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. 

[Cybdiver]

Why would you buy one?  is your warranty up?  If they broke it they should fix it.

[Dennismccreery]

I don't hold out a lot of hope, given Google's crappy record with customer support.

[Treefitness]

If they really wanted to fix it they would've by now. So many people are frustrated by this update. 

[chris2121]

I don't think you can blame google for this.  As far as I'm aware the google acquisition hasn't been finalised and is still going through regulatory approval.  Fitbit customer support has however always been a bit hit and miss.  I a device has failed and it's still within warranty it should be replaced (given that repair isn't an option).  

This firmware update does seem to be causing more problems than any update I can remember in over over 5 years of using fitbit devices so people might want to hold off doing the update and see if Fitbit come up with a newer firmware update that fixes the problems.

Having said that I did the update on my Versa last week and apart from the unadvertised impact on your data logged for the day you do the update it seems to be working OK.  Battery life is no better or worse than it was before.  It's actually pretty useless and I need to charge it every day but that seems to be the norm for a Versa much over one year old and you just have to live with it unless you're brave enough to attempt a battery replacement.  I suspect mine has only a few months left before I'm down to something like 12 hours battery life and then it will be time for something new.

[10mreasosns]

 Heck to make sure your auto sleep isn’t on

[BeepingAngry]

My Versa hasn’t been syncing well for a while. I always update when prompted. I got a new phone yesterday and thought that was the problem, but today the screen would only show if you pressed the button, it was dark, but none of the settings would respond on the touchscreen, so I rebooted it and it’s absolutely dead - won’t turn on, screen doesn’t even light up when put on to charge. I NEED a watch for work!

[SunsetRunner]

This is what I was looking for.  Really liking the Versa 2 and was hoping it would compute zones based upon HR Reserve and allow me to add in my own measured peak HR.

[SunsetRunner]

It appears I'm way behind on firmware.  (35.70.8.0).  How do I get more up to date?

[10mreasosns]

No idea. Sorry

Have an active day!

[Chartwell]

So I would like to ask why are there so many problems with updates and syncing. I have a versa lite that has been inoperable for three months and zero resolution. It’s rather aggravating to see a new product when there are so many challenges with the versa. Shouldn’t you fix the continual problems on the versa platform before the company starts pumping out new products? Seems rather backwards to me? When thumbing through the countless pages of community issues and seeing $$$$ thrown away to see another device coming is very frustrating. Seems very unethical in my opinion. 

[M88_JAJ]

The banner appeared yesterday, but I ignored it for a while, as I was competing in a couple of challenges. It's now disappeared. Will it come back, and if so, when?

[Geo.Lulu]

I've read pages and pages of people having same issue with me. Initially I thought I am doing something wrong.  But it's all about this update.  I have tried everything.  The live chat support after reading about the issue in the pre-chat summary simply disconnected the chat. This is a sign of high unprofessionalism. I regret not buying a different type of watch now. It's clear nobody cares enough about this version to actually fix it. Maybe they care only about the more expensive ones. 

Meanwhile whst can we do? Throw our versas to the garbage.

[BrettoSparling]

I bought my versa2 only two weeks ago 

my daughter bought hers last week 

hers is on the new update firmware and mine is not 

I did a factory reset before seeing this forum as that’s what other forums said to do 

have I ruined my chances of getting firmware 71.6.19?

i am currently on firmware 70.8.0

thanks

brett sparling 

[chris2121]

Hi @BrettoSparling I'm pretty certain you'll get the update, it's probably just a matter of waiting a while.  The updates are staggered to avoid pushing it out to everyone at the same time.  

[Geo.Lulu]

Are you kidding me?? I see the update in the app. I try to do it and I get
an error message for both Bluetooth and wifi update. Also on the screen of
my versa I see just the logo/error message big X or a mesaage saying to
download the app. Such a joke. Can't even use a product we paid for

[Stacydj]

Have you had any success in updating? I am in the same boat at as you.

[Geo.Lulu]

Nobody gives a s*** about us. Lol. It just feels like how other companies
do.. make an update to ruin the older products so people will want to buy a
newer more expensive one. Well.. i know i will. But for sure will not be a
fitbit product anymore.

[rrichajalota]

Hi, since the time I updated the firmware of my watch, I am seeing a blue screen and nothing else. Tried restarting the watch several times, but it doesn't work. I just see a dark blue screen and nothing else. Any suggestions on how to fix this?

[Pickaxe]

MarreFitbit. I have the same issue as the The Executioner, after trying the factory reset (done because my Versa has been ‘losing time’ for several days now and everything I have tried hasn’t worked). I have found all the actions recommended here, but none work. I cannot clear the ‘Data Not Cleared, Sync and try again’ message. I have tried to setup the Versa, but it can’t be found by my iPhone. I know the Bluetooth connectivity on the phone works, because I have setup an old Charge 2. 

Please can can you arrange for Support to contact me ASAP to effect resolution. I am extremely frustrated. 

Many thanks. 

[Trayze13]

Versa light model since update turns itself off every 5 seconds, vibrates, turns on then repeats cycle of off and on. Left hand button no longer works. Factory reset completed 2 hours later same issue!!!! Not good enough 😞