Versa Smartwatches - Fitbit OS 4.2 Firmware Update (71.6.19)

[KateFitbit]

Update 9/3/2020: This update should now be available to all customers. If you have any difficulty updating, make sure you are following the directions in this article, and then provide as many specific details as possible in your post so that we can assist.

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We've started rolling out Fitbit OS 4.2 Firmware Update (71.6.19) for the Versa series.

We release firmware updates to all customers in phases. The update will be available to everyone soon, and a banner will appear in the app when you can install the update. If you don’t see the banner yet, check the app again later.

*Firmware releases are not distributed based on region or location and can reach anyone no matter where you reside. We do not recommend performing a factory reset to force the update to your device as your data will be lost and you may not get the update. Please be patient and wait until you see the update banner inside of the Fitbit app to begin the firmware download.

WHAT’S NEW AND FIXED

Release notes can be found here.

HOW DO I UPDATE?

Step by step instructions for updating your Versa device can be found here.

We recommend updating your Versa over a home Wi-Fi network as this can greatly reduce the time it can take to get set up. For more information on connecting your Versa to Wi-Fi, check out this article. 

If you run into any trouble updating your Versa I recommend reviewing these troubleshooting tips. 

[Kenn.Sanchez]

My versa is running 32.70.8.0. will it skip the other updates and go straight to 4.2?

[Z06tim]

There is nothing to skip. You are on the 2nd to latest firmware already.

[MrMarv]

@Kenn.Sanchez -

4.2 equals FitBits internal representation of their "Operating System". The "32" in "32.70.8.0" represents the specific device. I suspect you have a Versa that is not a Versa 2, as my Versa 2 is running a firmware version that starts with "35". "70.8.0" is the actual firmware release. Not all Versa devices have the same "##.##.##" release at the same time, though I believe all of the devices are going to be at the same firmware level shortly. I am currently at 35.70.7.14. That release hit my device, an in-warranty replacement when I initialized it on August 17th.

[dylanmay]

I didn’t get the Fitbit is 4.2 for my versa and I live in Australia when will I receive the update 

[Michelleohio]

Mr. Marv, I received a replacement Versa 2 on May 7 and began having battery drain problems ten weeks later, which were confirmed by customer service.  By then my warranty expired.  At this point I need to charge it two to three times a day.  I have two questions.  First, My Fitbit Account says that I have version 68.912.  Do you know about how old this version is?  Secondly, I've been told that the battery cannot be replaced, but I found a company on youtube.com that demonstrates how to replace the battery.  Have you heard anything about its effectiveness?

[simonr.]

why do you have to wait so long to be available to everyone? I check every day for this update but i haven't received it yet..

[Csmith1975]

For several months I have been trying to     update our Versa Lites. We have 2 of them. At first I couldn't get them to connect to Bluetooth on any device - Apple, Android or Amazon Fire tablet. Now I can get them to connect and even sync but I cannot get the firmware updates to take hold. Yesterday I got excited because one of the Versa Lites actually did update - progressively turned blue over the course of about 10 hours but it is still proceeding to say updates available. I have been trying all night to get those updates to work and they are not working. If I try to bypass the update and load a clock face for example, the app tells me I need the latest update. However, the app also tells me the Versa just synced like 2 minutes ago so I know its connected. I have a Charge 2 that I have 0 problems with and it is several years old. These Versa Lites only worked for a couple months then quit after stating they needed an update. I bought them in Jan or Feb and they quit in April. I want them replaced with Charges. 

[Cybdiver]

I'll take a wild guess and say their servers can only handle so many downloads at the same time.  One might think since Google bought Fitbit they would have migrated to bigger boxes for deployment.  But clearly their still writing bad code that has everyone in an uproar again.   But I'm just guessing about the server problems

[Cybdiver]

Sounds like you installed the December update (virus as I call it).  I've had similar problems since then too.  Screamed and yelled was told I'm out of warranty.  Offered the 25% discount same as everyone else in the country.   The help desk is being pushed to their limits as they only have a knowledge base to go by.  Any actual repairs have to come from a programmer.  Since Google bought Fitbit things have gotten progressively worse and now they blame everything on Covid-19.  Maybe I should put a mask on my watch.  Even getting a replacement isn't helping much because as soon as you get the firmware up date it goes Kablam and the problems come back.  I wanted to go back to the very first original firmware but there is no way to install it. 

[Dwalk]

You don’t want it until they fix the bugs that are resetting miles from app to watch not watch to app, so it zeros out everything you did since the last login. I’m sure this is why they are delaying further updates. A lot of angry users losing steps and big change it active minutes dependent on HR, but it broke my HR monitor so I had no way of getting active minutes. Waited three days and then switched to Garmin.

Sent from my iPhone

[Kenn.Sanchez]

Thank you. Now all I need to do is wait.

[MrMarv]

@Michelleohio -

One-year warranty - you must be thinking of a 45-day cash refund period.

I purchased my first Versa 2 on January 30th, and after being led around by Customer Support for just over 6 months I went to my local Best Buy where I purchased it and received a warranty replacement. My store was out and I was given the option to either have them order me a replacement or drive about 6 miles to another store. I picked the other store and did a curb-side pickup.

One of the best, if not THE best, Customer Service experience of my 68 years.

I really don't know how old 68.912 is - in fact that really doesn't sound like a release level unless it is really 68.9.12 or if the 912 is really (912) which is the "build number", a geek identifier for an internal release counter.

And sorry, cannot speak to at home battery replacement.

[Snhukl]

Will this allow me to use my watch again?  Its brand new, but the screen doesnt wake up, not even to manual, the screen itself (when it will wake up) doesnt swipe.    Customer service tried to reset it but it never helped.  

[chris2121]

@Snhukl It sounds like you have a faulty tracker and should be getting a warranty replacement if it's brand new.  

[Snhukl]

Thats what Im hoping for, but its never that easy!   

[Michelleohio]

Don't waste time.  Just do it.  Mine didn't start having trouble until it was eight months old.  Customer service kept dragging out attempts to fix it.  They have a case file on you and know what has been tried.  If the problem isn't fixed and you can't return it, request a replacement.  They will send you a new face.  You need to keep the strap and the cradle.  They also will offer you 50% off a new watch.  Let me know what you decide to do.

[MrMarv]

@Snhukl -

Sometimes it is indeed that easy - look at my post from 08-24-2020 09:22 PDT.

[Csmith1975]

I finally got one of my Versa Lites to update but it literally took constant updating for over 24 hours.... and I dont know how many times I had to restart the update process.

[Dennismccreery]

Just updated my one-year-old Versa 2 this morning and now it is bricked.  Reset and factory reset don't work, solid Fitbit logo on the Versa.  Tried restarting the update using both Bluetooth and Wifi, no go.   Guess it's time to order another one, I don't see any way out of this.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[RottieLover]

@DennismccreeryContact them. You may still be under warranty