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. 

[Andy187]

I have Versa 2 for a week and I have terrible experience.

1. Firstly  when I opened box, there were problem with updating watch through wifi. I had to use bluetooth and I hadn't last firmware version. After 2 days I had to reset my watch and try update again.

2. Couch application is still updating, I cannot cancel this update, remove app, nothing. Progress bar is still moving. I tried everything - connecting phone to LTE a create Personal hotspot and connect watch to this hotspot. 

3. I receive push notifications that my watch are not connected a one app cannot be updated every few hours. Notifications are doubled.

4. In the app there is message during manual syncing "Versa 2 cannot be sync" - I have Czech language, I don't know exact message in EN. But I see there is sync after few second (my dashboard is updated)

5. Battery life is one day. I think there is regular sync with mobile and this can be a problem.

6. The biggest problem is BPM. I was on stepper (last firmware version) and after 10 minutes I went to cardio zone (115+). Day before (with old firmware version) it was one minute and my BPM was 107+ .

I did a test with my wife's apple watch 5. One hand Versa 2, other hand apple watch 5.
There was difference 20 BPM on the beginning of exercise (first 2 minutes). Versa - 90 BPM, Apple - 110 BPM. When I went to cardio zone after few minutes, difference was 10 - 15 BPM (higher on apple watch, e.g. 120 vs. 135).
I think measure of BPM is not accurate on Versa 2.

[MarreFitbit]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for letting us know about this issue with the heart rate inaccuracies after the update. We've informed our team about this and they're now  are working to identify a resolution as quickly as possible. 

We're sorry for any trouble. We appreciate your patience and look forward to getting you back on track.

Have a nice day! 

[Fitkatyb]

I am also having problems with my Versa 2 syncing after my firmware update.  I have tried all the troubleshooting tips, numerous times, tried calling Fitbit customer service (spent hours on the phone with them reinstalling and doing factory resets, etc), I also contacted my phone provider and the company that makes my phone. This is extremely frustrating! Any idea when they are going to get this fixed?  

[jpstasi]

Thank you @MarreFitbit for acknowledging the frustration we have experienced and for letting us know the issue will now be worked on. And thanks to all the users here who spoke up about HR inaccuracies. 

[Wenderalla]

Same problem with mine.

[alliechurnetski]

I’m having the same problem with my versa 2, the treadmill says my bpm is 180 and y Fitbit says 110 

[Nikjscott]

Same issue. Wont count a single step now, battery dies within an hour or sooner. This is ridiculous 

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Horrible update! No longer holds a charge, no longer counts steps! I hope this is fixed ASAP

[sa415]

My Versa was working fine prior to the update. I was only having to charge it every 4 days or so, syncing was smooth and consistent, my heart rate data seemed stable...

Since doing the update, my Versa battery started draining in less than 12 hours. That progressed to it shutting down randomly throughout the day. Now, it shows 100% charged while docked, but immediately shuts down when removed from the charger.

Prior to it dying completely, I tried performing a factory reset as instructed by the posts here on the forum - the watch showed the logo, buzzed as stated it should, but then went right back to the watch face. It refused to complete the reset process.

My watch is now completely dead and I’ve been told a support ticket has been created but that it will take 7 days for someone to get back to me about it. We’re being made to wait a week for product support caused by an update?! 

My husband and I have owned several Fitbits and were in the process of deciding on a newer model as upgrades for each other for Valentine’s Day. The fact that my current Fitbit was completely killed by a firmware update and I have received no individual support means I will definitely not be purchasing another.

I am so extremely disappointed with all of this after being a loyal Fitbit user since 2014.

[sa415]

Just do it. You won’t regret it. Our Apple Watches showed up yesterday after this update completely killing my Versa. After putting the new watch on my wrist, I’m kicking myself for not having made the switch sooner. 

