Versa 4 battery

[CalvinT]

I got a versa 4 about 3 weeks ago. My battery life is less than 2 days. I’ve done all the help suggestions. 
-dim light

-set time 6 seconds 

-only turn on for motion or buttons

-use a fit bit clock face

ive sent one back and this is a new one because they determined the original battery was not working. The new one held a charge for 5 days and now it’s doing the same thing. I can’t go a full 2 days without charging. Does any else have this issue. I do have notifications on but it’s advertised as a smart watch I should be able to use notifications 

[Karen505]

I am having the same issue.   

[CalvinT]

They replaced mine once but 2nd one is doing the same thing and now I’m having a difficult time continue a resolution with fit bit help. They claimed no one else had this issue 

[Dave1120]

My battery will discharge about 10 or 11 % during the day, but then drop 25 to 30 % while sleeping..

[Rene63]

Yes, same issue.  I received my Versa 4 yesterday after having a fall and smashing my Versa 3.  I've got identical settings on the 4 than I had on the 3, the 3 battery lasted at least 4 days, including 2 45 minute runs.

Fully charged my Versa 4 yesterday afternoon and when I woke up this morning it was at 14%.  I've not even turned on the GPS for any exercise.  Very disappointed how this could happen.  I wish now I had forked out a bit more for an Apple watch but I've been happy with the Versa 3 for a long time.

[Rene63]

Update - I've just come off a chat with Fitbit, they are going to send me details to get a replacement, even though I've only had this watch for less than 24 hours!  Sounds to me like it must be a known issue, because they offered it very quickly.  Hopefully the replacement will be better.   Your comment about having the notifications on, you are right, you definitely should be able to use it,  I've always used it on my Versa 3 (for almost 3 years) and never had any problems with it draining the battery.  

[CalvinT]

They replaced mine once after having it for 48 hours now that the 2nd one the replacement is doing the same thing that refused to replace it so I had to put in a stop payment on my credit card

[Rene63]

Hi Calvin, sorry to hear that.  Since I wrote the previous message I've been doing some investigation myself.  And I think I might have found out what is causing the drain on the battery.  During setup of the new Fitbit, it took me through setting up the Weather app (adding your location etc).  I never used this on the Versa 3.  So, I disabled this function, actually removed the app from my Fitbit.   And now the battery is draining much more slowly.

I think this might have solved the problem.  Funny I couldn't see anything about this online.   Might be worth giving it a try if you haven't already.

[CalvinT]

Hey thanks for the info trying that now!

[Ciderfit]

I've got my Versa 4 in February, I turned everything off except constant OEM clock face and it lasted 3 days, turning off constant watch and it now lasts 6 days - I also do 19k steps at work daily 

[JaQuetta72]

I understand. My versa 4 started having charging issues then it stopped charging completely. I held the button down for 10 sec then it blinks and finally a LARGE red X goes on the screen. I miss my fitbit

[Rene63]

You definitely need to report this to them, that sounds wrong, I’m sure if it is still under warranty they will send you a replacement. 

[Guy_]

Hi all, you should be able to get 6 days without GPS usage. Anything less is not normal.

@JaQuetta72 - try restarting again.

Did you know if you are  in the window and unhappy with the watch, Fitbit have a 45 day refund policy or possibly authorised dealers too, some stores provide 14 to 30 day refunds.

You may still be able to get a Versa 3 in the stores and it is cheaper and has features the Versa 4 doesn't.

Try turning off Bluetooth on the phone overnight, or during the day, and see if the battery lasts longer, it may be restarting frequently, without you seeing it.

The GPS does exhaust the battery more quickly due to the smaller battery in this watch.

[Rene63]

Guy_  Thanks for your feedback, you make some interesting points.

My problem with the battery has been solved, it was the Weather app, I don't need it, I removed it and now, after 1.5 days of full charge I am on 86%, which is what I would expect.  I don't know why I activated it in the first place, it is part of the set up wizard for the new device I think.  Also don't know why the Fitbit customer support didn't mention that when I contacted them, just a very basic check list of quite obvious things. 

I've not done any GPS activities as I was also injured when I smashed my Versa 3 😐.  I really hope that the GPS is not going to be a much bigger drain on the battery as you say .... wish I knew that before I decided on the 4.  I got mine for a really good price from Amazon, I was expecting it to be almost identical, just better 🙄

When you say the 3 has features the 4 doesn't, what do you mean?  So far I haven't found any.  The interface is different for sure, I am still trying to get used to it, particularly swiping through the activity tiles, it is a bit more clunky I think.  Not sure if GPS mode is going to present other challenges.

I've probably not used all of the features on the 3.

[Guy_]

Hi @Rene63  - interesting about weather causing a problem with battery life. It shouldn't.

It would be interesting if reinstalling weather still causes a problem and if so, if just removing permissions helps.

The Versa 3 has a large number of clocks and apps to choose from, can control music on the phone and has Google Assistant. The Versa 4 doesn't. Of the few Fitbit only apps there is no Agenda app.