VERSA 2 - Fitbit OS 4.1.1 Firmware Update

[AlessFitbit]

Fitbit Update: 2/6

Fitbit OS 4.1.1 (Firmware Version: 35.70.7.21) for VERSA 2 smartwatches has been released to 100% of users. If you haven't yet, please make sure you update your watch to this new firmware. 

If you recently purchased or set up your Versa 2, you might not see this firmware available to you yet. Continue syncing the watch and in a few days or less, you'll be prompted to update to this firmware. 

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Fitbit Update: 1/31

Hi, Versa 2 users!

We’re excited to announce the release of Fitbit OS 4.1.1 (Firmware Version: 35.70.7.21) exclusively for Versa 2 Smartwatches. 

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

The update includes the following: 

•  We optimized the algorithm used to track your heart rate on Versa 2 to complement our latest hardware.
• Bug fixes and other improvements.

For more information on the new features included in Fitbit OS 4.1.1 check out this article. You can also check out our press release. 

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Step by step instructions for updating your Versa 2 can be found here. 

If you run into any trouble updating your Versa 2, I recommend reviewing these troubleshooting tips. If you have any issues after completing the update, when in doubt, try a restart on the watch. 

How to restart your watch:

1. For Fitbit Versa 2, hold the back(left) button for 10 seconds.
2. Let go of the button.

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

[IceMan77]

Ever since my Versa 2 received the update to Version 70.7.21, the battery now drains at a considerably fast rate (2-3 days), the screen does not respond to swipe (up, down, left) and needs to be restarted (holding the button down for 10 seconds) and the device itself randomly restarts multiple times a day.  My device is only 2+ months old and these issues only arose once the latest firmware update was pushed.

Please provide an update on these critical firmware issues as soon as possible.  These types of production issues severely call into question Fitbit's quality control processes.

[GrumpyCyclist]

I've just popped back in here after a couple of months to see if it's safe to install this firmware update yet, and it looks like it's still causing issues. I wish I could tell the app to stop telling me there's an update available since I have no intention of bricking my Versa. Shocked no improvement has been made on this in months.

[ManchuWarrior]

I just noticed today there is an update to the Settings "app". I just happend to go to my apps list today and noticed an update. The update isnt an overall firmware update, but just for settings. 

[citygirl66]

Ever since the update my versa 2 has not been able to sync

[hny01]

Same issue since the update, it’s such a hassle. Mine has to be charged within the day before sleep because twice now that my Versa had enough battery but ended up draining while sleeping and it didn’t record my sleep or it recorded partially. Hope Fitbit does something real soon! Looks like they’re not really paying attention to this 

[LexStarwalker]

I'm STILL waiting on this update! Worse, the instructions on this site on how to update aren't even correct. They refer to an "All Day Sync" option which doesn't even exist in the app! Maybe they mean the "Always Connected" option. Regardless, the instructions don't work (posted here https://help.fitbit.com/articles/en_US/Help_article/1871) and I can't get this update. 

Syncing still doesn't work. I have to sync multiple times, and still everything doesn't sync. Each time I sync, it seems to sync one piece of data. E.g. sync once to sync steps, sync again to sync food tracking, sync again to sync sleep data, etc. Also my clock face settings keep changing randomly, even when I'm not syncing.

Also, why does my bookmark for the Dashboard no longer work, and why can't I find it or any link to it on this site?

Moderator edit: word choice

[Lenwade]

I have been working with Fitbit support and here is a copy of my latest message to them a few minutes ago:

"I did a factory reset and the heart rate monitor (HRM) is still useless. I have done all the steps on your list. Now it is up to Fitbit to issue a new firmware update and stop torturing your users with corrective steps which you know will not do anything.

I am now back to my Charge 3 which is just works wonderfully. Checking my heart rate throughout the day was the #1 reason I purchased Fitbit and the Charge 3 does that. Viewing my heart rate on my iPad for my daily workouts is a bonus but the results are nonsense with the Versa 2.

The last firmware update for the Versa 2 was supposed to improve the HRM, instead it destroyed it.

Please inform me if there is a new firmware update for the Versa 2 as I really enjoy the large screen and its features." (end message)

A new Polar OH1 will arrive Thursday. Polar has its own app (Polar Beat) which is necessary to view your heart rate. Probably just a stopgap to getting a Polar chest monitor but at least I will get familiar with their app. For daily wear it will still be my Charge 3 and if the stars align, Fitbit will get the Versa 2 to function again.

[SunsetRunner]

I can’t select anything on mine, even if it does scroll. The screen freezes and can’t even get to the shut down screen. So I don’t even know if restart helps? 

