Versa stuck on "Searching" screen.

[Laura005]

I initially attempted to pair my versa with my iPhone fitbit app. First, the app would get stuck on 'pairing mode.' I closed out of the app, reopened it, and it appears the versa paired with the app somehow (OKAY). Then I clicked on the 'update' button to complete the setup of my watch and update the software and the app is unable to find my versa and gets stuck on the 'searching' page. My Bluetooth is on, connected to reliable home wifi, and both devices fully charged and connected to chargers.  I've deleted the fibit app, deleted the device from my fitbit app, and repeated the steps multiple times. I've attempted to resolve the issue for over 4 hours now and it is incredibly frustrating not being able to use my $200 versa.

[steveb944]

Try restarting by holding the left and lower right button.

https://community.fitbit.com/t5/Versa/Versa-stuck-on-installing/m-p/2636003/highlight/true#M1992

It seems that the best way to update the initial firmware is via WiFi and not Bluetooth.

I've spent 12 hours trying to do it via BT to no avail. I'm about to attempt via public WiFi at work since the one at home is not recognized.

If this doesn't work I'll have to tinker with my home WiFi so the Versa finds it.

[Arshem]

I had the same issue with my Samsung Galaxy S8+. I returned it to best buy and got a new one. The new one was able to connect in a few seconds! The old one kept timing out. Looks like there may have been a batch of bad bluetooth  radios

[Laura005]

Thanks. I think I'll have to do the same. Very frustrating because Best Buy is out of my way. I'll have to try that this weekend.

[Arshem]

Yes, it's very unfortunate. My ex-wife and I bought ours at the same time, same place, and hers was fine, mine wasn't. A simple exchange solved all the issues. I hope you have better luck! Also, best buy may try to "troubleshoot" it. 

After the exchange, ask them to help you set it up so they can see it's an actual issue. That way it can save time later for others 😃

[Laura005]

Will do! I am sure they will lose patience after watching it spin a while. I hope they swap it out. I bought it yesterday and they know me very well.

[Laura005 · Accepted solution]

Quick update - I was able to pair and update my watch successfully. I literally had to hold the phone directly beside the watch for it to pair. It took 3 minutes to pair, so you could imagine my excitement. Maybe Fitbit's Programming team fixed something on the back end? I don't know. 

[Caryweston]

I had the same problem on iPhone 7 - I'd go to update and the app would be stuck on "searching".

I finally just shutdown my actual fitbit Ionic and turned it back on while the iPhone app was stuck on "searching".

The minute the Ionic was turned back on - iPhone went from "searching" to "connecting" … and now its downloading and updating.

Not sure if that's a general solution or just worked for me but hoping it helps someone else too.

[Joewxboy]

I had a similar issue.  For me, the problem ended up being that my Wifi access point (Arris BGW210-700 from AT&T) is viewable by both my phone and fitbit, and the SSID can be seen, and the device authenticates with it properly, but the Versa does not drop down from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz properly.

When I turned off Wifi on my phone, but left on 4G LTE and Bluetooth, the Versa connected properly and transferred data and updates.  If I turn on Wifi, it no longer transfers things like watch faces.  But turning it back off allows transfers to happen successfully again.