How to manually update firmware for Versa 2

[MdubzTV]

Update: 

The firmware update solution has been found. I was able to successfully update firmware to current by factory resetting the watch again. If you want to update firmware on your watch, factory reset it and re-configure. That is the ONLY way to manually force it to update firmware, and you will have to do this MULTIPLE times to get caught up to the most recent update. 

I'm literally just trying to update the clock face on my brand new Versa 2 that has firmware so out of date that it cannot use 90% of the available clock faces. 

Why is there no "update firmware" button anywhere? Why do we have to manually connect, disconnect, shutdown, connect to phone app (phone app doesn't see a firmware update), download PC app, connect bluetooth to PC (usb doesn't work to sync only bluetooth???), PC sees update before sync then after sync doesn't send update. 

This whole thing is just an absolute disaster, give us the ability to press "update firmware." It's great that the software package tries to do it for you but when that doesn't work we need the ability to MANUALLY update. 

[MdubzTV]

Here is a thread from 2018 with people experiencing the same garbage. People are returning their devices because of this. 

https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa-Smartwatches/Unable-to-update-my-Versa/m-p/2715026#M20300

I was eventually able to start the firmware update for the first time by factory resetting the watch, pairing it to the phone, unpairing it and re-pairing it to the PC. The firmware update completed and I am now on some early firmware from like 2019. I still cannot upgrade my watch to the firmware that allows me to use the clock I want. 

[RonaldM]

Same here, yesterday morning I installed my new Versa 2. Still on firmware 35.68.9.15, so no watchface drawer and unable to install Fitbit calendar due to 'old firmware'. You would expect when setting up for the first time the latest version of the firmware will be installed automatically. But beside this I do like the features and looks. 

[MdubzTV]

I left my Versa 2 charging and connected to my PC bluetooth overnight in hopes that it would detect the out of date firmware but it doesn't care. It's perfectly fine with version "68.9.12" from last year......

[MdubzTV]

Update: 

The firmware update solution has been found. I was able to successfully update firmware to current by factory resetting the watch again. If you want to update firmware on your watch, factory reset it and re-configure. That is the ONLY way to manually force it to update firmware, and you will have to do this MULTIPLE times to get caught up to the most recent update. 

[RonaldM]

Incredible but truly a good workaround, thank you for sharing and testing. I did the same thing after your last post and I now have firmware version 35.70.8.0. As far as I know this is the last version. I see a watch face drawer and I am able to install Fitbit calendar. I am especially interested in this fix:'We optimized the algorithm used to track your heart rate on Versa 2 to complement our latest hardware". From the introduction of "Sleep Stages" I only get it once every one or two months. Hopefully I now get them daily. 

[FrizzleMcDizzle]

I didn't want to go through the process of reset to factory settings so I tried this and it worked. 

On the Versa, Go to Settings and select Shut Down.

Restart the Versa by pressing the side button.

When it starts back up again, open the app on your phone and you'll get th he notification there's a firmware update, Select the notice and your device will start updating.

[LiliyaFitbit]

Welcome to the Fitbit Community, @FrizzleMcDizzle.

Thank you for joining the thread and sharing your experience and solution. I am sure this information will be helpful to other users. Thank you for your time and efforts. Let me invite you to visit our Health & Wellness board where you can make new friends and create your own topics.

Keep on visiting the forums!

[mtmcdaniel]

I tried this and there was no notification. 😞