Zip rapid battery drain on iOS version 2.41.1

[KateFitbit]

Update 3/21/2018: It has taken the team longer to identify the root cause of why some users are experiencing rapid battery drain with while syncing the Zip to an iOS device. We will continue to investigate, but I don't currently have a timeline for fix. Along with turning off all day sync, we do suggest syncing to a computer or Android device if possible. Thanks for your reports and patience. 

Update 11/25/2017: We are still aware that some users on iOS are reporting rapid battery drain and are working on the issue. Once I hear further, I will update this thread. Thanks for all your reports. 

I've been notified that there are reports of Zip battery draining quickly on iOS version 2.41.1 and our team is currently investigating. If you are experiencing this, we recommend disabling all-day-sync for now. I'll update this post once I hear more. Thanks as always for your patience and understanding. 

Turn off All-Day Sync:

1. From the Fitbit app dashboard, tap or click the Account icon in the top right-hand corner. 
2. Tap on your device 
3. Find the option to turn off All-Day Sync.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi everybody, thanks for keep adding your feedback to this thread. Sorry for all the inconvenience that you've had with your Zip using the iOS version 2.41.1. Can you please check the latest iOS version 2.76 and confirm if you're still having issues with the Zip battery. 

Remember that you can also help your Zip battery by following these tips.

I'll be waiting for your reply.

[SunsetRunner]

Hi, Yojana,

I always am using the latest iOS - I update my OS within a week of any new release. So I haven't used 2.41.1 in many years - Apple is now up to iOS 11.4.1 (current version, according to Apple).

The tip you linked to was about battery charging - since the Zip uses a non-rechargeable battery, the tips were of no use.

Thanks for the response, nonetheless - it's good to know somebody is paying attention.

--Steve--

[artfulmee]

Actually this post is unclear - 2.76 is the version of the Fitbit app for
iOS we should be using. 11.4.1 is the version of iOS itself. It always
sounds like they mean iOS itself but they don't.

[ADKzip]

I agree with Steve's post.  I've been using the most up-to-date version of iOS available (currently 11.4.1).  Furthermore, I long ago turned off all-day sync on my iPhone and try to sync primarily with my Windows 10 PC, which is automatically updated (though that app is less than stellar).  Yet my last battery drained within two months of receiving my most recent (second) replacement Zip.  Plus I did the battery case spring thing (didn't help the prior 2 Zips) and all other suggestions.  Seems to me Fitbit really just wants us to switch to a different Fitbit product that collects more information, which I really don't want to have collected.

According to my iPhone, it is using Fitbit version 2.76 (777).  According to my  Windows 10 app, it is using Fitbit is 2.34.1578 (56871).

I routinely install Fitbit updates on my iPhone -- apparently to to no avail.

Moderator edit: merged reply

[debleo]

Hello,

None of the numbers listed in the email match up with mine. I have an
iPhone 6s and am running the latest IOS available for it, which is 11.4.1.
My Fitbit app on it says it is version 90. I turned off All Day Sync more
than a year ago and sync my Fitbit with the iPhone app several times during
the day (manually by opening the Fitbit app).

Here are the dates this year when I had to change the battery:
1/4/18
3/23/18
4/5/18
7/5/18 (I actually think I also changed the battery around Memorial Day,
but didn't mark it because I was on vacation)
8/9/18

So, you can see that I get about one month before the battery is depleted.
I have done all of the suggested things (cleaning the inside of the
battery, taking it out and putting it back in, restarting my iPhone), but
all to no avail. I have even replaced my Zip with a new one, but it
immediately had the same battery problem.

The pattern is that I will start seeing a battery half full indicator all
of a sudden when I sync my Zip after the first couple of weeks of use. I
close the app and/or restart my phone and then the battery usually is full
again. After another few days, I'll either get the battery half full
indicator or, alarmingly, the battery depleted indicator. Sometimes I can
"coax" another week or two out of the battery by doing everything - close
the FItbit app, restart my cell phone, remove the battery, swab the battery
contacts, replace the battery). I have had to remove the battery so many
times that I have almost worn out the small groove needed to remove the
back of the Zip such that I may not be able to remove or replace the back
of the Zip because there won't be anything to grab onto.

The bottom line is that there is a problem with the sync process such that
it depletes the battery prematurely. This shouldn't be that difficult for
a halfway decent computer programmer to track down and fix.

I've considered getting a different Fitbit device (Alta, Versa), but am
concerned that they have similar problems or, if not, they will down the
road. My Zip worked until a year or so ago and then the battery issues
started. I carry a 2025 battery with me most of the time as a spare.