[SunsetRunner]

It's tempting, but I don't like the fact that the Apple watch has to be charged daily. I think I'll wait a bit and see if Fitbit comes up with a fix. I've been very happy with my Versa 2 until this update. I may have to switch to Apple if a fix doesn't come fairly soon,

[McLinds01]

I got my Apple Watch on Monday, and I also regret not getting it sooner.  The HR monitor is fantastic, it keeps up with me unlike my Versa that would finally catch up to my heart rate 3 minutes later (and after this update literally never).

The battery life is not nearly as bad as they make it out to be.  I got rid of all apps I didn’t “need” on it and it only take a little over an hour to fully charge.  I was nervous about the battery life but it hasn’t been a problem at all.

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks for the info on battery charging. Do you find you need to charge it daily? Or does the battery last longer than that? Also, which version of the Apple watch did you purchase?

[McLinds01]

No you could go probably 2 days without charging.  I charge it every day mostly because I don’t use sleep tracking so it’s not an issue for me/I charge it overnight.  But I did that with the Versa too.  Because charging is so fast you can easily do it while in the shower or something when you don’t actually “need” it.  

I got the SE.  It’s virtually identical to the 6 except for the ECG and blood oxygen sensors, which I don’t need, so the price difference was worth it for me.  

I am just so happy to have a HR monitor that works properly and is so responsive.  

[sa415]

I agree 100% about the battery life of the Apple Watch not being nearly as bad as is widely spread (we got the 44mm version 6 models with cellular) - and it does charge really quickly. I don’t wear my watch in the shower so I’m putting a charging stand in the bathroom to pop it on there while it’s not on my wrist. 👍

Battery life does feel like a bit of a step backwards from getting 4-5 days out of my now-dead Fitbit and I think I will miss parts of the app, but I think the additional quality/features from Apple are worth it and with some minor habit adjustments, the above won’t be issues at all. 

[vickyrogers2407]

5 days of interruption is ridiculous. how long does it take to correct. you are about to lose a lot of customers.

[SunsetRunner]

I agree! They'd better get get it done very soon or I'm going to switch to Apple!

[Nikjscott]

I did a live chat today. All they did was confirm my device was having battery issues, out of warranty and sent me a discount to get a new one. But it’s THEIR update that ruined my perfectly good Fitbit. I don’t get it! I’ve just gotten an Apple Watch. This is ridiculous. I was loyal to Fitbit for years and now it’s time to leave.

[UnhappyAmy]

All updated to Versa Lite 38.72.1.9..

Have tried all the tips posted, restart phone, restart watch, restart Bluetooth and phone still won’t sync with my Fitbit.

ive spent hours trying to fix this issue that you’ve created.

live been using Fitbit for 2 years and have never had a sync problem until now

[erinlnadeau]

I am unable to update my Versa 2. It syncs once a day, is in always on mode, and I have restarted, unpaired, repaired and factory reset. I can't even add a card to my wallet without the app just hanging. Clock face? Forget about it. Can't add one. This is ridiculous. The only way I can sync this is via my laptop, using the Windows app. I should be able to sync with my phone, but it won't connect to wifi OR bluetooth. My internet connection is fantastic, before you ask that stupid question. I'm starting to dislike Fitbit. I specifically asked for the Versa 2 for Christmas, and am now terribly disappointed that it's basically a watch now. No SpO2 readings, no accurate on the fly data.

[Canadamanada]

Fitbit Versa Lite has worked fine on "unsupported" Samsung phones from day 1. Fitbit rolls out their own update, now the Fitbit will not synch and it is not their responsibility? Was I made aware of unsupported phones before buying the Fitbit? No. Was I able to return an opened smartwatch to Sportchek? No.

I escalated the support chat and expect to be emailed in 24-48 hours... Fitbit seems far less concerned with this than they need to be. I have never had a 0% customer service experience in my life. Until now. I'll be looking at Garmins tomorrow at Costco. Should be an interesting conversation IF a supervisor/manager ever does get back to me.

Looking at all the other users comments I can see how Fitbit does not take care of their customers. Unit is less than 1 year old.