The Fitbit Charge 5 is experiencing a phenomenon where numerous devices are becoming completely unusable, also known as “bricked”. Despite the issues, Google has stated that it is not due to recent software updates, causing disagreement among Fitbit Charge 5 owners.

The problem first surfaced in mid-July 2023, with users reporting issues after updating to the then-latest software version (v194.61). Unfortunately, a December update seems to have exacerbated the problem, leading to another wave of bricked Charge 5 trackers.

Google, the owner of Fitbit, reassures users that the issue is not due to software updates, but has not provided any information on the actual cause of the problem or how affected users can resolve it, aside from contacting support. Users have reported that Fitbit’s only solution was to purchase a new device, without offering any discounts or solutions.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available. If you encounter any issues with your Fitbit Charge 5, it is recommended to update your device to the latest firmware and contact Fitbit Customer service at help.fitbit.com for assistance.