Versa 4 Firmware Update 194.61

[LizzyFitbit]

7/13 Update: We’re continuing to roll out this firmware for the Versa 4 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!

---

We’re excited to announce that a firmware update version 194.61 for Versa 4 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 Versa 4. 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.

[eSSeMM36]

After 8 months you finally manage to fix the Google Wallet issue with Android ... well done!

[JTatEHT]

I made these comments as an independant post, but they do fit in here:

Still half asleep, I wanted to check my sleep score on my Cell Phone. The Versa 4 phone app went into a crazy reformat mode without asking me whether or not I wanted to change my format. The new format on my cell phone is horrible; it is a change and not, definitely not, an improvement. How do I go back to the old format? 

I have Fitbit Premium. Also, my phone service is with Google, powered by Android, and I switched my Fitbit App to Google/Fitbit, which means that it runs on my phone, but not on my computer.

[Jskolsky]

You got rid of the display for how many pounds I've lost. This was, by far, the most motivating thing for me while trying to lose weight. Please bring it back.

[niba10]

When I will recieve the update? im still on 184.52

[KnudBerggreen]

---

@JTatEHT wrote:

The new format on my cell phone is horrible; it is a change and not, definitely not, an improvement. How do I go back to the old format? 

---

I agree!

[JJP31717]

I don’t like the new screen format on my iPhone. The information is way too big - anybody within 5 feet can easily read the data - no privacy. Also the daily step count streak announcement is gone. That was a great motivator for each days step count goal. 

[Rowlf]

I am super bummed about the redesign. Especially the daily step count streak. Does anyone know if it’s hidden somewhere in the app? I was at 193 days of 10K steps or more. I am so mad it’s gone. 

[Guy_]

Hi All, hope this helps clarify a few issues:

• If your watch is on 184.52 firmware and you have specific issues, use separate posts in the forums, you are more likely to get help
• If you are waiting to receive the 194.61 update, it has seemingly been withdrawn indefinitely, as it had too many problems.
• If you are waiting for the 194.61 update to resolve day to day issues, even if it were available it is unlikely to help and could make things seriously worse.
• if you are already on 194.61 and having issues, a factory reset [not without risk, but fine if still under warranty] will reinstall the more stable 184.52 firmware during the setup again which may improve things for you.

Fitbit have [or are] rolling out a new unneeded Fitbit App version 4 for the phone, as an update to version 3 with no choice to switch or not.

• If you have received it already, it seems it is not well liked and is a retrograde step with things missing but unfortunately you are stuck with it.
• if you haven't received it yet, be sure the settings on your phone are set to NOT install phone App updates automatically - this is the only way to stick with the better and more functional V3 version.

Why Fitbit are issuing a new App version before resolving the more important watch issues is a mystery.

For all other issues using separate posts in the forums is a better method to get individual help.

[Steels07]

Yes I agree with you. 👍🏿

[Meretehf]

I’m sorry, but this so called upgrade is a joke. My watch no longer syncs with my phone whoever many times I refresh it, close down the app, log back in again, force shut down my watch etc. My watch now logs everything correctly, whilst the app says 0 steps, 0 floor climbed, 0 km walked and has logged about a quarter of my calories burned. Really frustrating.

Flicking between my own data and my son’s data on his watch has been made so complicated I’ve spent the last 5 minutes searching for how to do it, only to find that I can’t remember how to do it - it’s no longer logical at all. I can also no longer find where it says what kind of watch I have. I think it’s a Versa 4, but the app has now hidden that piece of information really well, so I’m not sure. 

I’m hoping this is just teething problems with this software upgrade because this is unacceptable. 

[Wesu]

Another update without 3rd party apps. Give me back my music control. What's the use of workout support if I can't even change music. Every soul listens to music while working out.. etc.

Moderator edit: clarified content.

[Tofudee]

My new Versa 4 keeps losing data and goes back to the fb screen and then a big red X.   I have reset it several times but it keeps losing data and going back to setup screen and then red X.   I switched to Google app and it's worse than ever.   Firmware update doesn't seem to help anything.   Not sure if it's my fb or the software but it never was this hard in the past.

[KnudBerggreen]

---

@Tofudee wrote:

My new Versa 4

---

If it is new and it does as you describe, then it is defective and I think you should send it back and demand that it be replaced with a new one.

[RonLS]

OCT 15, no firmware update yet to 194.61. Still have 184.52. Are the updates still rolling out?  Can I force the update somehow?

Ron LS

[Tofudee]

I spoke with 2 representatives and after going through all of the steps to get my Versa 4 up and running they have declared this one defective and a replacement is on the way as we speak.  Thank you, Fitbit and Google for the fast response.  

[Guy_]

Hi @RonLS - The only watches now appearing for promotional sale on the official Fitbit site are the Charge 6 and Pixel Watch 2.

From that it is probably safe to say support for prior watches has been discontinued, hence the update being withdrawn due to unresolvable issues or possibly insufficient demand.

It should also be noted that the SDK for the Versa 4 was never released, so developers have never been able to freely develop or support clock faces for this watch (additional apps are not available).

[KnudBerggreen]

https://www.fitbit.com/global/dk/products/smartwatches you can find Sense, Sense 2, Versa 2, Versa 3 and Versa 4

What site do you look at?

[Guy_]

@KnudBerggreen - thanks, see the main site examples here

https://www.fitbit.com/global/us/home

https://www.fitbit.com/global/en-ca/home

https://www.fitbit.com/global/uk/home 

It seems some country sites or parts of sites haven't reflected the change fully yet. See

https://www.fitbit.com/global/dk/home

[KnudBerggreen]

I see all mentioned products at all the sites you link to... ??

[Guy_]

@KnudBerggreen - thanks for highlighting, only the 2 are actively being promoted.

You may still buy others in shops or elsewhere too.