Versa 4 shuts down on wrist, and turns on when being charged

[Fenron]

Hello

My Versa 4 becomes unresponsive after a few hours on my wrist.  But, once attached to the charger, it turns on.  Battery level shows over 50% when I attached it to the charger.  Once off the charger and on my wrist, it will work for about 3 to 5 hours before it's just a black screen and unresponsive until attached to the charger.

I have done a factory reset.  The watch updated with that reset.  My app is also up-to-date.  The problem still happens following the factory reset and watch update.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[MaCrisGBFitbit]

Hello @Fenron!  Welcome to our community forums!

Thanks so much for sharing the details about your Versa 4 that is turning off.  

Since you've already updated and factory reset it, I suggest you try cleaning the charging contacts on the watch and the charging cable by following the steps in the article below How do I clean my Fitbit device? this will help improve charging, other option is to charge the Versa 4 plugged in to a computer. 

[E1Ryan]

Doesn't look like the moderator answered your question.  And your subject is spot on what I'm seeing.

I'm seeing the same thing.  Ended up resetting to factory, deleting the app, starting from scratch.  Same thing.  Works for a short period of time, then stops. Does not appear to be a battery issue as my batter is currently at 83%.

[scd5280]

Mine started doing the same thing after the late October update. Was working (mostly fine) before that. After charging to 100% it will drop to 80% after half an hour then hold steady at around 60% for 2-6 hours then start rebooting itself. Won't start back up until connecting charger. 3 Factory resets and deleting SPo2 app no help. Also doing strange stuff when charging. It will go from 60% to 100% in 5 minutes. Other times it will go from 25% to 100% and it will take 6 hours to do so. This sucks. Now back to using old Charge 4. Some people started having this issue back when 214.24 update came out in I think April.

[VonKay]

Having the same issues and I am on the Fitbit Versa 4 replacement within 30 days. Something is definitely defective with theses Fitbit Versa 4’s😔

[TEXASB52]

I am a VERSA 4 owner. My suggestions are below. I believe it is not with the hardware but with the software side of things. The October update I believe started this issue!?

Summary of the Issue (Versa 4)

• Symptom: The watch goes to a black screen and becomes unresponsive 3-5 hours after being taken off the charger, even when the battery level is still high (e.g., 50%-83%).

• Trigger: It immediately turns back on when placed on the charging cable.

• Commonality: This is a widely reported bug, often linked by users to a recent firmware update (e.g., those in late October or earlier like the 214.24 series).

• Failed Fixes: Factory resets, app reinstallation, and cleaning contacts have been ineffective for many users.

• Likely Cause: A software bug is causing the watch to incorrectly read the battery level or initiate a premature shutdown, or it's causing an extreme, invisible power drain when off the charger. Some sources suggest the battery management system (BMS) itself may be corrupted by the update.

:light_bulb: Recommended Next Steps

Since you've all already tried the standard fixes, the next steps focus on workarounds and formal support:

1. Try Specific Workarounds (May help some users)

While these haven't worked for everyone, they are quick, non-destructive things to try:

• Change Your Clock Face: Several users in the community have reported that switching to one of the default/basic Fitbit clock faces (rather than a third-party or highly-animated one) temporarily resolved or significantly reduced the rapid battery drain/shutdown issue.

• Uninstall Non-Essential Apps: Try uninstalling the SpO2 app (as one user mentioned) and any other third-party apps to eliminate them as a source of background power drain.

• Force Restart Off the Charger: Even if it won't turn on, try a forced restart after it goes black, even if you think it's off.

• Versa 4 Restart: Press and hold the side button for 10 seconds until the Fitbit logo appears on the screen, then release.

2. Contact Support (The most critical step)

Given the widespread nature of the issue and the failure of factory resets, this is no longer a user-fixable problem; it requires a firmware patch or hardware replacement.

• Contact Fitbit/Google Support: You must formally report this to the support team. Reference the common community complaints about the Versa 4 shutting down prematurely with high battery percentage after the recent firmware update.

• Push for Warranty/Replacement: Since one user mentioned being on a replacement device already, and the issue is software-related and widespread, you should all push for a warranty replacement or a satisfactory resolution. Be clear that the device is defective due to a software update. Have your purchase date and serial number ready.

[Fenron]

Thank you for the detailed answer.  What you and the others have described is exactly what I am experiencing.

I cleaned the connections.  But still was saw that charge percentage would change rapidly.  Quickly going down when on the wrist, and quickly charging to 100% on the charger.  I have only used the basic clock face.

I was connecting the watch to a computer via the charging cable once every few days to get it to turn on.  Then it became necessary to do that everyday, then a few times a day.  Now it goes black screen as soon as I disconnect from the charging cable. 

I agree that this is not an issue the user can fix.

[scd5280]

And I was thinking of getting another when they were on sale for 119 during Black Friday. No way-problably would get an unreliable refurb unit. 

[TEXASB52]

I understand that, you can still get it for $99!online right now. I am never getting another one that only connects via Bluetooth! I should have read the facts about VERSA 4 before I upgraded to it. As a retired MCSE I should have known better! It’s all good, won’t happen again!!!