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. 

[rdaniel36]

I successfully updated my Versa using WiFi last night. I tried to update a couple of me apps that my Fitbit app said needed an update (following the Fitbit update) but it showed am error saying it couldn't update try later.

I put it on the charger and went to bed.

This morning the screen is black. The lights/sensors on the back that measure heartbeat are also off. Taking it off the charger for a few minutes and then placing it back did not cause the screen to light up or show it is charging.

I've tried holding all 3 buttons down for 8 seconds (or however long it takes to see the FitBit screen) as mentioned in one of the forms but that did nothing.

This update appears to have turned my Versa into a very small, very light brick.

[swatton]

my first versa was purchased November 2017 and stopped working in October
2019 I was sent a new one and now having problems its not a year old but
that does not count .

[swatton]

it seems this update has caused a lot of different problems for many
people .

[MatNCan]

My Versa Lite stopped tracking my heart rate and sleep right after the update. I have toggled the HR setting off and on several times, restarted my Versa lite several times, and reset it to factory settings. None of that has worked. The whole reason I purchased this version was for the sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring. 

Everything worked fine until I did the firmware update and that was a couple of weeks ago. 

[MijaInTheCity]

Since the update, I am not receiving notifications from my iPhone. I've completed the troubleshooting steps. Is this a known issue? I don't find a current post

[Gigi46]

Tried to update, now my Versa is stuck on logo screen..... Reset it 20 times, still nothing. Even charged overnight.

[Marcia1371]

Since I installed the latest update, my heart rate monitor is not working on my Versa.  It is stuck at 96 bpm constantly.  😡  The lights on the back of my Versa are dead, no wonder I can't track anything.  I also cannot access the factory reset.  You owe me a new tracker or put out a patch right now to fix all of the problems you created.  Your update is terrible.

[niamhcallaghanx]

I’ve just updated my versa 2 now and it was a nightmare, had to restore the watch and finally got it paired again, but now it won’t give me the option to select notification from any apps, only sms and phone calls, previously I could select WhatsApp, instagram etc but now nothing is there, it says “apps will be added to the list after they are sent to your phone” but I have been receiving notifications on my phone, syncing the Fitbit and still nothing?

anyone else with this problem?

[mango103]

I had the update and mostly seems fine (except for the new algorithm means I’m burning about 250 fewer calories a day, sad times) however - 

On the swipe up menu on my Fitbit device, there’s an issue with the first page of the first item (it shows a full blue ring with no data; data is blank. can’t remember what this used to show). When i swipe across on this item I can see my AZM, steps, miles etc. The final swipe on the item shows recent activity but my watch reads “no recent activity” (when there is data that should show).

i have turned the watch off and back on again, fully charged the watch, synced with app, nothing has helped. Have not done a factory reset yet.

[PFLee]

I just received my replacement Versa and I will not be loading the latest
update. My old device quit working completely after installing the updated
software. I want reassurance from FitBit that there will be no problems
before I’ll install another update!

[RhonaBegg]

My Fitbit versa has a completely died after the update and out of warranty so only given a 35% discount off a new one .... no thank you Fitbit your update caused the fault !

Sent from my iPhone

[Gammath]

Since my update I am no longer receiving my notifications for my called and messages.  However, why under email notifications is everything repeated 3 times?

[swatton]

I only updated yesterday problems as soon as I did it its the same on my
tablet so obviously its an android thing .

[MrMarv]

@KateFitbit -

As I stated yesterday, everything looked good with this release, even the treadmill exercise app bug regarding lower than resting heart rate figures when walking at 3 mph seemed to be fixed (for the most part).

Alas, both treadmill sessions so far today have uncovered the bug still exists.

What does anyone think the odds are of my heart rate actually dropping from 109 bpm to 56 bpm in 28 seconds? BTW 104 bpm 90 seconds later.

And what is not shown are two instances where my heart rate display went blank and the iOS app heart rate panel showed resting heart rate.

While irritating, especially since I reported this flaw over six months ago, this is not a show-stopper for me. Even the Apple Watch Series 5, routinely rated as having the most accurate heart rate recognition, has documented issues with the heart rate algorithms when in "exercise mode".

Like I said, just irratating.

[Theohnos1979]

Hi, I often have issues with the HR monitoring even before the update, when spinning, running or other high momentum exercise I will get bizzare readings of 90bpm it then jumps up to peak seconds later.

I don't expect it to be accurate all of the time but it is frustrating, most of the people at the gym experience this regardless of brand, model or cost.

But this most recent update has obviously got a gremlin or two that needs sorting ASAP.

[swatton]

My daughter has the same versa and her phone is apple and she had no
problems after the update.

[Marcia1371]

I let my Versa lose all of it's charge, charged it, and then was able to do a factory reset (finally).  It seems to be working for now. Fingers crossed that it will continue to work. 🤞 

This is an update to the this. 👆  The "fix" was very short lived.  The heart rate monitor is dead again.  Looks like I need to purchase a new tracker.  It will not be another Fitbit.

[RBre78]

This update has my watch face reverted back to default and my preferred face is stuck in a loading loop. How do you cancel and restart? 

[Bigchad]

So far that was the best suggestion/idea. Thank you for sharing.

Chad D. King MEd

[janryndagreer]

1) various indicators that wifi not connected,  when in fact it is.  I deleted wifi connection, successfully re-added connection, so have same problem.  Cannot update watch apps. 

1a) Pandora app disappeared from watch.

Having worked for a software dev co myself, I have triple ensured i have updates to all required apps, the watch itself, fitbit app, Pandora, double checked wifi connections, hard restarted both phone and watch and then tried all again. 

I use Samsung Galaxy S9+ with most recent  OS and Fitbit Versa 2....

Fitbit released a **ahem** update. 😒😒😒😒👎👎👎👎