Versa Smartwatches - Fitbit OS 4.2.1 Firmware Update (72.1.9)

[FitbitCommunity]

Update 1/20/2021: We've updated to 100%

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We started releasing Fitbit OS 4.2.1 to Versa, Versa Lite, and Versa 2 customers. This is a progressive rollout which means everyone will receive it at different stages. We roll out releases in phases as a cautionary measure so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed. 

*Firmware releases aren't distributed based on region or location and can reach anyone no matter where you reside. 

WHAT’S NEW AND FIXED 

Read our help article for the latest updates. 

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Find step-by-step instructions for updating Versa smartwatch here. 

If you run into any trouble updating your Fitbit device, review these troubleshooting tips. If you have issues after completing the update, try restarting the watch. 

VERSA LITE users - If you have trouble updating the firmware:

Follow the steps in this help article where we outline troubleshooting steps just for Versa Lite. 

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

[MikePC]

Since there’s no resolution forthcoming from Fitbit, after being a loyal customer — including the “Premium” content — for over five years, I’m switching companies and ditching Fitbit. 

Not happy, but I’ve no other option. 

[MarkMM]

I just wouldn't buy a Versa2. Seems like that's where most of the issues are? 

[MikePC]

That’s a possibility, but also not acknowledged by Fitbit. 

Two key phrases I wish — and if I had any stake in the company I’d implore — they would use: “here’s the situation”, and “here’s the plan”. 

Instead, it’s a mystery if they’re even addressing the issues behind the scenes. 

Given the lack of information, I’d surmise they are not. And that’s sad on many levels. 

My new smart watch arrives tomorrow. I can’t wait. 

[jpstasi]

Not giving fitbit any praise at all here, but an unintended side effect of inaccurate heart rate readings, especially during high intensity activity, has forced me to work harder to meet my daily goals. As such, I have lost weight during a season where I usually gain weight. So thanks?

[Steveorinho]

Since it is out of warranty they will probably not take responsibility.

Sent from my mobile phone. Sorry for any typos.

[Mellissastn]

Hi, so about a week ago my fitbit versa lite starting needing charging every day, my Bluetooth kept disconnecting and stopped registering the spo2 levels overnight. I came on here and followed instructions for a factory reset. My watch is now stuck on the set up page. It won't connect via Bluetooth so will not update. Any help or advice welcomed.

[Guy_]

If the update provided you has caused an issue such that a factory reset was the only way to cure it, and that destroys the watch, it is totally their responsibility.

[B.Sinn3d]

Like everyone else, heart rate monitoring just stops randomly throughout the day.  Missed one day of sleep tracking of last 7.  

Only temp fix is to reboot watch.  Very annoying.  Any response from fitbit yet.  I would expect them to update this original post that it is at least being worked on.

Update 2/22: I factory reset my device per support recommendation, now my HR tracking does not work at all.  I get no lights on the back of the watch. 

[Steveorinho]

I agree. Their proposed solution is that I buy a new device at a discount.

I don't think that is a very responsible solution to the problem.

[Pjd1300]

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@B.Sinn3d wrote:

Like everyone else, heart rate monitoring just stops randomly throughout the day.  Missed one day of sleep tracking of last 7.  

Only temp fix is to reboot watch.  Very annoying.  Any response from fitbit yet.  I would expect them to update this original post that it is at least being worked on. 

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Same here.  I've had to restart my versa 2 almost daily and I've had to factory reset about once a week since mid-January.  When the Spo2 sensor IS working, it isn't detecting for long stretches through the night (flat line).     

Does anyone have these issues with the Versa 3 or the Sense?

[MikePC]

Since we’re in the “Other Versa Watches” forum, we don’t have access directly to see if the issues many of us are having are being seen with “newer” versions of Fitbits. 

There is an iOS app forum, but a quick look there didn’t tell any tales along those lines either. 

[chris2121]

The Versa 3 and Sense areas have lots of interesting posts on them if you have the time.  Versa 3 users also seem to be having sync problems much the same as earlier Versa variants.  I just saw a post in the Sense forum about poor HR accuracy.  So my suspicion is that the newer devices are not really much better. 

[MarkMM]

@MikePC You can easily check the Versa 3 and Sense sections of the forum. They're not restricted. 

[PT_305]

I have scrolled through versa 3 and sense forums and although not as widespread as versa 2, they too seem to have similar problems which makes me reluctant to take their upgrade offer (and the fact that my versa 2 is only 2 months old). I am giving Fitbit another week to address the issue before taking the plunge with a different company. 

[SilverCreek]

Fortunately I kept my Versa 1 which was in a drawer and, as long as I ignore the prompts to update the firmware, I have a perfectly functioning watch with reliable heart rate monitoring. I keep checking this forum to see when the Versa 2 problem will be corrected but so far it looks like nothing is happening.

[SunsetRunner]

After a very long process of back and forth communication with the higher support team I've been approved for a replacement. I am really having my fingers crossed that it will work better but my current watch was only 5 months old and yet this happened.. As a college student who had to save up money for quite some time to get this watch it's very upsetting that it has such problems. I can't really just throw it away and get a new one as financially it's not possible for me right now. Hopefully something better happens soon.

[zgSHADOW]

I figured this was common sense, but DO NOT get a replacement watch for a software failure, and one they inflicted.

Unless they confirm the update deeply corrupted our watches, there is zero reason to appease support

[McLinds01]

Yep, also a replacement is not going to fix a firmware issue.  The problem is not the tracker itself, rather the firmware.  And the firmware is the firmware whether it’s a “new” device or your current one.  It makes zero difference.  I had this problem with the previous update back in September.  They sent me a replacement that made no difference whatsoever.  So when this last update happened and tanked my Versa even further, I knew there were no solutions, which is why I changed brands.  2 updates within 6 months of owning it and both causing massive problems, I figured if they didn’t solve the problems back in September there was no hope for this one either.  

[MarreFitbit]

We acknowledge the limitation we have on our part particularly on what you have experienced. We‘re taking into consideration your comments and sentiments with regards to our products and services.

We appreciate your feedback on your heart rate experience since updating your firmware, all of this information has been passed on to our team. As soon as we have further information, we will let you know. 

Regarding other issues you may be running into, please make sure to follow the troubleshooting steps provided in the links below:

• Why won't my Fitbit device sync? 
• Can I extend my Fitbit device's battery life

Please know that when a Fitbit devices is deemed defective we review eligibility using the one year warranty option. For our full warranty terms and conditions, see our Return Policy and Warranty.

Keep in mind that every case is completely different from the other's. For more information about the outcome of your case, please get in touch with our them again and or you can check our warranty policies for a better understanding of the information that they provided to you. 

[MikePC]

What is the “team” response? Besides the utter silence?