If you own a Google Fitbit Charge 6, make sure to update to the latest software, which brings enhancements to your fitness tracking goals and three fresh watch faces that offer a stylish new look.
It's been a long time since we've seen a feature-packed release like this for the Charge 6. The latest release marks the first update – aside from a few bug fixes here and there – since its release two years ago.
Google, which acquired Fitbit four years ago for $2.1bn (£1.5bn), is sure to make plenty of wearable owners happy with this software update. Fitbit users have been calling out for more watch faces in the since the release of the Charge 6 in September 2023.
“We heard you! Thanks to your feedback, the Fitbit Charge 6 now has three new clock faces to choose from—Axira, Geometric, and Momentum,” Fitbit said in a statement. “They’re designed to provide you with more comprehensive data at a glance, and allow for quick access to key health and fitness metrics directly from your wrist.”
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|Select between three new watch faces to better track your fitness metrics without having to navigate through multiple screens
You'll find the new watch faces on the Charge 6 - named Axira, Geometric and Momentum - offer varying levels of health data visibility on your wrist. According to Google, these faces are "designed to provide you with more comprehensive data at a glance", making it simpler to monitor your fitness metrics without having to navigate through multiple screens.
If you're looking for detailed statistics, Momentum displays extensive information including step count, heart rate, calories burnt and distance covered. For those who prefer an understated appearance, Axira and Geometric provide subtler health insights whilst maintaining a design-focused aesthetic.
Your Charge 6 can also now connect to an expanded range of fitness equipment, with Concept2 joining the compatibility list, which may be particularly significant as their rowing machines are widely used in commercial gyms. The full roster of supported brands includes:
You'll be able to transmit your heart rate data directly to these machines via Bluetooth, eliminating the need to grip built-in sensors during workouts.
However, if your gym uses Life Fitness, TechnoGym, Garmin or Wahoo equipment, you won't be able to connect as these brands remain incompatible with the Charge 6's wireless functionality.
Google hasn't just focused on the Charge 6, with other Fitbit devices, including the Inspire 3, Sense 2, and Versa 4, are also receiving software updates with their own improvements and refinements. However, the list of changes for these gadgets are more modest.
The Inspire 3, Sense 2, and Versa 4 are also receiving their first firmware updates in months, addressing various technical issues vocalised on the online forum through general bug fixes and performance improvements.
Customers have noted heart rate accuracy concerns, syncing failures, and battery life drainage across the devices. Fitbit hasn't detailed the exact problems being resolved, you'll likely notice smoother operation after installing these updates. The sparse update schedule reflects Fitbit's current position under Google ownership, with no new devices launched since the Charge 6 in October 2023.
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|The Fitbit app connects with your device to give you deeper insight into your fitness metrics and helps you track progress
If you're new to the Fitbit space, it's best known for its wearable fitness trackers and smartwatches designed to help you monitor your health and activity. It was acquired by Google in 2021, and they've integrated the Fitbit app to also be compatible with their other Google Pixel Watch series.
Since this integration, there have been whispers suggesting that Google may not release another Fitbit model and focus more of their energy on the Pixel lineup. It's nearly been two years since the Charge 6 was first released.
To get the updates, you can download them through the Fitbit app by navigating to the Today tab, selecting Devices, and choosing your wearable. The update is being rolled out in phases, so keep checking if the update hasn't popped up for you quite yet.
If you haven't gotten your hands on a Fitbit watch yet, there are a few—you can save £40 on the Charge 6.
The Google Fitbit Charge 6 offers advanced heart rate tracking, built-in Google apps like Maps and Wallet, and improved compatibility with gym equipment. With three new watch faces, detailed health insights, and up to 7-day battery life, it’s designed to keep you connected and motivated on the move
If you want to take advantage of everything above, here's how to make sure your Fitbit is running the latest software version from Google. First up, you'll need to make sure you've ticked the following boxes:
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The Fitbit Charge 6 can download and install updates over Wi-Fi:
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- Plug in your device or ensure it's charged.
- If an update is available, it should or show a prompt.