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if you have a fitbit charge 5, you might want to stop installing the latest patches. Several reports from angry Fitbit users claim that their fitness tracker no longer functions properly after installing firmware version v194.61.
released end of june, the update was only supposed to introduce new features and (ironically) bug fixes. This saw the introduction of right-to-left text notifications for various Asian languages, as well as making all exercise modes widely available in the exercise app.
However, after installing the patch, people started experiencing sudden battery drain. The device can no longer hold a charge properly. says a user that their tracker “charges very slowly… then upon removal from the charger, it restarts and then gets down to one percent.” some even claim His Charge 5 is completely screwed – it doesn’t work anymore. They only see a black screen and nothing restores the visuals.
potential improvement
So far, parent company Google has not commented on the issue. On the other hand, Fitbit has tried to solve the problem by offering some suggestions. A moderator on the official forums posted a series of corrections People can try to restore their wearables. Solutions range from changing the watch face on the Charge 5 to performing a “three-pulse restart procedure using the charging cable”.
However, based on recent comments in the post, none of these “fixes” seem to be working. People still have bricked gadgets.
Aside from recommending such fixes, Fitbit isn’t doing anything more frustrating to its customers. So far, the company hasn’t offered full refunds or replacements to affected customers. Some publications state that the company is offering people a 35 percent discount on the new Charge 5; Assuming the faulty device was still under warranty when it stopped working. As it turns out, the warranty only lasts for one year. If you got yours before that and the warranty has expired, you’re out of luck. You can’t get the discount.
Because of this situation, we strongly recommend disabling automatic updates on your smartphone to prevent the patch from reaching your Charge 5 until something more concrete is worked out.
worst case scenario
It is unknown whether Google or Fitbit is working on a solution; Although we think they may be. Some users on the initial forum post say that their device is still running on the old firmware, which means that the software roll out has been temporarily halted. We asked Google if it would like to make a statement about the bricking problem and whether it plans to release a solution. This story will be updated if we hear back. Hopefully, the bug will be resolved soon.
This situation could not have come in a worse time than this. amazon prime day 2023 An event starting on July 11, where a host of gadgets on the platform saw massive price cuts. Other companies, such as Walmart and Best Buy, also hold their own events. However, if you were thinking of picking up the Charge 5 during Prime Day, you should probably reconsider; at least for now.
In the meantime, check out TechRadar’s list Best Fitness Trackers for 2023 If you really want one. consider something like third generation ora ring Or amazfit blip,
