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.

---

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. 

[SteveOsl]

Hi. So I have updated to the latest firmware for my Versa 2 on my Samsung S10. Clicking on Today I can select the relevant Health & Wellbeing Notification options, but nothing happens on my Versa. I have gone to fitbit in Apps and under Notifications it does not show any Health & Wellbeing options. I have deleted and reinstalled the fitbit app to no avail. Any ideas? Regards Steve 

[dragn]

They just told me since mine tracked my steps for 3 days after the update that it wasn't the update that was the problem even though it got worse those 3 days and offered me 35% off a new one. this is bull**ahem** because it worked fine before

[Picard2bridge]

I think I like the new Active Zone feature, whereas I think the old method was pretty meaningless. But what I don't like is that my Versa 2, which used to last 4 days on a charge, is now dropping by 20 to 25% in 8 hours.

That comes down to bad coding I would think, and Fitbit needs to fix it urgently. 

I had been thinking of upgrading to the new Versa Sense which has better battery life, but with its GPS and this update, it will probably last less than a day as well. 

[MrMarv]

In addition to the spurious drops from High Cardio to below Resting Heart Rate during Treadmill exercises...

Those exercises often start with a blank Heart Rate displayed on the Versa 2 screen and RHR displaying on the apps Heart Rate tile at the same time.

The blank screen on the device returns during the exercise, as well, sometimes for an estimated 30 seconds or more, with RHR returning to the app.

And before, anyone recommends a different device placement during exercise, yada, yada, yada...

Device placement is important if you are involved with an exercise that has a lot of wrist movement, like kettle-ball, free weights, elliptical, boxing, etc.

As a Former Marine Staff Sergeant, even after leaving the service 42 years ago, I tend to walk on the treadmill as if I were on the Parade Ground, smooth arm movement with my fingers slightly curled and my thumbs touching the last knuckle of my index fingers. As such, there is minimal movement of my wrist.

Just something else to add to the list.

[4RM4G3DD0N]

Exactly the same situation here - brand new, out of the box.  Everything works fine, except that once set-up is completed, I just get a white fitbit logo that never goes away.  Resets/re-pairings have no effect.

[Ciprib]

Hello,

I updated my firmware on the 4th or 5th. And for a few days everything was ok. Starting 10th of September,  my screen doesn't start, or after pressing the button it turns  flickering green. Eventually it will start. 

I have tried to restart de watch, the problem remains. 

I have tried to do a factory reset 2 times yesterday, every time it prompts me to update the firmware and the problem returns after minutes.

Please help me.

Ciprian

[Lisatopazcat]

Since I did this update my Fitbit Versa is loosing time, about 1 minute an hour. It is not a syncing issue as it is syncing everything but the time

[Bamagirl82]

Yasssss....My Versa Lite said it needed an update and it didn't pop up until I tried to download a clock face, so I updated it like it ask in my Fitsbit app, and it stayed stuck on the logo for about 2 hour so I tried to shut the watch off holding down the button until it shut down, so then I turned back on and its not doing nothing at all nor is my Bluetooth able to find it! So then I put on charge, and deleted it on my phone fitbit app and my Bluetooth, and still nothing!! 😭 PLEASE HELP... THANKS IN ADVANCE 😊

[Shartr]

Ever since the update my versa 2 is not working properly. The battery is lasting less than a day. The Fitbit logo flash’s on and off. Sometimes  the screen shows properly, but the touch part doesn’t work.  My app is showing less information than it did before. Because it’s not always working, it’s not tallying my step etc properly.

  have reset, I have factory reset, I have turned off, and than back on. Nothing seems to work to fix it. 

I’m not sure if it’s the update or the watch it self. 

My daughter has the same watch but different colour. No issues with hers. My husband has a charge 2 or 3. (can’t remember). It’s fine too. 

I only got the watch at Christmas 2019. 
my husband did not keep the receipt. 

Not sure what to do. Please help

[JewelSolis]

Does this HAVE to be installed? My Versa 2 is brand new. I had to replace my Versa after this firmware update. It killed my watch. The screen will only come on if connected to the battery cable. Shows 0% battery life, and after multiple attempts to restart, there is no change. 
I’m very weary of this update after what it did to my Versa. I can’t drop a few hundred bucks again after each faulty tracker update. 

[lucyharrisonlnn]

Since updating, its changed all my heart rate zones and  now when I workout I never make it into peak.

Any help resetting it back to how it was would be greatly appreciated 

[Saadbeg]

After the update, my device's battery drained out within 24 hours of full charge and after plugging it to charging the device won't turn on anymore!

[Shartr]

Tried this. No change. 

[GeekStick]

I am having problems with the watch reporting as an example, 7000 calories burned with only 1600 steps. After a lengthy conversation with support and a number of trouble shooting steps I was told that the engineers are working to resolve this issue with a new update. 

I have also noticed that my Versa's battery is only lasting about half the time that it used to after the update.

[IrishPedsDoc]

Try factory reset. Settings on your watch and at the bottom of the list factory reset. Fixed mine after a few things did not work after the firmware update. May work for this.  😊

[Tinytoni88]

Is this affecting versa 2? Mine wont even switch on to do a factory reset! I cant seem to get any answers anywhere! What am I supposed to do with a versa that is dead as a dodo.....

[Shartr]

Mine is a versa 2. 

I contacted Fitbit via Twitter. They have an open case for me now. Could take up to 7 days. 

[pondkeeper401]

ru pushing all three buttons on the watch at the same time and holding them down - it can take a while (a minute) for it to start up but that is the way i have to start mine back up.

Moderator Edit: Personal info removed

[Shartr]

Versa 2 has one button.