Fitbit OS 4.0.1 - Firmware Release (68.9.12)

[AlessFitbit]

Fitbit Update: 9/16

Hi everyone,

We’re excited to announce the release of Fitbit OS 4.0.1, available for Versa and Versa Lite

(Firmware Version: 68.9.12). 

We've begun releasing this new firmware 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 AND FIXED

 
This release includes bug fixes and improvements.

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Step by step instructions for updating your Versa can be found here. 

To update Versa Lite Edition, leave on all-day sync and let the Fitbit app run in the background on your phone. When the update is ready, you’ll see a notification in the Fitbit app.

If you run into any trouble updating your Versa or Versa Lite, I recommend reviewing these troubleshooting tips. 

We appreciate your patience while we work to roll this out to everyone.  

[Renewal40]

ezrothschild I also have a Moto (x4) that is "not supported" so let me explain this is now Fitbit code for we dont know why it doesnt work.  I have had my moto x4 for 2.5 years and have not had any sync issues, but after the update I did and now that I did a full factory reset on my Versa and installed the previous version it works fine again. 

FYI my husband also has a Versa we bought at the same time, he has a Samsung Galaxy which IS supported and his never syncs and has had problems since day one. The fact that there is NO notice on the box or anywhere else that this device is ONLY compatible with certain devices tells you this is their new solution to the continuous issues.  If you look at their previous versions of the app you will see they have released an update almost weekly for months before they released this NEW update to 4.0 and any app that updates that much as serious issues.  

Hope you get your money back. 

[Renewal40]

Tweet them. I get instantaneous response if you tweet them about their stuff not working. I do not bother anymore as I've accepted this product is crap based on their terrible update history and the new excuse that our devices are not supported (my husband's is and it has never synced to the phone app properly).  

Sadly they have a good idea, but have failed at implementing it. I did a factory reset and now mine is syncing, but I will not update any firmware and will wait until I can afford a real smart watch.  I'm sad as I've been using fitbit for several years, but this is VERY disappointing. 

Moderators do come on here sometimes btw, but they all say the same thing like restart, reinstall etc. 

[Fit2walk]

Thanks for the response. Appreciate the info even if it's not what I wanted to hear. How do I install a previous version? TIA

[Renewal40]

I looked up the files through a mirror site (the forum has stopped me from replying with the file type, sorry).  Someone on here actually replied that I should do that and posted a link to a possible option after I'd already found it on my end.  I'm sorry but I dont recall the name of the poster, but I think that conversation was under the topic of Versa Syncing and not this firmware release.  I'm sorry I dont recall it, but if you google fitbit version 3.6.1 you should find something.  

[Luroc]

Tigerjen99, It's interesting that you mention the third party watch issue. BEFORE the firmware update, with my prior Versa, I updated the watch face and started having serious issues -- and my screen went blank and entire watch died (after a few days of it dying, in permanently died). I had been wondering if it was one of two issues: I had swam with it on a couple of weeks prior OR if it was due to the third party watch face. With my new Versa, I have decided not to update with a 3rd party clock face for fear that my Versa will like my prior did. So not a firmware update issue, but maybe an overall 3rd party clock/watch face issue?

[tigerjen99]

Luroc, an interesting observation indeed!  It's really a bummer b/c I like all of the options for the 3rd party clock faces.  However, I think my assumption that they have been fully tested and are stable, might have been a stretch.  Good luck with your device!  At least there are more fitbit-offered clock faces than there used to be.  🙂

[Carolyn13]

Hey guys. I think my Fitbit has one of their faces on it but still no notifications (other than Fitbit) on my watch 🥺

[tigerjen99]

Hi Carolyn13, thanks for mentioning!  I truly think the firmware has bugs.  For mine, after the update, my device completely shut off and couldn't be charged.  I'm wondering if the combination of the 3rd party clock face and the update was a bad combo.  🙂  It's sad to know that the notifications still aren't working while you are using a fitbit clockface.  Hopefully they can get it resolved soon.  Thankfully (so far) my replacement that I started using today is getting notifications and the battery appears to be acting normally.  (I wasvery paranoid when it was setting up and downloading updates this morning.)

