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]

Absolutely positive that a firmware update is required to remedy the HR issue. And while I’m keenly aware of the limitations a wrist-worn device without a companion chest strap with regards to accurate HR readings, at least they’ve been in the ballpark and relatively consistent, so you had fairly and reasonably reliable data as benchmarks. 

It saddens me on many levels that the partnership/takeover by Google is not bringing with it exceptionally solid technology and equally excellent customer service. I’d surmise there’s some inner turmoil and upheaval at the personnel level none of us here are privy to. 

And I too am exploring other options after five-plus years with Fitbit. 

[Kennyboyo]

For some weird reason, my HR monitoring has returned to the correct pre update levels

Sent from my iPhone

[so-cal-gal]

MikePC I'm thinking along the same lines as you. Probably time to leave Fitbit and find another solution. Do you have any recommendations? I've never considered other watches as this Fitbit was given to me as a gift a little over a year ago.

[FrancescaDR]

Mine is as well and i just bought and updatet it! What is the correct firmware number then? 4.2.1?

[MikePC]

Good for you — was there anything you did besides wake up one day and all was well? A certain number of resets, for example? Just curious...

[FrancescaDR]

My fitbit is new but after the update upon installation it still had the previous version and therefore i can't install the spO2 signature clock which i really wanted.. Gonna try and update it via my computer 

[so-cal-gal]

Yes 4.2.1 firmware release is the latest for the Versa2.

[NARpaulb]

My advice would be to avoid any updates until this issue is sorted by FitBit - better to have a working device with not quite the clock you want rather than attempt an update and end up with a broken device.

[CherylAnne1963]

Not yet.  Still waiting on a reply

[so-cal-gal]

Thanks for the recommendation @BriMc 

[CherylAnne1963]

**ahem** - wish I’d seen this before I updated!  

[SunsetRunner]

Since I updated my Fitbit to the latest software on Wednesday night, my Versa 2 watch will now not sync to the app. It will not recognise it via Bluetooth. I have done each and every step of the troubleshoot guide and it’s not an issue with my phone since my other Bluetooth devices work. I am currently completing a step challenge for charity and I have now lost over 30k steps due to these Fitbit problems. Since I’ve been constantly trying to sync my watch since Wednesday night, the side button no longer works to reset it or to get back to the main screen on the watch. Is this an issue because of the new update? I’ve only had my Versa 2 for little over 12 months. Incredibly frustrating!!

[so-cal-gal]

@GlobalEngineer I think if offering you a discount on purchasing another Fitbit watch instead of addressing the real issue of fixing the bugs in the firmware update at no cost to you, that should be your answer. I'd going to start looking at other options because I don't think Fitbit has any intention of addressing these issues any time soon.

[Lynn1963]

I did the recent update and now my phone won't hold a charge. Goes from 100% to 0 in less than 2 minutes. 

[Gifwater]

Since installing the update watch will not sync, keep current time air pair to Bluetooth. So watch is not much use anymore as time keeps getting slower so is not up to date the main reason for a watch is correct time. Lots for comments about this on the play store reviews seem to be a common problem. Have tried restarting the watch and reinstalling the app but neither worked.

[chris2121]

@NARpaulb Totally agree.  I've decided to hold off and will be very reluctant to install any future firmware updates.  The previous one also caused lots of problems with many users devices ending up bricked.  It's probably a bit worse this time round but a very similar pattern. 

The message to anyone who has a working Versa is don't update the firmware unless you really can't live without it because there's a risk your device won't survive.  

Moderator Edit: Formatting

[LeeBold]

Any updates Fitbit? Since the update the HR tracking during workouts is totally useless. I reported this on 27th Jan and this has still not been addressed. You have £130 of my money and I have a "fitness" tracker that is unable to track my fitness. If you aren't going to fix it, give me my money back!

Fitbit sent me a free replacement Versa 2 and it is still not tracking HR correctly. It's the updated firmware that is the problem, not the device. The below workout would easily earn me 20-30 zone minutes before the most recent update. 

 

[FoleyJP]

Versa here. Not sure if anyone else is experiencing this but this update has completely sapped my battery life. The previous version of firmware corrected all my battery life issues giving me anywhere from 2-3 full days of charge. Now it seems I'm back to the "planned obsolescence" timeline for my device and I'm lucky if I get a full day on a full charge (recently got 8 hours on a 50% charge). Charging speed seems to be slowed as well. Shame too, the previous update gave me hope that my watch would be supported for a long while, even with new products coming out. This update feels like a "bug bomb" meant to force older device users to purchase a new device. Any help would be appreciated!

[Lynn1963]

Same thing. Mine is dead now and offered a discount on a new one. Not really good enough. Looking at other options now.  Sent from my Galaxy

[chris2121]

Hi @SunsetRunner It's really frustrating.  

I've experienced loads of bluetooth problems with fitbit devices over the years and it's clear to me that there is something odd about they way they have implemented it and that's why syncing can be so fragile.  It also seems to be the reason why they have to have a (very short) list of 'supported devices' and it doesn't work with many phones.  Other BT devices work fine.

There are apps you can run on most phones that will at least count steps that could help with your challenges but it may be a bit late for that.