Firmware update bricked Versa 3

[Jtmitchem]

My perfecting working Fitbit that is 3 months out of warranty is officially a bad paper weight.  The latest firmware update obviously didn't work and now the Fitbit logo is stuck on my screen.  It attempts to restart but ends up on the logo 

Tech support went through the steps at a revival attempt with no success.  The offer of a 35% off full retail is laughable.  It is a slap in the face to a loyal customer.  This was my second Fitbit.  The only reason it was my second was due to me upgrading trackers.

If I caused the damage or was responsible, I'd gladly pay.  If you want me to send the device for you to review possible firmware bugs, I'd be happy to.  But giving me a discount that is already available on the website is an insult.  Our family of 6 Fitbit users just lost one.  

Moderator edit: format. 

[Guy_]

@rbbjr  - try the factory reset a few times, if it is not working.

Make sure you wait 15 minutes with it on the charge cable before doing anything with it.

There are bugs in the factory reset which render the watch useless sometimes.

[rbbjr]

@Guy_ - I tried three more times this evening, get to the end of setup and same error message… “reset failed! …” 

when you say try several times, how many before you throw in towel?

[Guy_]

@rbbjr  - it's a shame but if the factory reset using the button as described by support doesn't work there isn't anything you can do if the watch is out of warranty except let in run down completely so it switches off.

To document the case better you could add a photo of what you see in case it is indicative of something else .

[rbbjr]

@guy - thanks for your responses and appreciate your time.  I just ordered a new Garmin this morning

[patman666]

Unfortunately the factory reset doesn't appear to have brought my Versa3 back to life.  Thankfully mine is still in warranty and I'll be pushing for a replacement as soon as possible, once they respond.

For those with Fitbits out of warranty, you may wish to consider contacting Trading Standards or seeking some other legal counsel.  Think about it from this perspective.  You had a perfectly working Versa 3, which was rendered unusable by a manufacturer approved firmware update and the manufacturer is refusing to repair or offer a replacement watch.  Instead the manufacturer is offering a discount, if you wish to purchase a new product.  The status of your warranty may be irrelevant, when the product has been rendered unusable by the manufacturer.

Think about it, sell consumer a product, then break that product with a software update and refuse to repair or replace that product.  Appreciating I'm not an expert on consumer law, Fitbits approach to handling this issue could be on legally dodgy ground.

[angieJ1972 · Accepted solution]

Me too! Goodbye Fitbit!

[Postums]

So this is what happened to mine... It just goes to the logo, shuts off, vibrates, turns back on, and does nothing. 

This is so sad....

[rbbjr]

I purchased the Garmin Forerunner 245 and extremely happy with the features.

[CoreyMac]

Agreed!  None of the recent updates on at least three platforms are safe it seems...  Charge4, Charge5 and Versa3 are all being bricked by the most recent update.  This happened last time I am told as well with the Charge3 and some others with it's last update.

Once they are bricked, since they are out of warranty, Fitbit is basically doing nothing except telling you to replace your device.  They offer a 35% discount except it does not apply if it is a new product you want or already on sale (like the Charge5 and those others they are trying to move).  You can only buy older stock and if it is on sale there is no discount at all even though they are bricking MANY devices daily with this security update and they know it already and have for weeks.

Check the forums and Twitter FitBit Support and such...

Be careful...

[Gregsarah]

Yes!! this same thing just happened to me , I have gone through 3 Fit Bits within the last 5 years. My now 1 year and 3 month old versa 3 now in the same situation. I was able with tech support to get the main screen face up , and record steps and show time. but, I couldn't swipe screens and my battery dies after 1 day which I used to get 4 to 5 days before the update. So now as of 5 pm my watch has been on the charger doing another update. So now totally unusable . I will be calling tomorrow and complaining again VERY DISAPPOINTING and I have on order an Apple Watch 

[Guy_]

Hi @Gregsarah - how did support help, did they take you through a factory reset?

[Podenco]

As I stated in an earlier message to the moderator,  the "out of warranty statement" of Fitbit is arguable.

In my opinion this is from a legal point of view, not a warranty issue but more a liability issue. 

Fitbit has caused damage to the device and is liable for it. Fitbit should therefore repair, by an update, or replace the device.