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.  

[rede4itnow]

I downloaded the update to my Fitbit and now I can't scroll, tap or swipe. and my battery runs out in less that 12 hours. The latest is that when I put the watch in the charging station nothing happed. It's not lighting up now. I just called Fitbit and they are sending me a replacement since I purchased it less than a year ago. That number is: 877-623-4997 if you want to call them. They were helpful in trying to get it corrected but it just wasn't happening.

[sheena813]

ThAts scary. It sounds like they knew this update was trash.

Sent from my iPhone

[rede4itnow]

from what I've been reading online there are a lot of Fitbit users that are having issues with the update.  They should have pulled it before it got to this

[Kelseygi]

I’ve also had this issue since the update— I no longer receive text notifications. I’ve done EVERYTHING.  Uninstalled the app, restarted my Fitbit, made sure notifications are on, etc. it’s super annoying. 

[achmafooma]

I ultimately got my notifications back (Versa Lite + Google Pixel 3/Android 10).

Here's what I did...I'm not sure if every step is actually necessary or which one(s) actually fixed it, but it seems to be working pretty reliably for me now.

1. Sync everything (so no data gets lost).
2. Un-pair the Fitbit in the app (click the trashcan icon at the top-right).
3. Go to the app in the Android OS settings and clear all data, then remove/uninstall the app.
4. Reboot the phone.
5. Install the Fitbit app and login to my account.
6. Pair the Fitbit and set the main settings.
7. Go into the notification settings...at this point I was asked for a bunch of permissions and I granted them.
8. Set notifications to my liking (it lost all of my app-by-app settings so I had to reset all of those, which was really annoying).

Since I did all of that it seems to be working okay.

I still have not received the actual firmware update, and I'm hoping they have stopped the rollout until they have addressed the issues people are reporting.

[PurpleRose8130]

This is what’s happened to mine, had blank screen, now it’s glitchy getting partial graphics and then nothing, it’s broken, not happy 😩

[Lil_lanakin]

So after updating the firmware on Monday i was having the same issue as most people - notifications only when scrolling on the main screen, but no vibration or screen on. They only seemed to work with calls. Calendar, WhatsApp, text messages and any other messaging services didn't work.

So then i uninstalled the app, reinstalled it, restarted my phone, and factory reset my fitbit. It reverted back to the firmware before updating and last night the notifications started working again hoorah! 

Then this morning the notifications have started not working again and it's not even as if my fitbit has updated or anything.... Weird and rather annoying!!! So i have gone back to using my old Mi Band 3 until Fitbit sort this issue out. Hopefully it won't take too long *fingers crossed* 

[Mesa_Mom]

DO NOT download this new and wonderful firmware update until they fix it!!! I’ve had my Versa a little over a year and it WAS working wonderfully - UNTIL I UPDATED IT.  Now it’s a $200.00 paper weight! It will not charge. It will not turn on. It doesn’t do anything. The app can’t even find it!

I called Fitbit but they gave me the “So sorry we broke your watch. You purchased your Versa in May and now it’s September so it’s out of warranty. But I’ll email you a coupon so you can buy another one.” That ain’t happening. Why would I buy another one when YOUR UPDATE KILLED MY CURRENT ONE?!?!  

[Gmartis1]

Thanks for letting us know just how bad this update it.  I will not update or purchase another Fitbit product until they fix this.  It's ridiculous... 

[ihlarry]

I am having the same issue. After the firmware update, the gps underestimates distance and give slower than actual running pace. Very disappointed in quality control at fitbit.

[SunsetRunner]

I have updated anx everything is still working great. Notification and everything else.

I noticed that it tracks my sleep better. For the first time ever it recorded a nap I had in the afternoon.

So I understand some people are unhappy but so far so good for me and new update

[tripwalks]

Any chance that we could have Mult-factor authentication?

[SunsetRunner]

Since installing this firmware update my Whatsapp notifications no longer appear on my watch. I have tried all suggested "fixes" and nothing has worked. Not impressed at all.
Please can I get some assistance.
Text messages and calls not affected.

[Blackfleye]

I can confirm notifications are working for me.  Here are the details (I am using Android 9 on Galaxy S10+:

-After updating firmware I was not receiving notifications for email (from Outlook).  I do not have WahtsApp set up to show on my watch but Gmail, SMS (using Android Messages - not Samsung), NHL notifications were all working

-I uninstalled the FitBit App

-Restarted my phone (not the watch)

-reinstalled the app - answered yes to allow all permissions

-waited about 10 mins then sent myself an email and voila! working ok for now.

Hope this helps.

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks Blackfleye - lengthy process but it appears to have worked!

[BugsyBob]

The latest update 68.19.12 has introduced a major bug in the heart-rate monitor. The tracker has 99 gaps of over 30 seconds, 87 over 1 minute, 56 over 2 minutes, 31 over 3 minutes and none over 5 minutes for a single day. The day before the update there were 11 over 30 seconds, 6 over 1 minute, 4 over 2 minutes, 1 over 3 minutes and none over 5 minutes. This makes checking for Atrial Fibrillation very difficult at best with all the data gaps. It also seems to be more power hungry than the last version.  I would like to go back to the previous version.

[gottabekd1]

I did this and I'm getting more notifications - I haven't had a message on WhatsApp or via text for over an hour which is stalling my testing process but I think this is the fix.

[Liz1975]

When you say uninstall the app do you mean just delete it from your phone and then re-select in App Store (I’ve an iPhone) or do you need to wipe it somehow first? I can get call and WhatsApp notifications but not text/sms. So frustrating. I’ve been on to Fitbit and they say they are working on it! Would appreciate an answer on the app delete!! Thanks

Sent from my iPhone

[gottabekd1]

Just delete it from your phone and reinstall.
Keep in mind it worked for me on Android, I do not have iOS.

[Fm1608]

Thanks for all the feedback!! There is only a handful positive messages about this new FW update. I would really like to see a statement from Fitbit on this....

@Fitbit colleagues, are you looking into the problems and what are the next steps?