Charge 4 saying to download or update Fitbit app

[JOBench200]

Charge 4 keeps telling me to download or update Fitbit app. I already had the app (used it with my Charge 2). To humor device I uninstalled and then reinstalled Fitbit app; unfortunately the result is the same -- Charge 4 tells me to download or update Fitbit app. However, Charge 4 is synced with my laptop where the Fitbit app is...and that updates to show activity as it should... So what do I do to get Charge 4 to show it?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[User15489]

[EDIT] Samsung Android EIGHT. Apparently typing the number gets it changed to "8"

[Tootsall]

My update announcement came through on the app this morning.  Updated the charge 4 while recharging both it and the phone (iPhone8).  Took about 20 minutes...wnough time for a shower and get dressed.

[AlejandraFitbit]

Hello guys, I hope you are doing fine.

I appreciate all the information provided and the efforts in trying to fix this update or download issue. When you see this message, it means that your tracker isn't paired and that you need to set it up. Please follow the steps in the article: Why can't I set up my Fitbit device?.

Also, keep in mind that Charge 4 requires an update in order to enable its features. This update should begin to download in the background following setup and should complete within 48 hours. In order to complete the update, please ensure the app is open in the background and regularly syncing.

Have a good day!

[LomaxBreak]

Please put a better pinned post than this one.   This is very poor.

The fundamental information people need is that there is a potential 48 hour setup delay.  During this time the device will give incorrect communication and wrongly instruct the customer to "Download or update app".  Your customers need to know that its not their fault, and that it will resolve in time.  Otherwise your customer will waste THEIR valuable time trying to fix something which they cannot.  Its aggravating that the device does not provide a correct status message.  Its doubly aggravating that the pinned official response response on the Fitbit forum still doesn't admit to the real issue.     

[Rich_Laue]

@LomaxBreak we already have several posts on the firmware back ground download. This thread is asking about why it fails when trying to pair the tracker to the phones Bluetooth which gets rejected by the tracker with a message to use the app. 

This thread quickly got hijacked and became another thread on the firmware and not about the initial setup process. However I noticed that the pinned post is simply asking a question and doesn't answer either question. I'll try to find a correct answer.. 

[Chrg4_FW_ugh]

More meaningful & helpful answer would have instructions & a warning like: "connect your new charge 4 to your app via bluetooth, make sure the permissions allow it to refresh in the background, make sure you have a good internet connection, and leave them together for 1-4 days. Your watch should update usable firmware after that and be ready to go (then)"

[Rich_Laue]

The problem I see with your post @Chrg4_FW_ugh is that your Fitbit tracker is a Low Energy Bluetooth device and therefore the user will not be able to connect it to the phone through the Bluetooth screen 

As for the update, the fitbit app needs permission to run in the background. 

With a lot of android phones, the app needs to be in the background when the phone sleeps. 

[Chrg4_FW_ugh]

I've tried using the windows app, an iphone, and now the windows app again.  It's still saying "Download or update the Fitbit app to set up" when I plug the charge 4 in and push for 10+ seconds. 

The windows app says my charge 4 is "Version 20001.96.29", but when I push "Help" and "Check for Charge 4 update", it says "Your Charge 4 is up to date!"

Note: My Window 10 app says "Fitbit 2.44.1997 (64029)"

[Rich_Laue]

@Chrg4_FW_ugh 

Your Charge 4 is not fully compatible with your Windows Computer. 

• Yes it will sync your tracker
• No you will not be able to setup and maybe not be able to update. 

According to this pinned post, firmware 1.100.43 should be available for downloading. 

You say you tried, but nothing about what was tired. 

Let's stay away from your Windows computer. 

• Open the fitbit app on your phone. 
• We want to setup the tracker. 
• Tap the top left
• Tap Add Device
• When asked if you want to replace and continue, answer with yes
• Follow the prompts. 
• The last prompt will be to install the firmware. 

[bmqbit]

I can’t even get the app to download and it wants a credit card. Is it no longer free! Very frustrating!

[Rich_Laue]

The fitbit app is and will always be free. Go to www.fitbit.com/setup and you will be directed to the free fitbit app. 

[chatblanc7]

this doesn't answer the original question, so I'm not sure why it's considered the best answer. I, too, am having the same issue as the OP; however, in my instance, I'm trying to re- pair my Charge 4 (I've had it for almost 2 years) with my phone after an accidental unpairing. Like the OP, I've deleted and re-downloaded the app. I've tried pretty much every suggestion made. I have no idea what to do. 

[Rich_Laue]

@chatblanc7 I was responding to @bmqbit 

Un-pairing a tracker from the phone, will not remove the tracker from your fitbit account. 

Did you by chance remove the Tracker from the fitbit app? You will need to also un-pair from the phone. 

Which android version are you running? 

At what step of the setup does it fail, any error messages? 

[jswim77]

But I looked under help it said to uninstall the app restart my phone restart the Fitbit. I did all this I tried reinstalling Fitbit for and still says download or update the app do sync the Fitbit. I even tried chatting with someone that still did not work. Should I just go out and buy a new Fitbit. Because this is really ridiculous. I had problems with my Fitbit 3 too maybe I shouldn't go with Fitbit anymore if they're going to have so many problems.

[egzln]

After changing phones I've tried to pair my Charge 4 for two weeks now with no success, due to the same problem. This is seriously the worst software experience I've had since... since starting using computers in 1992. I am surprised how such a bad idea could go through a group of not only programmers, but anyone who has ever used an electronic device. It is not only terrible UX but also kind of degrading to the customer to take all agency and make them wait for Godot.

Just let me push a button and download the software! It will take 10 seconds! Don't worry your servers will be fine, I don't think there are billions of users all around the world waiting for the same moment to pair their Fitbits.

[amandadj]

Just fixed mine.  On your fitbit, go to settings, reset user data. Then proceed to pair as normal. No further problems.

[EffB]

I am having the same issue with a Charge 4.  Tried all of the above and not working.  Worst user experience that I have ever been through with a device. And so far terrible support.  This is ridiculous. Fitbit should be ashamed of this.