

They've sent me a discount code for 35% as apparently they'd hate to lose me 🙄

[BRD62]

I received the same discount offer.  Unfortunately they weren't willing or able to pinpoint the exact cause: battery, software, or some other hardware issue.

[GWB67]

Same here. I don't think they're interested in finding the cause but it is strange how several users should experience the same issue around the same time. If I thought it was the device at fault then I'd upgrade but it's something they've done. It can't suddenly go from a battery lasting 7 days to only 4 hours. 

[GodlyOverlord]

Jeeze, i jumped on here after having my charge 3 replaced probably 6-8 months ago (wrist band broke) with one that was still on old firmware (which ive never updated!). The band luckily happened too break about 2 weeks after i updated "to the latest version" which immediately drained the battery within hours of a full charge wheres i'd get nearly a full week between charges before.

I've kept avoiding the "update" notification on the fitbit app for months now, was hoping the issue had been fixed but shocked and sad to see nearly a full year later of gimping charge 3 and 4's (and other fitbits) with a firmware that can drain a full charge in a few hours still hasn't been fixed or rolled back!

Absolute joke, but the way Google operates these days its entirely unsurprising that they just don't care (look at google assistant, that things been circling the drain for years now, they just don't test updates or care if they push broken stuff or remove things they've advertised as features....and now the device can barely doing basic tasks properly)......clearly they have other plans and just let projects fall into disrepair until they either shutter them completely, or push a major refresh

Definitely won't be buying another fitbit, makes me second guess my choice to buy pixel phones and i'll most likely sell all my Google home/assistant related gear soon and move on...

[GWB67]

Looking at this site it's happened to a lot of people with different devices over the last twelve months. I don't recall updating mine recently but it's useless for a week now.

Others have had success removing certain features from the device but I've tried that and several other things but no success. 

I've had to bite the bullet and order a new one as the discount code they sent was a decent amount and looking at other makes, people have had issues with the apps on those. 

As someone else mentioned, it's almost as if it's a deliberate thing by fitbit to make us upgrade. It just doesn't make sense how a battery that use to last 7 days can suddenly shrink to 3-4 hours. 

[Jimmy_Z]

My Charge 2 recently began your issue of not holding a charge after working well for years.  Thought you might like to know.  jz

[vicioussquid]

FYI, I noticed that the Fitbit app released an update on August 1, though the Charge 4 firmware is still listed the same. I've updated the app on my phone (Android 13), and charging my Fitbit now to see if there is any change in behavior.