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Versa Smartwatches - Fitbit OS 4.2.1 Firmware Update (72.1.9)

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‎01-13-2021 14:48 - last edited on ‎01-20-2021 17:00 by Moderator Alum

‎01-13-2021 14:48 - last edited on ‎01-20-2021 17:00 by Moderator Alum

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. 

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518 REPLIES 518

‎03-03-2021 10:22

In response to jpstasi

‎03-03-2021 10:22

The same. I'm going crazy! My pulse is 150+ the watch is showing me I'm relaxing on a beach. Dissapointed...

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‎03-04-2021 07:52

‎03-04-2021 07:52

I started using my Versa 2 at the end of November. I have used the exercise app multiple times per week to track Bootcamps where I always burn 250-400 calories each workout with my heart rate well over 100bpm. After the update on 2/19, my heart rate has not shown to go over 100bpm and the max calories I've burned is 180. Did something change? I've restarted the watch and it has not helped. My workouts are the same intensity that they have been since November.

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‎03-04-2021 08:08 - edited ‎03-04-2021 08:09

In response to SVega

‎03-04-2021 08:08 - edited ‎03-04-2021 08:09

@SVega - if you read back or search through this forum you'll find that A TON of people are having the same issue.  It seems to be related to the update (software and/or firmware) and, according to the forum mods, "the team is aware of the issue and is working to fix it."

However, they've been working on it for nearly two months with nothing to show for it.   In the mean time, I've had a little improvement by, believe it or not, switching my watch face to an official fitbit face.  It's not anywhere near where it used to be (or should be), but at least my HR gets over 100bpm....  Oh, and the exercise tracking seems to be useless for me.  YMMV, tho.

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‎03-04-2021 12:44

In response to MikePC

‎03-04-2021 12:44

@MikePC @GlobalEngineer @SunsetRunner  Adding my thanks for sharing your experiences.  I, too, am receiving a replacement (Saturday) and look forward to NOT updating the software/firmware on the Versa 2...  🤞🤞🤞

If that is not successful...   I'm bailing.

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‎03-04-2021 15:18

In response to Pjd1300

‎03-04-2021 15:18

@MikePC @Pjd1300 so after yesterday's issues with the app I think the watch has been pretty much fine after last night. It synced normally all day, I did a workout and it tracked correctly. The notification for the update sits on top in the app but I just ignore it, hopefully that doesn't cause issues down the line. Wishing you both luck with the replacements! 

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‎03-04-2021 16:55

In response to SunsetRunner

‎03-04-2021 16:55

I think we're missing the point here: we shouldn't have to evade updates in the first place.

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‎03-04-2021 17:03

In response to zgSHADOW

‎03-04-2021 17:03

@zgSHADOW wrote:

I think we're missing the point here: we shouldn't have to evade updates in the first place.

@zgSHADOW  - while you are TOTALLY, with-out question, absolutely correct - it seems we need to take matters into our own hands as fitbit is, apparently, having a hard time diagnosing and resolving the issue (I'm trying to be nice...😇).   

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‎03-04-2021 19:10

‎03-04-2021 19:10

I did the firm wear update but now my fitbit won't sync I have deleted app and reinstalled it, I have deleted  fitbit and reinstalled. It still won't  sync and doesn't keep accurate time. I am out 9f ideas as to what to do next. 

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0 Votes

‎03-05-2021 00:00

In response to zgSHADOW

‎03-05-2021 00:00

@zgSHADOW yes, I fully agree. However, I'd rather have a watch functioning in some way given that I've spent the money and FitBit is not doing anything to resolve the issue.

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‎03-05-2021 15:44

In response to zgSHADOW

‎03-05-2021 15:44

@zgSHADOW Actually none of us are missing the point; peruse the forums in detail and you’ll see the exact thing you’re trying to impress upon us — but given no other options, the next best thing to do is to essentially bypass the system. 

It’s not ideal of course. 

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‎03-06-2021 07:41 - edited ‎03-09-2021 05:26

In response to SunsetRunner

‎03-06-2021 07:41 - edited ‎03-09-2021 05:26

@MikePC @SunsetRunner @GlobalEngineer 

I received my replacement Versa 2 yesterday.  I HAD to update the Versa 2 in order to set it up - I was worried it would update it to the same buggy new version, but thankfully, after the update it's still reporting 70.1.14 (phew!) and appears to be working/monitoring properly!!    The replacement was the watch body only, but it is compatible with my original Versa 2 charger (the one that cannot sit flat on a surface because the wire comes straight out of the back).

I have yet to do a workout with it to compare - I'll be reporting back if there are any issues...

 

[UPDATE - 03/09/21] - Versa 2 behavior using "workout" exercise tracking...  TL;DR: it's generally better.  Read on for the details...

So I did my first tracked "workout" since receiving my replacement Versa 2 running the previous firmware version 70.1.14.

