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.

[Guy_]

Hi @rockasd - stick with version 184.52 if you want to use your watch.

[N8teGee]

I've tried to update twice over the course of two days (as each time the banner disappears), and both times have failed. Although looking at some of these posts it seems as though I have dodged a bullet.

The Sense 2 is not my main device, but I'd still prefer to have a working one. So for that reason I will not try again. 

[Jenike]

I got the update last week and since thursday my sensor for heart rate doesn’t work anymore. The lights are not working and it doesn’t show a heart rate. In the beginning when I restarted the sense 2 it worked again but since this morning it doesn’t want to get on again. What do I have to do? 

[rockasd]

Same here. After factory reset the firmware was reverted to previous version and now it works fine. Just do not update.

[AB38_0]

The day after I got the new update my watch stopped tracking my sleep and heart rate. I've restarted the watch multiple times and it still does not work. A couple days ago before I got the update it worked fine. 

[1GinnyME1]

This is my second Sense 2. The first one I picked up at 11:15 am 07/13/2023 and the rep on the phone when it started having issues told me to the same thing they told you. It didn't work. Re-paired it 4 times that day, then I went to bed at 10 pm with it working just fine. I woke up at 1 am (Friday morning 07/14/2023) with the Fitbit logo on and it wouldn't do anything. I called Fitbit at that time. They couldn't do anything except create a case number. I took it off & got my Charge 4, put it on & attempted to go to bed.

I exchanged the first Sense 2 yesterday 07/14/2023.

In my opinion, I wouldn't do all those steps, it might freeze up on you and they will ask you to return it to them or something like that. 

[Kimbo21]

I logged a ticket after updating my Fitbit to the latest firmware 

Lots of things stop working, zone mins, cals, stress management, readiness score 

I’ve reset the watch back to the original firmware and it’s working again now. So my advice would be to skip this update for now 

[1GinnyME1]

I don't have an option to update to begin with. I think it's because my phone OS is updated with the current software that Fitbit doesn't can't accommodate which is why mine doesn't work. Google has the resources & $ to make the necessary software update, does it really need to be this frustrating & difficult? 

[scorreg]

It’s not working again … 4 times over the last 2 days the heart rate and all other sensors stop working ..  this is so frustrating … can’t they atleast acknowledge that the update was messed up and that they are working on it .. 

[1GinnyME1]

Exactly! I already got that 35% coupon last month but opted to go to my local retailer instead of waiting on shipping. I'll be returning this useless Sense 2 tomorrow & getting a Galaxy watch instead. It's been a good ride Fitbit for 9+ years. Best & quickest divorce ever! 😂

It is owned by Google. They are not in a hurry to do anything and as you can see by all the posts here, they are not doing anything to fix the issue. 🙄😢

[Itsav]

Me too. It is not syncing

[1GinnyME1]

I'm so sorry that been a complete nightmare for so many loyal Fitbit customers. I'm unfortunately returning my SECOND Sense 2 tomorrow because I need notifications & calls to work for work and it just makes more "sense" to go to a competitor who has my needs without having outdated Fitbit software issues with current Android One UI OS operating systems. Fitbit IT should have a IT department to help with issues, but they just have Customer Service which sends useless like you can find in Google. Bye, Bye Bye Fitbit! 

[N8teGee]

@LizzyFitbit Considering the reported major issues in this thread, why hasn't the rollout been paused? I still have the banner in the app offering me the update.

[1GinnyME1]

Good point! How many people have that in the hope it will hope it will update!? I don't! I still have version 284.52 out of the box July 14, 2023 and my phone is definitely updated to the current One UI OS operating system while Fitbit is running a operation system from September 2022. WHY?

I'm returning today this no good Sense 2 because it doesn't work as intended. It makes more "sense" to look for better options that have features that actually work. 

[SunsetRunner]

Has the problems the updates are bringing fixed yet?

[1GinnyME1]

Unfortunately no and I'm not holding my breath that it's going too. I'm returning my new Sense 2 today & getting something that has updated software & compatible with my updated phone OS ONE UI software. Fitbit has huge known software issues and this has been going on for a while with no resolution in sight. 

[infinidim]

@1GinnyME1  good luck with whatever wearable you decide to go with.

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@FSuggest I would be interested in the answer to this one as well.

@LizzyFitbit can you give us an updated on the current situation with 194.61 as there are a lot of people on the forum quite worried that their Sense 2 / Versa 4 and Charge 5 having issues that make them impossible to use as a tracker.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi everyone, and welcome to our new members.

As a friendly reminder, this thread is to share your feedback regarding the Sense 2 Firmware Update 194.61. If you have an older version, or a different question, I'd encourage you to start a new thread as this will help us to keep the conversation tailed to a specific topic.

Thanks for your continued reports, and your efforts while troubleshooting your watch. Let me share that the firmware keeps rolling out to all our members in stages, so if you don't see it yet, wait a few more days until it's available for you. @rockasd and @Kimbo21 I appreciate your comments regarding this update.

@scorreg, @TheVinny, @Jenike and @AB38_0 Let me share that the issues with the heart rate tracking have been reported to our team so they can look into this, and bring a solution. Once I have more information, I'll share it with you.

@sonofgodseven Just to confirm, by having the same issue, do you refer to the heart rate not being recorded? Or is it something different? Please provide me with more details of the issue and the steps you've tried so far as this will help me to investigate.

@Itsav Do you see an error message on the Fitbit app? Because your post didn't mention, let me know if you've exhausted the steps described in this help article.

[Peter2873]

Since doing the update my watch will not update unless I forget in Bluetooth and re add it. Has to be done every single time. It has also stopped tracking activities HR etc unless you restart your watch before exercise. This has to be the worst update ever and would advise anyone from getting it. How do I go back as no doubt it will take months to get a fix. Very disappointed. Wife's sense 2 is the same as is a friend of our.  3 people together tells me this update didn't have much testing and we are the Guinea pigs.

I have now done a factory reset and its on firmware 184.52 and everything is working again now.  HR, activities, syncs without all that fuss or disconnecting etc .Keeps asking me to update but i just ignore knowing it will no doubt brick the watch again.  It would appear that too many have exactly the same problem to continue with this update. Personally its convinved me to make this my last fitbit.

[Itsav]

@LizzyFitbit No error except it cant sync right now. I have to switch the Bluetooth on and off everytime I want to sync