[SunsetRunner]

I would not sell mine. It would not be fair to who bought it. 

[GrumpyCyclist]

@SunsetRunner Does using the button restart not work? Hold down the left and bottom right buttons until you see the logo

[SunsetRunner]

Tried it several times.

Get Outlook for iOS

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi everyone. I'm sorry for the delayed response.

I appreciate your feedback towards the Versa 2 OS 4.1.1 firmware update, and for the time taken to troubleshoot your watches on your own. Every feedback is always taken into consideration by our team as that helps us to enhance the performance of our products. I understand your point of view about not being able to use your watch to the fullest. I'm sorry for the inconveniences that you've had and please know that Fitbit will work on our products, services and overall environment based on your comments.

@Lenwade, thanks for keeping me updated about your watch and the conversation you had with our Support team. I'm sorry that you've had to go through this situation and appreciate your efforts in following our team's suggestions. I was checking your details with our Support team and I was told that an email was sent to you with further details about your case. Please make sure to check your inbox, spam and junk folders. If you have a question about their resolution, I'd suggest to reply back to their last email so they can provide you with that information.

@Potatoe, thanks for sharing the issues experienced with your Versa 2, as well for the screenshot provided. Since you've tried the factory reset, may I know if you've tried setting up your watch as a replacement device? If not, please give it a try and make sure to remove your watch from the Bluetooth. That way your phone won't be confused about this process. Keep me posted.

@keller2, thanks for joining this thread and sharing the issues you've had with your watch's screen. I got in touch with Support and apparently they already took your case under their wings. They'll keep working with you via email.

@Kenca, @Rassid, @citygirl66 and @LexStarwalker, thanks for letting me know about the syncing issues experienced with your watches. This is one of the main features of our Fitbit devices and although you mentioned some steps, could you please confirm if you've exhausted the steps from this help article? If you have done that, my best advice is to start a new thread in the Android board, iOS board or Windows 10 board so you can have more chance to receive help from the Community. You can also post your question in this board in case you have issues with your online dashboard at fitbit.com.

@IceMan77 and @SunsetRunner, thanks for explaining the issues that you've had with the Versa 2 and the steps tried on your own. Since your watches aren't working as intended, I've gone ahead and requested a case for each of you in order to receive further assistance from our team. Keep an eye on your inbox.

@hny01, thanks for stopping by to share your experience with your Versa 2. I see your point of view since your watch isn't holding the battery enough to record your activities. As you may know, there are some factors that affect the battery life, such as using a 3rd party or animated clock face, receiving too many notifications, using always-on display, GPS tracking, music or any other app installed. This doesn't mean that you cannot use these features, just take in mind those conditions. That said, since your post didn't mention please try restarting your watch, charge it as described here and monitor its behavior. Let me know how it goes.

See you around.

[Potatoe]

Already done the possibles, Versa 2 have 2 installing bar while at the end completion it ends up what the picture I've taken

[hny01]

@LizzyFitbit i have already done multiple restarts and have only been using a Fitbit made clock face. I don’t think it’s because of my usage that’s why my Versa 2 hasn’t been working properly. I also got 2 family members with issues with their versas.

i restart the device and a few minutes later the screen would freeze again where I cannot swipe up or left or input any data using the Versa screen. I can’t even check my steps for the hour without having to restart the watch all over again. When I started using it, it would normally last for 4 days (I track it in my journal), now I have to charge every 1-2 days and my use of the watch did not change. This is getting frustrating! Especially when you reply with the general troubleshooting when everyone else have already been reporting the same thing and it’s not getting fixed by any of the common troubleshoot at all. 

[ecolombe]

Is this new firmware version what is making it NOT pair to my Note10+? Which previously paired/connected via bluetooth with NO problems, whatsoever? And now it will pair but won't connect, even though it was previously connected. I updated it just today. 

[ecolombe]

I am having this same issue. I only get connectivity via wifi, bluetooth syncing/connecting has completely gone away. My phone is still paired, but will not connect now. I'm extremely frustrated. 

[Marssan]

Same!  So frustrating!

[acstoller]

I updated my Versa 2 with  Version: 35.70.7.21 and now I don't have the ability to use the touch screen anymore.  I can't tap it on anymore or swipe to apps.  Anyone else having this issue?

[Potatoe]

If you check the forum you see alot having the problem from update

[ecolombe]

I uninstalled the app on my phone then re-installed it and that seemed to help. But I do need to turn of Wi-Fi on my phone now when I leave the house, otherwise it ONLY tries to sync via wifi and won't default over to bluetooth. It's a pain, but at least it's syncing now.