Here are my observations:

  • In general the watch has been reporting more normal HRs, like 100-120 during brisk walking.
  • The HR reported during my workout did Peak at 192 (not likely).
  • It was able to track my HR more accurately when my activity wasn't varied like during sustained effort exercises (I suppose the fitbits have always had a hard time with sudden changes in HR).
  • The HR in general during the workout was more like what it used to be, in the 130 range, give or take, for vigorous interval exercises.
  • The HR data would often go blank or show 0, despite placement on the wrist.  This is something I used to experience with my Versa 1 - Fitbit was at a loss to diagnose the phenomenon back then.  I suspect, tho, that it's just a GUI issue.
  • Fast Jumping Jacks STOP the workout tracker.  It just stops.  As if I had never started it.  This, too, is something that used to happen with my original Versa and I thought was hardware related.   Now I'm thinking otherwise.  This IS reproducible.
  • Every time I open the fitbit app I get the "Firmware Update Available" banner which I have to X out of.  

All-in-all I'd say I'm satisfied with my 'reverted-firmware-replacement-Versa-2,' but I'm not super thrilled - certainly not when I look at my watch during a workout and literally say, out loud "This is bulls**t."   

 

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‎03-06-2021 07:51

In response to Barbie0417

‎03-06-2021 07:51

@Barbie0417  - contact fitbit support - they are handling these issues on a case by case basis.  Once you jump through the standard troubleshooting hoops they'll likely send you a new one with the previous software.  Unfortunately there does not appear to be a way to "undo" the update.

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0 Votes

‎03-06-2021 07:53

In response to Pjd1300

‎03-06-2021 07:53

Good for you that you were able to secure a replacement for your Versa 2.    I was referred to warranty info.  (which I can find without help) and offered a 35% off coupon to buy another device.    Seems insulting since the many updates broke uncounted devices.   Should note my device was under warranty when all the update nonsense began.   Spoke to a supervisor at Fitbit.   Too bad for me seemingly.

 

Looking forward to your report after a workout.

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‎03-06-2021 08:08

In response to mini35

‎03-06-2021 08:08

@mini35 wrote:

Good for you that you were able to secure a replacement for your Versa 2.    I was referred to warranty info.  (which I can find without help) and offered a 35% off coupon to buy another device.    Seems insulting since the many updates broke uncounted devices.   Should note my device was under warranty when all the update nonsense began.   Spoke to a supervisor at Fitbit.   Too bad for me seemingly.

 

Looking forward to your report after a workout.

I agree with you.   I'm suspecting that they either don't know how to fix the issue OR the issue is unfix-able and they are trying to keep that fact concealed.

It seems the most common response community members are getting is the 35% off coupon.

Mine was still under warranty, too, and I was offered a free replacement or 50% off a different device.  

I chose the free replacement.  I like my Versa 2 (when it works properly), but If I'm going to layout more money it will likely be for another brand...

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‎03-06-2021 08:52

In response to Pjd1300

‎03-06-2021 08:52

@Pjd1300 yes, they do send only the watch body if it's a replacement. Changing the band was quite a struggle for me xd I also have the charger with the cable that comes out from the back; I didn't know there used to be a different version. Mine is still working properly and tracking my workouts nicely. I also noticed (I think) they changed the different zones in the new update? Like when to be fat burn, cardio, peak. Because here anything above 100 is fat burn and when I had the new update anything below 125 I think was below zone. Cardio rarely occured, let alone peak.

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‎03-07-2021 06:01

In response to Pjd1300

‎03-07-2021 06:01

@Pjd1300  thanks for that update. Received my new Versa 2 yesterday (watch body only) and it’s still in the package. The watch I purchased to replace my Fitbit is just so very accurate during workouts (in fact, there’s a YouTube video that compares different watches and their relative accuracy in many different functions, and Fitbits do not score well — they’re not awful, just not nearly as accurate as we would like to think) that I’m not sure I’m going to go through the angst of setting this new Versa up. 

So appreciate everyone on here who’ve shared their experiences and frustrations; this community really does have some great people in it. Too bad we’ve had to “meet” under these circumstances...

 

If I do decide to set this Versa up, I’ll let you know how it goes. Thank you again!

Best Answer

‎03-07-2021 23:57

In response to MikePC

‎03-07-2021 23:57

So I got my replacement versa 2 and set it up today. Unfortunately it wouldn’t let me set up without updating...so my replacement versa is on firmware 70.7.14. I can’t even remember now what update was the bad one. Hopefully this one will work. 🤞🏻

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0 Votes

‎03-08-2021 02:28

In response to erinmac88

‎03-08-2021 02:28

@erinmac88 This is the older one so it should be good. My replacement has that version and it works okay now.

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‎03-08-2021 04:43

In response to erinmac88

‎03-08-2021 04:43

@erinmac88 wrote:

So I got my replacement versa 2 and set it up today. Unfortunately it wouldn’t let me set up without updating...so my replacement versa is on firmware 70.7.14. I can’t even remember now what update was the bad one. Hopefully this one will work. 🤞🏻

The "bad one" is in the title of this forum board: "Versa Smartwatches - Fitbit OS 4.2.1 Firmware Update (72.1.9)"

I had the same experience as you with my replacement - but all is good with 70.7.14 for me, too!

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0 Votes

‎03-08-2021 22:31

‎03-08-2021 22:31

I want to point out that it's been 54 days. To say I'm angry is an understatement. 

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