Versa 2 Firmware 35.72.1.23 Bricked My Watch

[CamaroGuySS]

So I updated my Versa 2 to the latest firmware, 35.72.1.23.

Since then, my green pulse lights on the back don't work, I don't get a heart rate, and my sleep data is not recording. It's basically a watch that records steps now.

It seems to be a widespread issue. I'd like to hear if anyone has resolved it, somehow? Or has it fixed itself after restarts and factory resets?

I hope Fitbit will release get going on releasing a newer firmware to fix this.

[Guy_]

Hi @CamaroGuySS - if the firmware update caused a problem with heart rate, you won't get sleep data. Post firmware update problems are not uncommon.

The issue can also arise if there is an inherent problem with the watch. Sometimes changing to a Fitbit clock face may help.

But first check in watch Settings that heart rate didn't get turned off.

Even if it is on, turn it off and restart the watch, then turn it on again and restart the watch again.

How do I restart my Fitbit device?

Swipe up the watch face to get to the Today app and check if heart rate is showing while wearing the watch.

If this doesn't resolve it it may be the update wasn't totally successful and it will need a factory reset. To help with that you can chat via the Fitbit App, click profile photo, Help & Support, Contact Customer Support.

[benkelaci]

I am struggling with this firmware version for almost 2 weeks. Since I updated, the fully charged battery drains around 8-10 hours. Before the firmware update it was around 40 hours. My Wallett does not work, I cannot add new card (error in app, it says try later). I tried factory reset 5x times with different configurations (remove first from app, remove later etc.) and added to my app again, but it works the same bad way.

[CamaroGuySS]

Factory reset, multiple shutdowns and it still doesn't work. I tried everything I could look up about it. Still broken.

[tripplec]

Mine to. If I restart my watch, it counts bpm for a couple minutes then sticks on the last number.

[AlbertPark]

Ditto here, but for me the HR recordings only stopped recording this week (I'm in Australia).

My firmware is the same as the one you give above - is there someway to see when the watch updated to the latest firmware?

[AlbertPark]

Support chat told me to do two factory resets (2mins they said), so seeking if this fixes it!!

[benkelaci]

Since then my Versa2 is not so great.
I have not tried two consecutive factory resets yet. I am doing it right
now.

[AlbertPark]

It didn't fix mine. Perhaps I might see if it works if I try restarting without the firmware update, ie in originally delivered form.

[benkelaci]

It did not work for mine too. Some months ago I contacted with support and they were not able to add useful/workable advice. Rather they gave me a discount. Fitbit seems not supporting well their device for more than 1.5-2 years after you bought. My wife's watch (Versa2) has just fell apart almost the same (after around 3 years every day usage).

[Guy_]

Hi All, a couple of things about factory resets:

1. be patient, as rushing things can actually make the watch unusable.

2. make a note of the names of any clock faces or apps you use from the Gallery tile, for installing them later

3. there is a bug with installing a new watch which doesn't install the latest firmware. If you can replicate that you may be able to get it running on the factory reset version to see if that works.

4. don't install any clock faces or apps after the reset so you can see it working in it's original state to ensure the installed stuff is not the cause of a problem.

[AlbertPark]

Thanks. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any obvious way to not install the updated firmware after the factory reset - at least without disconnecting it from the app at that point. I did a third reset to try, but didn't want to brick the watch, so let it do it's thing...

Given the number of others with a similar problem at about the same time, I'm suspicious that it is more than a coincidence. I'll wait a few weeks in case there's a further firmware update, but as the other poster says it's a 3yo watch so they probably can't be bothered supporting it anymore.

[AlexeyB222]

Not sure if it is this update but for a few weeks I've noticed that my versa 2 battery life has dropped significantly. From around 6-8 days a couple of months ago to less than 2 days recently. I hope they get that fixed. If I was happy with such a short battery life I'd get an apple watch instead.

[Twilightsoul]

I also have had this same issue with my versa 2

 

. Sunday after 3p est my watch stopped recording heart rate and did not gain a proper sleep score. 

Watch for example says I slept 13 hours last night when for starters I was up until 3am watch says I went to sleep at 11pm.. but also I got a standard "not enough data" chart with basic info. No score or spO2 reading.  

I have factory reset, tried holding the button until it turned off and back on again, hit shut down in the settings, deleted Fitbit app reinstalled it, logged out of Fitbit app logged back in, removed Bluetooth connection and re connected all without any fix. Someone mentioned watch faces being an issue but I have not changed my watch face at all in over a year. It use to work now it doesn't. Out of the blue so don't think that has anything to do with everyone's issues. 

By the sounds of it it is an update bug which might have to get patched out in another update.. hopefully being looked into currently..

***Update: I've reached out to Fitbit and was told all the same troubleshooting that's been mentioned here. My watch I have had since may of 2020 so it's out of warranty and was given a discount for a new watch as my solution.