Sense 2 Firmware Update 194.61

[LizzyFitbit]

7/13 Update: We’re continuing to roll out this firmware for the Sense 2 Firmware Update 194.61, and expect more customers are able to update their devices. This is a progressive rollout and all customers can expect to have it within a few weeks. We release updates in phases so that we can monitor performance closely and make adjustments if needed. If you don't see the option to update, don't worry - you'll have it soon!

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We’re excited to announce that a firmware update version 194.61 for Sense 2 will be available soon! Some of you might already have this update available. If you installed it, let us know what you think!

We release updates to customers in phases. If you don’t see it, check the Fitbit app in a few days, and you’ll see a message when you can install the update. We appreciate your patience while we get this update to all of our customers.

*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

• View menstrual health tracking on your watch. For more information, see How do I use the Fitbit app to track my period?
• Swap between saved clock faces directly on your watch. For more information, see How do I change the clock face on my Fitbit device?
• View your daily readiness score on your watch (Premium feature only). For more information, see What’s my daily readiness score in the Fitbit app?
• Your watch now supports dynamic GPS. For more information, see How do I use GPS on my Fitbit device?
• Support for global characters and right-to-left text notifications:
  Arabic
  Hebrew
  Thai
  Hindi
  Vietnamese
• This release includes bug fixes and improvements.

Full release notes can be found here. For more details, please see this Community Blog post.

HOW DO I UPDATE?
See How do I update my Fitbit device? for step by step instructions for updating your Sense 2. If you run into difficulty updating, review these Why can't I update my Fitbit device?

We’re interested in hearing your feedback on this update! Let us know what you like! If you encounter unexpected behavior during or after your update, please post the details below.

[infinidim]

@LizzyFitbit thanks again for keeping us updated 

[kvt76]

Thanks Lizzy, will check my emails for an update 😁

[TheVinny]

Thanks again for the detailed reply. It's been two and a half days and not a single issue since I went back to the 'Non-Updated' Sense 2 that was in storage.

That said, now I'm getting constant notices now that the 'new update' is ready for my non-updated sense 2. I COULD just go ahead and update it because it's a pain to keep having to X out the notice which pops up every time I sync or even look at my Fitbit data on iPhone. And if the same issues all of a sudden repeat themselves on this device then it would be an established fact that the issues are with the update exclusively. But I really don't like losing tracking and having to keep resetting my device and having to keep turn on and off Bluetooth for it to sync at all in mornings. If there is an easy way to back out of the update then I might go ahead and try it and see. I could also see me hitting wrong tab and it starts updating by mistake. That happens.

You said Fitbit will email me but not sure what about. But fine with me if they do get in touch. Happy to get this resolved and/or help if I can.

Thanks again!

[Guy_]

@TheVinny - thanks for the additional info, just ignore the update message because you can't go back once applied.

Look on the forums for a new firmware update and only update the problem watch then.

There is no issue with keeping the update message, my watch has had it years, it doesn't have any problems with the old version.

If you accidentally start the update, turn off the phone Bluetooth, logout of the app, swipe off the active window and in Android clear the storage cache and force stop it and then restart the phone, it should probably cancel the update download and you'll know if the message comes back.

[wesend]

I think Fitbit need a new developer company. 

Unlike any other gadgets, to use the device users are 'forced' to run the update

As it wasn't enough, it damaged some core functions for me and many users since January 2023:

No google wallet,

No Fitbit wallet,

No message notification

No weather notification

In the past I only use to see straps hinges breaking and forcing you to replace the device, unfair, but at least you could use it.

[Soocor]

Hi I nervously updated my sense 2 last night and so far no problems at all, everything working😉! (however I assume they gave up on the 'unread notification indicator' as it has completely disappeared now😒shame.)

[infinidim]

@Soocor Can you please keep us updated on how it is going with the update. Luckily they haven't started rolling it out in the UK yet.

It's a pity that they didn't manage to get the  'unread notification indicator" but that was a bit of a nice to have, maybe - I'm not holding my breath though - it will come in a future update but first they need to make sure that update 194.61 is working for all customers. @LizzyFit what are your thoughts on this one?

Fitbit now need to concentrate on getting update 194.61 fixed on all there devices Sense 2, Charge 5 etc., if they don't get it working it my fall under the "Sale of Goods Act" in the UK.

[Soocor]

Hi @infinidim, will do😉 I am in UK and this update (194.61) was available (13/7), I was thinking 13th might be unlucky for me but as I say so far all is good! Changing clock faces on the watch is nice to have. Heart monitor all working fine to😉🤞

[infinidim]

@Soocor thanks for the prompt response. 

