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. 

[NARpaulb]

Just wanted to say that after the firmware update bricked my Versa Lite I was able to get a warranty replacement which is now working fine.  Of course I ignore the repeated reminders to update, not getting caught twice!

[Billythewiz]

I have contacted support today after doing factory reset, removing app , removing then pairing my Versa 2 just to ensure I had tried everything except turn the clock back 28/01 and NOT upgrading the Fitbit app version on my Versa 2 which is now in effect just a watch. Not even 12 months old so I want to return it back to Fitbit and have my money back.

Very disappointed at lack of support other than  "uninstall app on device, un pair , pair , reboot "........why are there no instructions on how to roll back to previous working version.  

[MikePC]

Right there with you. Wanting to return for full refund — definitely don’t want another device UNLESS the issue(s) is/are addressed and fixed. 

[Billythewiz]

I originally came on the community site hoping to see if someone had found  a workaround but instead have read case after case of dissatisfied users since the upgrade being told to get a new one !!!  

Its the lack of ownership and acknowledgement that their upgrade has "bricked" the devices that annoys me the most .  I work in IT so know that things can go wrong but the least they should do is roll it back to last known working version .......I am waiting a reply to my email but will try to go back to where it was bought for me as a birthday present to return under warranty ... so sad , i  was really pleased with it up until Fitbit broke it !!  

[MikePC]

I’ve used Fitbits since 2016, and have enjoyed them up until the Versa 2. Now, I love the watch, the simplicity of it, the data it records and the elements of a smart watch all rolled into one. 

But, this is my second Versa 2 since late September—first one just flat died, but was replaced. Worked great until that infamous firmware update. 

Like you I get that stuff happens with tech, but if the company that provides said tech simply owns up to “hey, we have an issue and here’s when you can expect a fix”....that would be great. 

But we are getting anything and everything but that. I just don’t get it, unless they are purposely trying to flush the company. 

[iammark]

My Fitbit versa 2 (Model FB507 activated 2020-06-26) HR stopped working since upgrading to 35.72.1.9

The light does not illuminate on the back.

I have tried enabling the HR in the setting menu. The light does not illuminate. There is no heart reading.

long holding the home button to force reboot, does not solve the problem. After reboot the light does not illuminate.

factory resetting the device from the settings menu does not solve the problem. Light does not illuminate, and no heart reading is recorded.

I live in the UK and this device is defective, I am within the 12 month guarantee and am entitled to a warrant replacement or repair according to the sale of goods act.

It is not clear on your website how to achieve this. how do I exercise my right?

[marshra]

I don’t understand how tech companies can get away with this.  Can you imagine if you took your car to get serviced and right after you pull out of the lot the car stops driving.    You would expect them to fix it but instead offer you a discount on a new car.   

[darthseditous]

They get away with it because for far too long governments have allowed
them too. I was not surprised to learn that Fitbit is owned by Google. They
are engaged in the kind of stalling tactics that their parent company
regularly engages in.

[Billythewiz]

I just know  I will be trying to return it to get a refund towards a different device as I can no longer use this one for the purpose it was bought 

[zgSHADOW]

....guys, it does not take 30 days to roll back an update. To say this is an outrage is an understatement. Unless you've inflicted unpatchable damage to our watches, any programmer's first step is rereleasing the last functional update.

To everyone who currently see no point in using their devices (and/or can't afford to abandon ship), I suggest shutting down to avoid burning through more lifespan.

[darthseditous]

Yeah, going to once my new watch arrives. I can't wait for fitbit to pull
their finger out. A little advice Fitbit, do a bit more beta testing before
releasing a firmware update.

[njscott]

How is this widely spread screw up not national news yet? That a huge brand like Fitbit has messed up all their devices for their customers!? It’s baffling! I’ve gotten an apple and will never return to Fitbit due to this catastrophe.

