Versa 3 completely inoperable after recent firmware update

[ineverslice]

After doing the recent update, my Versa 3 will no longer charge.  So now it's dead and completely useless.  The company's suggestion of cleaning the charging ports was obviously not helpful.  

[Guy_]

Hi @ineverslice - if you can't charge the watch have a look here How to check charge cable - Sense/Versa 3 won't charge, won't start or blank screen it may be relevant.

[ineverslice]

I have 2 different chargers and I cleaned them both.  The problem is the firmware update.  And they won't acknowledge that.

[Guy_]

Do check there is no fault with the charge pins if it does not charge, also use a PC and note how it responds when plugged in.

Check the email about the forced update for rebate ($50?) and contact support for more help.

Also try a restart by holding the watch button for 10 seconds. 

They may take you through a factory reset via the button to confirm if there is a fault.

[ineverslice]

I tried all of that already. $50 does not cover the cost of my watch.

[Guy_]

Yes, it's not a good situation to send out updates that break watches. Ask/insist for a replacement perhaps.

There are quite a few posts from other unhappy customers.

Ideally any faulty watch should have been recalled rather than forced to break or not work as intended.

[kackirack]

I’m having the same problem. So frustrating. I really don’t want to buy a new watch. $50 is hardly a fair compensation. 

[ineverslice]

I don't want to buy a new one, either. And I really loved my watch, but
there's no way I'll ever buy another fitbit product because of this.

[kackirack]

Haha, me neither. Unfortunately, I just bought one for my son for his birthday.
What alternatives are you looking at? I like to track fitness and sleep.

[ineverslice]

I don't know yet. I was looking at Samsung watches but they're very
expensive.

[Capon830]

Most are priced higher than Fitbit, but probably for good reason. However, looking at less cost models on Amazon might be worth.

[WalshCymru]

So many people with this problem but, as we have used differing titles, they are not crossed linked. Gives the appearance of just a few users with issues - so false and misleading regard the scale of the problem - a surplus of knackered Versa 3's for recycling. Unable to find any email regard 50€ compensation, although several references to it. Always been a Fitbit user but now ...?

Any info gratefully received, Walsh_Cymru