Versa Smartwatches - Fitbit OS 4.2.1 Firmware Update (72.1.9)

[FitbitCommunity]

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

---

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. 

[Llamalady02]

My Versa screen started to respond poorly after the update.  I could not swipe side to side & could just barely manage up & down by using the far left side of the screen.  Touching anywhere else on the screen did not work.  I contacted customer support & they suggested a factory reset, which I did & it did not improve the situation.  They then sent me a discount (which, by the way, is on full price of the items even if the item is already marked down).  I continued to try to work with support & they suggested doing another factory reset, which I did.  After that, the screen started fading & it was gone over night.  They have told me all troubleshooting is exhausted and that they already provided me with the discount code.  My Versa was working fine prior to this update, and I find it unacceptable that they will not take responsibility for bricking my device, as well as other devices as I have seen through the forum.  If Google or Apple put out an update that bricked their phones, would this be their response?  Poor move, Fitbit.

[Salter77]

Fitbit said the same to me. But then quoted all the faults since the update and asked them where do they advertise these faults when buying a Fitbit. 

Then said if it isn't faulty then they must take responsibility as a flawed Software Update since all issues started after the update. 

Asked them to explain what the exact problem was and detail when a fix could be introduced. 

Surprisingly no answer on when a fix be coming or what the problem is. 

But they've now said will be looking at options to replace. 

Question them again and again and don't let them off the hook. 

[Rameytime]

When will the HR issue be resolved? This is extremely frustrating and will cause many users to abandon ship and go to anything else, as long as it’s not Fitbit. 

[BriMc]

Yeah they gave me "options to replace" and it was offering me a generous discount to buy something more. Kudos if you can get a fully covered replacement, but that was not my experience. Even after I questioned repeatedly why they aren't considered responsible when they send an update which breaks my device, they wouldn't back down with the discount and really wanting to keep me as a customer. I dropped my broken Versa off at Best Buy's recycle counter an hour ago.

[McLinds01]

At this point I don’t believe a replacement would even fix the issue.  The software is the software whether it’s a “new” device or not.  And that’s why I moved on.  I knew a replacement was not going to fix a software problem.  And even even it did, we all know the next update would cause more issues.  I had my Versa 2 for 6 months and went through 2 firmware releases, both caused seriously issues.  That’s enough for me to be like...bye.

I jumped ship 2 weeks ago and couldn’t be happier.  My Apple Watch has already had an update and guess what!? It’s still flawless.  

[Sonia76]

I can’t either m. Just keeps saying update versa and app but both say they are up to date 🙈

[SunsetRunner]

I've discovered a new issue with my Fitbit versa 2 today while working out. Not only is the HR inaccurate but while I was doing HIIT session - 45sec on, 10 sec off, the HR would go up to 150 and then half a second later drop to 90. Then proceed to go up again kind of like 108-120-130, fluctuate a bit and suddenly drop again mid set. I talked to customer support twice already, they kept suggesting the lame steps of wearing the watch correctly, restarting it, factory reset, etc. Obviously this hasn't helped anyone so far so I don't see why do they keep suggesting those steps. During my last conversation the customer support agent said they will get back to me via email as she was unable to assist any further. Still no reply. Deeply disappointed with everything...

[Canadamanada]

Good choice. How did you manage a replacement? My escalated chat ended with
an email telling me to get a new phone!
I’m quitting Fitbit and taking the wife with me to Garmin once I figure out
which trackers are best for us.

[SunsetRunner]

This is outrageous! The email response I got after being told by the customer support agent she'd forward my issue to the higher team was to customize my HR zones in the app...They're not admitting they're mistake, they keep pushing forward their stupid advices trying to put the blame on the users. I am going to look into returning it and switching to a different brand. I would not recommend this bull**ahem** product to anyone! 

[MikePC]

This feedback has been “passed on to the team” for two weeks now — any chance of an update? Or maybe a “hey, new update coming to address this issue on ‘x date’...”??

This has become quite comical in a sad way. The issues are prevalent and well-documented within this forum, yet nowhere — not here, not via the support team privately or on Twitter — has there been any admission that there’s an issue and here’s what is being done to take care of it. 

[Salter77]

 This is what someone from Support Team said to me via DM on Twitter that it's an App issue and still working on resolving it. 

This was on Monday. I keep asking everyday on Twitter for an update and they say someone be in contact via email. Then they claim Fitbit works fine because can sync when charging. 

Just yesterday had to pair around 20 times, switch phone on/off same amount of times just to get it to sync. 

Still won't sync if phone connected to WiFi. When finally starts to sync the device freezes for 30 seconds until device has fully synced. 

Went out for run yesterday and it said my heartbeat was 72bpm when it's normally between 164 -184 bpm. 

If Fitbit acknowledged the issue it would save them time from replying with pathetic generic tweets on twitter 

[Always4anna]

Thanks for the heads up 👍

[Always4anna]

Same here. I've been a fitbit user since 2015 with my versa since 2018 😣

Update:

Thanks, I noticed tonight that the app has significant issues completely separate from the versa device. So sad to watch (no pun intended) the company fall apart.

I've been chatting for over a week with various staff, some very knowledgeable and some crude. No replacement issued. The crude staff basically said get a new phone. Well, NOT happening since my devices have worked okay for 3 years until the January 2021 update/blunder, so I know for sure it's not my devices. I've been a customer since 2015, but if loyal customers aren't appreciated I'll spend my $$$ anywhere else. Thanks for letting me know about your experience.

Best buy stopped selling warranty for all fitbit products in 2018 because of dealings with the company. That should have been a warning to me but prior to versa I had no problems besides my HR physically falling apart.

Mine compliments me on having a great workout while I'm sitting quietly in a seminar

Moderator edit: merged replies

[Pjd1300]

+1 with the app Issues.  I can't change the heart rate zones.  At all.   I mean I TRY to change the values but they JUST WON'T SAVE.   what's the point?  Why do I even try anymore?

[Presley35]

I brought mine on sale brand new sealed off of Ebay. I've been told as it
wasnt an affiliate shop. (Think that's the word lol.)
Fitbit wont help me. I didnt know as first ever fitbit. My watch isn't even
a year old and the update has messed it up to the point where it's just a
watch.

I'm now £160 down. Lost my job due to covid and a single mum. Like many
it's not as if I can buy a new watch. And I cant sell this one.

Fitbit ruined my watch and refuse to do anything about it.

[zuzz_]

Heart rate is absolutely off after the last update! Sweating my **ahem** off, heart pumping as crazy, but Versa says I am below zones at resting heart rate. So discouraging to put effort into it without seeing the actual impact

[BeccyR21]

This update has killed my fitbit, very disapointed. 

I have tried all the troubleshooting tips/youtube demos. Its just dead. Only 13 months old. 

Please help.

[psumarydom]

After the update, my battery is draining ridiculously fast. How do I fix this?

[heyjude_737]

Ever since I installed the update my heart rate is not accurate. It is very low. Workouts that I know are cardio and up my heart rate do not reflect on my Fitbit anymore. It now states my heart rate is pretty much 80 beats per minute when I know it is more like 140. It is very frustrating to have a Fitbit that no longer does what it is supposed to. Wish I never installed the update. What can I do?

[LeeO2021]

My versa will not pick up my heart rate or my steps since the update and my battery is draining really quickly. Having to charge every day almost.