[Jelanik]

Update notifcation came on my phone and now my versa is black screen and not responding. Could you help @AlessFitbit 

[Residency1]

I don't believe that it's the third party clock faces, I used only their (fitibt) faces and I still have the same problem I've had for weeks.
BTW. I have a charge 2 original that has worked since I reinstalled it and am using it. It gets notifications. So have to wonder if it isn't just the VERSA'S and the other newer trackers that have the problem.


Ingrid

[https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-animated-no-repeat-v1.gif] Virus-free. www.avast.com

[opethPA]

Hey All, 

Like everyone else on this thread I now have a useless smartwatch due to the most recent firmware release. 

My setup is a Fitbit Versa and Samsung Galaxy S9+ which had been working great for well over the past year. 

Once the firmware update finished however the Watch has lost all ability to sync to the phone making it pretty broken IMO. Like so many other people I have unsuccessfully tried the standard approaches given on other threads here or by the mods which include: 

1. Reboots of phone and watch

2. Targeted turning off Bluetooth

3. Removal of app and reinstalling

So being annoyed I just sent Tweets to Fitbit Support and Fitbit that say the following. While I have never found Fitbit to be a great customer service company maybe I will get lucky and they respond, if they do I will post it here: 

@FitbitSupport

Any comments on the major problems caused by the latest firmware release on at least the Versa watches ?

If you don't know what I am talking about go to this 14 page thread on your forums for details: https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa-Smartwatches/Fitbit-OS-4-0-1-Firmware-Release-68-9-12/td-p/376...

[DaveRoberts]

Completely useless device.  Deleting account and returning Versa to the store today. On to the next smartwatch

[kidbear]

Mine thinks I  can run a 12 minute mile. The GPS shows the right trail, but says it's a mile longer! I average a 16.5 mile. Slow , I know.

[SanDiegoJack]

I have been a fitbit user since they began and was looking into upgrading from my Surge.

Sure glad I looked at this thread. unFitbit continues the policy of mushrooming customers-  keep them in the dark and feed them s... This is too much pain. I will buy from another company.

[PcAddict]

I did the things you did, which did not work.

I finally did what some others did and I did get my notifications back.
Still cannot get it to stay connected to control music.

What I did was remove Versa from the phone Bluetooth, then go into the
Fitbit app and remove your Versa. Reboot phone. Then connect Versa to
phone Bluetooth. Then go into the Fitbit app and reset up your Versa.

[Gmartis1]

I’m about to get a Apple Watch. At least I know that it will work with my phone all the time. Very disappointed in Fitbit.

Gladys

[ukmight]

Yes, 

Have been facing the same issue a day before the update was pushed out. So seems to me like a some algo change at the backend. The accelerometer calculated distance Seems to be overriding the GPS calculated distance where it should be the other way around else what is the point of having a connected GPS. 

I have noticed that when i run  relaxed with a smaller  stride is underestimated by 10-15%. But if the run is with more effort and often longer strides, the distance is over estimated by 10%. So clearly some issue where it is trying to multiply the no of steps with ur stride length instead of calculating from the GPS data. 

I transfer the gps data to Strava and use their function to correct distance for the GPS data and the distance is then correct.

So clearly the gps points are recorded correctly, but the distance calculation is way off.

[Maithancailin]

My fitbit is on the start screen , the one that says "download the fitbit app to start" i have restarted the fitbit, turned off and on the  bluetooth on my Samsung Galaxy S 9 (OS 9), I have uninstalled and re installed the fitbit app, but I can't get past this screen, the device is never "found" by my phone or by my computer. I have tested the bluetooth on my phone with other bluetooth devices such as headsets and they have connected so I know it is not the bluetooth function on my device. 

I've been using fitbit for a while, I loved my Versa until this last update. Please help 

[CharlotteBt]

I am STILL having issues with my Versa Lite not notifying when calls are coming through - I need to have my phone on silent for my job and found the notifications really helpful...for the money I paid I expected this to be resolved a long time ago. I have done all of the things I found online and they work for about 2 calls. this is now ridiculous. i dont carre if you are "aware" of it, when will it be fixed?

[SunsetRunner]

I understand your frustration, @CharlotteBt . It was unfortunate that Apple released iOS 13 without notifying several third parties (like Fitbit) that link to it. However ... I upgraded to iOS 13.1.2 this morning and my notifications are coming thru as expected! Have you upgraded to 13.1.2 yet? If not, that should help.