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.

[1GinnyME1]

That's why I called it the TRAIN WRECK EXPRESS! They should have tested it on their own employees before rolling out to millions of Fitbit customers who are now without use of their devices or have to reinstall (if they received the useless update) or like me, have to restart it every other day for it to work properly. 

[TheVinny]

Because I'm operating back to .52 I have no issues at all. Everything works great. Like it used to and should. Not even the annoying "New Update Available' message. But have stated many times this has been a bad experience as well as a bad look for Fitbit Google that something this bad would happen during such a large rollout. That said, sharing some experiences, what's worked and not worked, hopefully has some value to either people reading or even Fitbit Support that this is not a device issue but 100 percent due to the update itself. Hopefully an improved and tested update will roll out soon. But even if that never happened at least they stopped forcing it on me and now all works normal. I'll take it.

[1GinnyME1]

I agree, they need more testing and definitely need to test on employees first, not customers! I'm running on .52 also other than my sleep not logged on my device that forces me to restart every couple of days, I think everything has been okay. I upgraded from a Charge 4 to a Sense 2. I had zero issues with my Charge 4. 

[TheVinny]

When you say sleep not logging on your device can I ask what that means? The reason I had sleep data missing app issues was only because my heart rate stopped tracking without notice multiple times in a day, therefore sleep data was also missing because so much of that is based on HR. But if you're having some other sleep app problem that might be a hardware issue or at least different type of problem. Obviously because you are running .52 it's not caused by the update. Just curious. I'm sure tech support can figure that out better than me. I know you said it's a brand new Sense 2 so that shouldn't be happening at all. Good luck!

[Kerr58420]

Yeah I noticed that during an exercise session my heart- rate stopped tracking when it got beyond 135bpm what's that about? just two lines on the screen. 

[1GinnyME1]

Good morning. 

No, heart rate is working and right now (6.58 am EDT 07/27/2023), my sleep hasn't logged on my device but does on my app. I just have to reset it and it will work again. 

[TheVinny]

I'm pretty sure the sleep info will not accurately record on your Sense 2 device itself until AFTER you've synced it with your phone. It's the Fitbit app and software on our phone that can read data like Sleep/Heart Rate/Steps etc during that time period and then calculate all the stuff that goes into our sleep app totals. Only THEN, once synced with your phone, will it be accurately reflected on our device itself under 'Settings/Today/Sleep. So I think you're good. 

[1GinnyME1]

No, after I reset my Sense 2 it records normally and it only happens every couple of days. 

[TheVinny]

I know you said you are on your second brand new Sense 2 but that's not supposed to happen. I have two, my wife has one, and never been a problem for either of us. Sounds like the same with your Fitbit Charge watches. These Sense 2 units aren't cheap so I would either return and replace or have Fitbit send you a new or refurbished one since under warranty. Just my .02.

[1GinnyME1]

I've never had any issues with any of my Charges. This is my second Sense 2. I bought the first one 2 weeks ago today and returned it the following day because of ongoing issues. This is a new development that I didn't have on the first one 2 weeks ago. 

[polarbear2110]

Mine works intermittently. No problems before upgrade and nothing but frustration afterwards. Doesn’t sync properly, In order to sync I need to turn Bluetooth off & on, then sync. No O2 readings. 
Sigh…

[Mcabbott]

After latest update I can't get fitbit activity to sync to Google fit. Tried health sync and fittofit.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi everyone and to our new members, welcome.

Thanks for your continued reports and efforts, and I'm sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. As mentioned before, our team is aware of the issues with the Sense 2 not tracking heart rate and syncing with the Fitbit app with the new firmware update. They're working on this matter and while I don't have a time frame, I'll make sure to update this thread once I have more information.

@1GinnyME1 If your Sense 2 isn't running the latest firmware, my best advice is to visit the Sense 2 board and post your question there. This will help us to prevent any confusion, and keep this thread on-topic in order to forward your feedback to our team. 

@kvt76 I went ahead to check your details and it seems our team already replied back to you with more information. I'm sure our team will continue helping you, so please keep an open communication with them.

@Minette66 Thanks for the detailed reports. In regards to the clock face, is it one developed by Fitbit? If so, what's the name of it? If you haven't done so, let me recommend changing the clock face to another one, and then change it back. For instructions, see this help article.

About the GPS tracking, I believe you've done so, but please confirm the location services are turned on and the Fitbit app has been allowed to run in the background. Once that's done, perform a regular restart, go to the Fitbit app and pull down on the screen to force a manual sync. Then, try tracking another GPS activity and monitor its behavior.

Lastly, with the Sleep Mode, could you check if the sleep schedule is turned on? Take in mind that if a sleep schedule has been set, the watch will automatically turn the sleep mode on and off at the time period set on the device. Click here for step-by-step instructions.

@evilmikez and @Kmorri10 Given the situation with the battery not lasting, I've requested a case on your behalf so you can receive further assistance. Our Support team will get in touch with you via email, keep an eye on your inbox.

[infinidim]

@LizzyFitbit thanks for the update. 

[Paulh2]

Since the firmware update my battery has been dropping like a stone - it used to last around 6 days, now it barely lasts 3 days. What can be done to remedy this ?

[Paulh2]

Yes I did, but now my battery only lasts about 3 days. 

[N8teGee]

It seems as though the update rollout has been paused as I'm no longer receiving the pink banner prompt to update. This is good to see, although why it took this long is anyone's guess. 

Hopefully these issues will be resolved and the update can be rolled out without issues. 

[chelsie11]

Agreed. I purchased to not have to take my phone with when I run… would have purchased another product. Very disappointed.

[Sworldtech2020]

@LizzyFitbit When is the fixed update going to rollout,  I've been waiting for months to have s working device.  Mine sits in a drawer waiting to be useful again....please respond

[TheVinny]

She did respond, in detail, two days ago. Maybe if you’re going to call somebody out might be a good idea to read the recent comments first. When she has news on the fixed update she will post it here and let us know.

no idea how come yours is just sitting in the drawer when all you have to do‘s roll it back to the previous update .52 and all works great. Again all that’s right here as well you just have to read it first. Not a bad idea …