[PinkyRabbit]

I've been a Fitbit user since 2013 (started with a One). 
I've had my Versa for over 2 years. But since the latest firmware update I'm having fairly regular trouble syncing, necessitating a reset of the watch.
I also get intermittent unexplained fast battery draining. The SPO2 readings are either flat line and/or peaking above the line which never happened before.

I love the watch, but I too think it is time to jump ship. I can't believe how they've messed this one up. Just roll back the firmware. I'm an embedded software engineer. I know it can be done (assuming good version control of course)!

[Pjd1300]

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@PinkyRabbit wrote:

I've been a Fitbit user since 2013 (started with a One). 
I've had my Versa for over 2 years. But since the latest firmware update I'm having fairly regular trouble syncing, necessitating a reset of the watch.
I also get intermittent unexplained fast battery draining. The SPO2 readings are either flat line and/or peaking above the line which never happened before.

I love the watch, but I too think it is time to jump ship. I can't believe how they've messed this one up. Just roll back the firmware. I'm an embedded software engineer. I know it can be done (assuming good version control of course)

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 Adding my (continued) frustration to this debacle...

• Battery Life: My battery still seems to be OK.
• Syncing: Syncing is always briefly non-existent.  I get a "Couldn't sync your Versa 2 - FIX IT" message in the app - I have to so a manual sync to 'get it going'.
• SPO2 Tracking: My overnight SPO2 is consistently showing flat lines.  Last night it was nearly completely flat.  How can I even consider the "sleep score" with anything more than a passing interest if the SPO2 sensing is not even remotely accurate?
• Heart Rate: I spent 30 minutes doing some rather intense (interval) indoor rowing yesterday and the Versa 2 never went above 100 bpm.  It should have been at least 115, with at least 150 bpm peaks.  It seems to have a really hard time with sudden increases in heart rate, but I understand this is an issue with any wrist worn heart rate monitor.

I really want Fitbit to fix this as I have liked the watch in the past and I am outside my product return window - I don't want to "lose" my investment in this device, but it's becoming unbearably frustrating to reboot the watch daily and still not have it be anywhere near accurate.   

COME ON, FITBIT!

IT'S BEEN 2 MONTHS (this started for me Dec. 22, 2020) AND THERE'S STILL NO FIX????

Moderator Edit: Formatting

[Jwalk04]

Bought a new watch today, but guess what? Not a FitBit. After this fiasco and lack of response to fix the main reason you own a Fitbit is to track your heart rate, calorie output, etc. and for some reason they can’t figure out how to just revert back to the previous version of the firmware which is clearly the issue. I’m so frustrated with my Versa 2 I almost smashed it with a kettle bell but that wouldn’t be fair to the kettle bell. Can’t wait for my new watch (again not a Fitbit) that I spent over $400 on. You could have had a customer for life but instead I’ll be steering my local fitness community away from your products. Good luck. 

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This is not helpful 

[MikePC]

I’ve switched away from Fitbit after 5+ years. I still have my Versa 2, because I’d still prefer it work as it did before the update and hoping that before my return window closes on what I replaced it that Fitbit will correct the issues. 

I am, however, not hopeful. 

[dandeforge]

Update . I gave up . No use having a premium membership that relies on a device that doesn’t work. Three days now with my Garmin Venue and I love it . Because it works. All I wanted was an exercise tracker that actually tracked my exercise. Which is what Fitbit USED to do before this update.

I went to Amazon and reviewed the device ( VESA 2) which I purchased through them and noticed all the recent reviews were similar to mine.

I actually recommend fitness trackers to my patients but certainly will not ever recommend at Fitbit. So you’ve lost hundreds of potential customers 

[darthseditous]

They did the same to me when I mentioned I was going with a competitor, I
told them regardless of their censoring me, there is still am issue.

[darthseditous]

You could get a new law through parliament quicker than how long they're
taking on finding a solution to this issue.

[Salter77]

Just don't Order, Order as it will probably not work