--
Deb Johnson

[SunsetRunner]

Update -- since I can no longer sync to my PC (using the most updated version of Windows 10 -- but fitbit won't sync because it indicates I need to update my Windows 10), I decided to re-install the app on my iphone (with all day syncing turned off) so I could at least sync once in a awhile -- I sync about every 2 days -- but I figure the battery is draining as we speak -- I plan to keep very close track of it. But, I will say again -- this is a joke!!! This should be a simple, easy to use device and I think it could be -- I just think Fitbit doesn't want to support the ZIP any more -- but I can guarantee you, that I will never buy another Fitbit product.

Moderator edit: Format.

[debleo]

The latest IOS version is 11.4.1, at least on my iPhone 6s.  I don't know where the 2.41.1 is coming from or what it means unless it means that the Fitbit iPhone application is 9 releases behind the most current IOS . . .

[artfulmee]

2.41.1 refers to the version number of the Fitbit iPhone app where this
problem first started appearing over a year ago. We're up to 2.76 now and
apparently nothing has changed.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi guys, thanks for keep posting your feedback here.

As mentioned before, it has taken the team longer to identify the root cause of why some users are experiencing rapid battery drain with while syncing the Zip to an iOS device (iOS version 2.41.1). We will continue to investigate, but I don't currently have a timeline for fix. Along with turning off all day sync, we do suggest syncing to a computer or Android device if possible.

If you're having same issues with and Android or PC, please check these tips to troubleshoot battery drain issues.

Thanks for your reports and patience. 

[SunsetRunner]

Sadly, as I have mentioned in my posts, I can no longer sync to my computer
-- when I try to sync, I get an error message that indicates I need to
update my Windows 10 -- which is completely up-to-date. I have received no
feedback as to how to address this additional issue, nor is there anything
on the website about this.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @SunsetRunner, thanks for posting your inquiry and for the troubleshooting steps that you already try. If you're trying to use a Windows 10 PC and you're getting this messages, you can force quite the App and check if this is up to date too. If that doesn't help, you might have to delete it and reinstall it.

Let me know if this worked!

[debleo]

I turned off all-day syncing at least a year ago in order to try to extend
the battery life of my Zip. As you can see by the dates when I had to
change the battery (after removing the battery, cleaning the connections,
restarting my iPhone, etc.to try to coax a bit more life out of it), the
battery life is getting shorter. I expect my Fitbit to completely die
before the end of the year arrives . . .

--
debleo

[Dqd]

Agree. I wish they would bring the ONE back. Rechargeable, but could clip in a discrete place. I really don’t want to have to wear a “watch”type device.

Please bring back the Fitbit ONE. It was so superior to the zip, and the only other device that clipped on instead of wearing like a watch.

[tammyjo46]

That would be perfect. I am tired of fighting with all the zip issues and miss counting steps. I get discounts on my insurance if I get my steps. I have tried every suggestion with no changes with the zip performance and battery drains. I may have to switch to a garmin. 

[Trisha66]

I'd buy one for sure and it sounds like many others are interested, are you listening Fitbit???

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi everybody! Thanks a million for your feedback @tammyjo46.

@debleo thanks for trying all those steps. Currently, we don't have updates for the rapid battery drain issue, although at this point the new version shouldn't be causing syncing issues to our Zip users. Our team is still investigating, so we'll pass along the feedback. But I don't currently have a time frame for a fix. As mentioned before, along with turning off all day sync, we do suggest syncing to a computer or Android device if possible.

About your request @Dqd and @Trisha66, I would like to encourage you to vote and share your opinion posting a comment in this request that was already suggested here: New updated clip on tracker. Members of the Community can post new ideas in this board so they can be implemented in a future updates, this is a great way to make your voice heard.

We truly appreciate your patience while it's being resolved. 

[Dqd]

It appears many, many people are requesting a re-chargeable, clip on fit bit, either the One or a better, updated version. Why is FitBit so resistant to a quality clip on, when obviously so many people want it?

Sent from my iPad

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @Dqd, thanks for getting back! You can learn more about how Fitbit decides what suggestions get released in our FAQs. At this moment we don't have more details about this specific request, but you can add you comment to this request to get updates about it. 

I'll keep you posted if anything changes. 

[H-zip]

Obvious and the better option, I was surprised it wasn’t rechargeable.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @H-zip, I understand your point; but Fitbit Zip was one the new models from Fitbit. Technology has changed since then, feel free to add your comments to this request.

Let me know if you have questions about it.