Fitbit issues statement on bricked Ionic watches after recent update
by Hadlee Simons
Update: May 27, 2020 at 1:14 p.m. ET: Fitbit provided a statement to Android Authority regarding bricked Fitbit Ionic devices after firmware update 70.7.27.
We have not seen any new significant issues with the latest firmware update. We always aim to deliver a positive experience for our customers and our team continually responds to issues, checks device and system analytics, and captures devices for analysis when necessary. We urge any customers experiencing difficulties with their Ionic to contact Customer Support for assistance.
Fitbit seems unaware of any widespread issues included in this update, but that doesn’t mean the issues don’t exist. If you’re experiencing any issues with your Ionic, be sure to contact customer support for help.
Original article: May 26, 2020 at 8:26 a.m. ET: Smartwatches are among the most important gadgets for many people, tracking all sorts of fitness-related activities throughout the day (and even tracking sleep at night). But plenty of Fitbit Ionic owners are being left with bricked watches.
The Fitbit OS 4.1.2 firmware update 70.7.27 has left many Ionic watches non-functioning, with one thread on the Fitbit Community forum being filled with complaints.
It seems like one of the more common issues is that the Fitbit Ionic watches are stuck on a black screen, with a hard reset failing to bring the watch back to life. Users also report charging the faulty device to no avail.
Fitbit has since released the Fitbit OS 4.1.3 update (70.80.0), but it’s of little consolation to users who have bricked devices. After all, how do you update the device if even a hard reset fails to solve the issue?
Some Fitbit Ionic owners add that one solution being offered by Fitbit support is a 25% off coupon for another Fitbit device. That’s a pretty disappointing solution even if your watch is out of warranty. And why would you even buy a discounted Fitbit wearable after your previous Fitbit device got bricked by the company?
Do you have a bricked Fitbit Ionic as a result of recent updates? Let us know in the comments section below. You can also check out more wearable coverage via the list below.