[Triletics]

@wesend Other gadgets often allow updating automatically and most times there is no reason to prevent it. I never install updates manually on my phone or Garmin watch. The problem isn't forcing an update but not thoroughly testing it before sending it to users. It was a problem with Fitbit software since I remember. Nowadays, almost all electronics receive updates. Even my washing machine installs updates from time to time. However, it's only Fitbit that I'm wondering whether my watch will be bricked this time or not and what's going to break this time. An option to postpone updates would be nice if Fitbit can't get its hands around proper quality assurance but it's not a real solution but rather a bandaid. I remember when I owned Ionic, one of the updates have been pulled (before I got it, lucky me) because of mass-bricking devices (resulting in a many pages long thread on the forum). Not a new thing but taught me to be cautious about updates and factory resets - two things that are known to kill a bunch of Fitbits.

[1GinnyME1]

I bought a Sense 2 yesterday morning at 11:15 am 07/12/2023 and it wouldn't work once I left my house. I had to re-pair 4 times. At 10 pm it was paired and I went to bed. At 1 am 07/14/2023, I woke up and I had the Fitbit logo on my device. At this point, I this Sense 2 is worthless. I dug my trusty Charge 4 out of the closet and put it back on. No issues with it. It made more "sense" to just return the Sense 2 since it doesn't work even though it automatically updated the update out of the box. 🙄

[scorreg]

I got the update mid day yesterday .. since then the heart rate functionality has stopped working ..  hear rate variability , breaths / min sleep stage information etc have all stopped working … data is taking forever to sync as well ..  restarted multiple times but still not working..

[TheVinny]

Great advice there, Guy_! Thank you!

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi everyone, and welcome to our new members.

Thanks for keeping me posted, and your efforts while troubleshooting your watches. As you may know, Fitbit constantly works on our devices, and this space helps us to receive your feedback and make improvements. Please know all your comments are truly appreciated.

@1GinnyME1 Before anything else, let me explain that when a brand new device is linked to a Fitbit account, you'll receive the initial update. However, this might not always be the latest one, especially if we're releasing a new one. To confirm this, go to the Fitbit app, tap your profile picture > Sense 2 and check if the version displayed is 194.61. If not, no worries as you'll get it soon.

In addition to that, make sure to exhaust the troubleshooting described in this help article to ensure the connection between your watch and the Fitbit app.

@scorreg Just to confirm, are you able to see a green light on the back? Also, did you make sure to review this help article which describes some factors that affect the heart rate readings? Please confirm these details with me in order to investigate on my end what may be occurring.

[scorreg]

The green light was off in the morning but started again in the afternoon… the heart rate monitoring kicked in after that .. working fine now .. 

[1GinnyME1]

Thank you clarifying this. I definitely don't have 194.61. I have 60.20001+ other numbers. How old is my version? 

[ELA42]

Friday, July 14, 2023

I don't see anything about voice reply text!  Will that be fix soon!?

[sonofgodseven]

Yeah, I'm having the same issue after the update. Turn it off and back on and it will track for a moment and then quit again. 

[TheVinny]

Exactly same here (would track HR for a few hours or more and then stop until I soft reset it), and why I'm just too busy to try to do mess with the fitbit that's been updated which I've set aside for now. Using an older Sense 2 that has not been updated but getting notices anytime I open my iPhone fitbit app. That said, I was emailed from Fitbit very courteous and detailed instructions including a hard reset and start over entirely, which is fine but just don't have the time right now. But they believe a hard reset will solve it. You gotta pick your watch faces again and start over but as long as syncing before doing it no data will be lost

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Here are instructions that were emailed to me directly by Fitbit Support staff. I will follow these instructions this weekend and see if it works.

To get started, please:

1. Open the Fitbit app and pull down on the screen to force a manual sync so your other watch can update your details on the Fitbit app.
2. On your other device, swipe down and open the Settings app.
3. Scroll down, tap on About Sense 2 > Factory Reset and wait until the process is completed.
4. Forget every Fitbit device listed in the Bluetooth settings of your phone.
5. Open the Fitbit app, tap your profile picture > Set Up a Device.
6. Tap Sense 2 > Replace Device and follow the on-screen instructions.​

Once it's set up, monitor its behavior and don't hesitate to let us know if the issues persist.

We hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please visit help.fitbit.com.

Sincerely,

*** and the Fitbit Team

[rockasd]

I performed similar procedure and now I am at the point where my software version is 20001.184.52 and it tells me that the update is available. Should I update or stick to this version until everything will be solved?