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. 

[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!

[Dbomb]

yep mine does the same, so bloody frustrating!!!!!!!

[Ashave]

An update. I reached out to Fitbit bc my versa 2 rendered useless after trying a factory reset. They told me to send it back and they would replace it. I shipped it there in 3 days and it took them over a week to get back to me. Now they are saying it will take another  7-14 days for me to receive the replacement. 

[Ashave]

• funny, I’m waiting for my replacement versa 2 for the same reason. I’m afraid it will be the same thing when I get the new one. It’s the firmware 🤬

[MikePC]

I’ve tried Googling “Fitbit software update problems”, found nothing other than update tips and the usual “troubleshooting tips”, and then realized....yep, Google = Fitbit. 

So we probably won’t hear anything unless you search via a different mode or somehow some of us take the time to contact media about this whole set of shenanigans. 

[LeeBold]

@Ashave I received a replacement Versa 2 from Fitbit (after weeks of messaging on Twitter and emailing them, terrible customer service) and it is still broken. It is the updated the firmware that is the problem. I've suggested that the firmware is the issue but Fitbit refuse to even comment or confirm! 

[LeeBold]

I returned my Versa 2 to Argos. I bought it in November 2020 and still have the receipt. I did a bit of research and apparently if a device is faulty, broken or not fit for purpose (a fitness tracker that doesn't correctly track you fitness is a great example!) you can return it to the retailer and they have to offer a replacement or a refund. Argos refunded me, they didn't even question it 😁

Fitbit have just lost 2 customers today (my GF returned her Versa 2 also). We both bought Huawei GT2 watches and are really pleased with them. They even did an update when we turned them on and guess what, the update didn't break the device... Shock 😳

Moderator Edit: Removed Advertisement 

[MikePC]

So many of us — all of us? — have suggested the latest firmware update is the culprit. 

Fitbit? Let us continue talking to you, when we get around to it, as though you know nothing, you’re wearing your device on your foot and maybe you should troubleshoot by attaching your watch to a boomerang, launch it and if it comes back to you, true love was meant to be. 

Or something. 

[Pjd1300]

Kudos @LeeBold!  

Thanks to this post I looked into my purchase (from Amazon) and was able to get Amazon to accept my Versa 2 for a refund despite being outside the  normal return window.  My Versa 2 is barely 2 months old and I was faced with the prospect of being stuck with this (now) faulty product.

Now it's going back and I'm moving on.  

Moderator Edit: Removed Advertisement 

[SunsetRunner]

@LeeBold i have just spoken to Amazon where I got my versa 2 from. They were very accommodating and agreed to a full refund, at the end of the web chat the against asked if there was any more he could do I asked if he could have a word with the Fitbit customer service team, he said he would approach them with all the information he has. 

in my opinion, forget talking to Fitbit, go straight to the vendor where you purchased the unit from and ask for a refund due to the product being faulty. Guaranteed if you purchased it in the last 12 months they’ll refund you. 

[SunsetRunner]

I feel so bummed that I got my Versa 2 through FitBit's website 😭 in one of my numerous chats with them I asked if I can just return it and get a refund but of course I was met with 'that's possible only within 45 days of purchase'. I got mine September 2020, still in warranty but I'll just be stuck with this useless product. It's their fault that my device is not working properly and I'm the one suffering the consequences...

[Kikiac9]

I don’t have anything but my phone to sync to but my versa 2 has not been properly monitoring my heart rate during exercising for the last 2-3 weeks. I have had this Fitbit for more than a year with no issues. Just past the year Mark to be more clear. I tried adjusting it to above the wrist bone recommendation still poor. Sweat dripping, heavy breathing workout I would burn 300 calories in 30 min. Yeah for a small person. For that intensity for my weight that is a 500 calories workout. My stats have falling!  I am upset!  I know my body burns more and I should be okay with that but when I use purchased my Fitbit for the data and live tracking, I expected it to be great quality. It was!  It is failing me everyday since the upgrade bc my workouts have not changed. I have sweated just as much to conductors weren’t an issue. Maybe now but was updating firmware a coincidence. And if the new update adjusting to new heart rate algorithm than for the past year (with this Fitbit- blaze two years prior) they have been reading inaccurately during exercise? 

[Hollowcave]

Since I did the update it isn’t tracking my heart rate accurately unless it’s right next to my phone. 

[Unicornpff]

Since the update my Versa will only hold charge for approx 3 days and no I’m not using a spO2 clock face. It used to go a full week before needing charged. 

[MarreFitbit]

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

[misscopilot]

Okay but are you also working on the issue that people can't sync at all and can't even set up their devices at all or only on the heart rate issues? 

[Jwalk04]

This update has been nothing but a nightmare. Heart rate tracker hasn’t worked since. And now I get heart rate zone notifications that I don’t want and can’t turn off. I constantly feel like I’m getting text messages and I hate it. If you can avoid this update I’d recommend you wait till Fitbit gets their act together. 

[Pjd1300]

@Jwalk04  - Right there with ya!  I, too, had this issue of feeling like I was constantly getting text alerts.  Turns out that after a factory reset the workout modes will reset and alert you when you go from zone to zone.

This can be turned off: 

• swipe right to Exercises
• choose an exercise
• tap the gear icon in the upper right
• scroll down to zone notifications & set it to OFF.

This setting is independent for each exercise, so you'll have to do this for each exercise mode you use.   

That said, the exercise tracking is for crap since the update, and I've stopped using it.   I just enter my exercise stats manually until I replace this device or Fitbit can resolve this apparent software issue.

[Jwalk04]

Thank you so much for that. Just turned it off. You’re my hero. Lol. Fitbit tech support just told me it’s not possible with the Versa 2. Now if I could just get them to understand the problem is their software update regarding the HR tracker. I’m seeing lots of comments in the forum about this. They have to know by now. 

[Jwalk04]

The update your company pushed is causing the heart rate issues. Development 101...make sure software updates don’t cause new issues. Did anyone test with older devices? Or was this a business decision to push users toward new devices? I feel sorry for the tech support team as they are taking the brunt of this. You’ll continue to lose users to competitors until you do. The best advertisement is word of mouth. How well do you think that’s going for Fitbit?