New 2020 firmware update for fitbit charge 3 (version 1.84.5)

[Oleg1975]

There is a new firmware version 1.84.5 in the list of updates for charge 3. However, I'm still at 1.63.5 and when I try to update the app says it is up to date

[CompMom]

Sounds like I am not alone in having a Charge 3 that has had display issues. My original failed at about 8 months, and its replacement also failed right at 8 months. Found out that the warranty did not reset when I received the replacement and was offered 25% off a new device excluding a Charge 4. After 2 exact failures after the same amount of time, there is no way that I would even consider purchasing another Charge 3 or any other Fitbit product for that matter. This is another loyal customer lost.

[jshute3]

Any ETA on the release of version 1.84.5?

[MontoMum]

Hi Mickeycrazie.  I have had two replacements and they have all died.  Now outside warranty period and I have a dead Fitbit which won't charge.  I'm looking elsewhere for my fitness tracker.  However, hubby and I both bought ours at the same time (anniversary presents to each other) and his hasn't missed a beat.  There just seems to be so many problems with them.  I'd be returning it and trying something else.

[MontoMum]

Yep I'm with you "Tha".  I'm looking elsewhere.  Had enough of the constant problems.  I too have had two replacements.  

[Bsassy]

After the software update my screen had some lines appear across it. Then today it went completely dark. There is no display at all.

[Bobbiesal]

Happened to mine as well. This is my 3rd Charge 3, first one screen failed at about 7 months, first replacement 5 months later, I talked them into replacing again, this one failed last night at 8 months. All with vertical lines over a white screen that fades to black after a week or so. I’m trying to figure out which fitness tracker to get next ☹️

[Bsassy]

So frustrating.....my went totally black a few days after I posted this, I went back to my old flex, but miss the extra bells and whistles of the smart tracker. Especially the clock and exact step count. So, I ended up purchasing another Charge 3 with my loyalty discount since  I was past my warranty period. 

[KylaSmyla]

Me too, I'm on my third one (2 replacements). Now this one has a totally black display (though the app is still updating). I think we're all seeing the same issues and instead of recalling them, or honouring to replace once out of warranty, we're stuck with these devices that don't work. I'm on the version 1.63.5, is there an update from this version or is that it?

[DFarm]

Have we ever figured out a way for the Charge 3 to receive texts if connected to an iPhone? They kept saying they would fix it and I gave up a long time ago. Debating if I should just move to an Apple product. Kept this one because I could swim with it, but not using the Y’s pool again any time soon....

[Jim_Bo]

Kate - Can you provide us with an update on firmware update to the Charge 3?

[KateFitbit]

@Jim_Bo a new update, 1.96.29 is rolling out and is currently only available to United Health Care motion members. I'll be posting a floated thread in the next few days as it becomes more widely available. 

[DaveyReyn]

Kate, do you know what new features will be included in this charge 3 firmware update? I have heard people talk about smart wake & a calendar app, will they be included? I was also wondering about the screen timeout adjustability that just rolled out to the charge 4, I don't see how that can't be applied to the charge 3 since they are essentially the same device except 1 has onboard GPS (really should be charge 3 & charge 3 GPS edition in my opinion).

[KylaSmyla]

Kate, do you know if the upcoming firmware update will resolve the issue with the black display screen? I'm still using my fitbit but can only see my stats on the app since my display is totally black now. Would be good to know if there is a resolution for this, or I need to buy another new Fitbit. Also, are there reports of the black display being found with the new Charge 4 model?

[Carfan]

I know about the update but mine says I am up to date but I am not

Sent from my iPhone

[KateFitbit]

@DaveyReyn I don't know what's involved yet, but the app release notes will be updated when it starts rolling out wide, probably by the end of the week. 

@KylaSmyla for that you should contact customer support, it sounds like it could be a hardware issue. 

@Carfan you are most likely up to date, there hasn't been a new FW release in lwhile aside from a few to UHC customers. 

[Abhijit.Me]

It is really a pity that Fitbit has a unique killer product on their hands (Charge) and rather than fixing, improving, adding features and providing proper support, they are busy on Versas, supposedly trying to compete with Apple Watch, on which they are way behind. If tomorrow Apple comes up with a Charge type of device and Fitbit loses its market entirely, this here would be the only reason.

I do not see any purpose in buying any future Fitbit products, now knowing that once it is a year old, there will be no watch faces or updates of any kind, while Apple still supports and provides updates for 5 year old gadgets.

[Auggiejack]

mine just did this today. It might be 2 years old. So frustrating.

[vivek143123]

Wow.. looks like im not one of those unfortunate customers to face display issues. This is my 2 replacement device and it's got the black lines issue. Since I'm off the warranty period, fitbit is only giving me a 25% loyalty discount. Looking at all these discussions on forums, I don't think I should waste 75% money in picking another Fitbit.

And customer care really aren't helpful, even though they know this is a major problem. 

[SunsetRunner]

FitBit really needs to start listening to their customers and consider adding features customers desire. I bought a FitBit Charge 3 and I've always been wondering when they will add the Calendar app to it. Apple for instance, adds features over software updates for every 1-4 months and maybe even more.  The features they add are great, but not saying FitBit needs that many features. The FitBit Charge 3 is a fitness tracker, but they should add more smarter features to achieve the "Smart Tracker."

[DND4]

Is the firmware update going to address the issues with my device not holding a charge throughout a single day?  I went from having to charge it every 4 days to twice a day now. And even then it’ll say 80% battery and then just die...  I’m very disappointed that BOTH of the Fitbits I have owned suddenly started malfunctioning just after my warranty ended..  pretty suspicious!