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. 

[MoraMea]

I found a (sort of) workaround for the heart rate monitoring issue on Versa 2. Its tracking above 110 for me now and sometimes even more (!!). Try this out folks and see if it works for you too:

1. Change the "wrist placement" to dominant in the app and actually wear it on your dominant hand, at least for the workout. (in my case its a right wrist).
2. Wear the device on the forearm - about 3 fingers from the wrist bone. The downside is that it will slide down as soon as the arm becomes sweaty.
3. Track "circuit training" instead of "workout"/"weights".

I did not pinpoint which one of the steps made the actual difference because I am tried of fidgeting with this thing. I just did it one day and it gave me better readings.

Good luck!

[suekitty13]

Yes! Mine is stuck on the logo screen "To start download the fitbit app"

[Muzza72]

I'm having exact same issues. It's also showing that I've already done 600 zone minutes today even though I'm just sitting at my desk!!

[ggutier02]

When you say that you bypassed the update, that’s interesting given that when I turn on my replacement, it says I can’t use my device until I update. Did you not see that in your app?

[Pjd1300]

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@ggutier02 wrote:

When you say that you bypassed the update, that’s interesting given that when I turn on my replacement, it says I can’t use my device until I update. Did you not see that in your app?

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I had that same issue/concern with my replacement - It wanted to update as soon as it paired with my phone (I sorta freaked out thinking I was going to put my replacement into the same boat as the updated/broken watch) but I had no choice if I actually wanted to use it.

Fortunately, after the update, I was still on firmware 70.7.14 - I am now getting banner notifications in the Fitbit app that there is a tracker update available, but I just tap the X and it goes away until the next time I look at the app....  Kinda annoying, but the old firmware WORKS.

[ggutier02]

Thank you. I guess I’m out of luck. --
Regards,

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Annebanann]

So moderators, is anyone going to fix this update?

[veronikan]

I talked on the fitbit live chat for the second time. The first time they gave me the troubleshooting steps. Now, 2 weeks later, they answered my questions (When are you releasing an update for the broken Versa2?, When will you address this mistake and release a statement on the official page?) with this: "As mentioned, I don't have an update but we'll release an update for the device to sort this."

My problem with versa 2 after the update is that the HR monitor doesn't read correctly when my heart rate goes above 160. When it does go above 160 it throws the heart rate down to 110. So now I do sincerely hope that they will release an update to correct this.

I suggest that as many of you with this problem write to them so they get a hella lot of requests and they hurry up this process. We would also deserve an discount or something extra for the inconvenience of more than 2 months of a useless watch.

Good luck to us

[Mollydolly218]

After the update. My battery dies so fast and started going back to the basic sleep. It is super annoying. Like most of you have said, the heart rate is way off now. Very upset that I updated! 

[Eric16]

My Versa 2 battery just started draining fast about 4 days ago. Instead of lasting 3 days it now only lasts 6 hours. I tried every trick on these boards and nothing worked.  I am not sure if this is a firmware update issue or simply a bad design because I have read many posts about people with the same problem.  So in a moment of clarity (and cheapness because I was not going to buy another one)  I just put my fitbit away and I am simply using my phone to track steps and exercise while continuing to enter food calories in the app.  I just simplified my life 🙂 The good part is that I no longer agonize about the HR monitor being off during exercise or stress about any change in my resting heart rate or if my sleep score goes down.  Ignorance is bliss 🙂  I may be onto something here, my fitbit had too much control of my life :):)

[BerbicianGurl]

Updated and now my device stopped syncing … even tried using the dongle to sync, no success 

[Mollydolly218]

Is dotbit going do do anything about this?

[JKRD]

You are absolutely correct!!!!  I did a fit bit update on my versa 2 & now the "active minutes" is no longer an option for me to track.  It's something ridiculous called "zone minutes".  I need the active minutes to measure my fitness for my employee wellness program.  I agree that simply not doing these updates is the best plan of action.  So sorry for your problems with the update process.  

[FrancescaDR]

The touch screen of my fitbit versa 2 wasn't working anymore but because a lot of members posted problems with the update, I waited to do the firmware update until this problem arised. I don't have any problems with my fitbit anymore since the update and it's working like a charm. Heart rate seems to be registrated fine. 

[NicCon3]

Hey. My Versa 2 Lite has literally fallen apart in the last week. Today I have the Red X screen that data not syncing and the screen actually came apart two days ago so the touch screen no long works. The sleeve on the strap also fell off. All of this in a week? It’s less that 2 years old....is this normal?  

[JamieF.]

Do you do high intensity workouts? The heart rate issues seems to be during exercise, specifically when the heart rate is above 160bpm.

[FrancescaDR]

It was working fine up to 150, have to do more workouts yet to fully test the new update. 

[MarreFitbit]

Hi everybody.

We're really sorry for the inconveniences you've been having after the update on your Versa Smartwatches. We‘re taking into consideration your comments and sentiments with regards to our products and services.

Regarding other issues you may be running into besides the heart rate readings, 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

On the other hand, if you're having issues with the screen see this post and if you're getting the error "Data not cleared, Sync & Tried again, click here.

Please note our products are indeed designed and made to last (this goes for each product component) however, there is not an infallible way to ensure that no issues will be present in the long run. Because of this, our Warranty Policy is set into providing as much coverage as we can.

However, if you've already reached out to our Support Team and are not satisfied with the outcome of your case, please feel free to get in touch with them again and or you can check our warranty policies for a better understanding of the information that they provided to you. 

[Rwilde14]

This is great that the 'Team' is investigating our issues, BUT they aren't
actually providing steps to fix the issue. You are hearing this time and
time again. I hate to say it, but you're losing customers hourly. We
don't want to 'wait' for the team to investigate. A week without a
tracking device kills my workouts. I want to buy into a company that has
their customers in mind when they make updates. I understand they are
needed, but you cannot roll out a half tested firmware update that takes
units 'just out of warranty' completely down.

I'm sorry, but I am with the rest of the Versa 2 customers that have
paperweights now and don't feel like I can wait until you figure out that
customers are important. A discount for a new product that gets the same
awful reviews as my current isn't appealing...

This was my 4th device in less than 8 years. Time to move on...

[nklewis]

Having the same issue too. Very discouraging especially when I hit all my milestones in steps, miles and calories burned.  

I was supposed to earn 54 zone minutes and it even says so in the workout section but the overall, it says 0.