Fitbit releasing Sense, Versa 3 update to fix some overheating batteries, $50 credit

In a situation similar to the Pixel 4a earlier this month, Fitbit today announced a “Sense and Versa 3 Battery Performance Program” software update.

In an email to customers and support article today, Fitbit says that a “limited number of Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 devices… are at risk of their batteries overheating, which poses a potential risk for users and requires an immediate firmware update.” These Fitbit OS-powered smartwatches were released in late 2020, like the Pixel 4a.

The firmware update, which is rolling out over the next month, will “improve the stability of the device’s battery performance,” “reduce the risk of the battery overheating,” and “reduce battery capacity.” Specifically, the “battery will last for shorter periods between charges and you may need to charge your device more frequently.”

Google is taking steps to ensure users install the update. There will be an on-watch and in-app notification, as well as an email, “when the firmware is available for you to install.” 

A few days after receiving the update, if you don’t update your firmware, your device will experience a factory reset. A factory reset deletes any data stored on the device, which includes all data that hasn’t synced to your Fitbit account and your alarms, goals, credit and debit cards, saved settings, and notifications. After a factory reset, you must set up your device again. During that setup process, the new firmware will install on your device. The firmware update does not impact any other Fitbit devices.

It’s important to note that this issue “does not affect all Sense and Versa 3 devices.” You can check here.

…if your device is not impacted, the battery will perform the same as before.

If you have an impacted Fitbit Sense or Versa 3, you’ll be eligible for a $50 USD (converted to your local currency) appeasement. Visit the registration page to see if you’re eligible. 

“It may take up to 1 week to receive verification that your device is eligible for appeasement and up to 3 weeks for your appeasement request to be processed. We may request additional information to verify your device or registration.”

“Individual end users will have one year from the initial software release starting on January 21, 2025 to register for an appeasement. After January 21, 2026, this appeasement option will no longer be available.”

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