Changing batteries on Aria is a difficult task

[Coolie21]

I love my Aria, don't get me wrong. But WHY should changing batteries be such a complete pain in the a**? What should be a simple user task requires the whole charade of trying to reconnect to the network, which usually means going to the website on another device to figure out how to do it, it usually takes me about 15 minutes all up. Changing the actual batteries takes 10 seconds. It's not trivial. It is a very poor user experience that surely must have a simpler solution.

Moderator edit: Updated subject for clarity.

[paracelsus51]

I have found that I have to go through setup a few times to hit it exactly right. The changing the batteries one at a time when they are weak doesn't work for my scale. I bought the strongest batteries I could find, so I am hoping they will last for a very long time. I really don't understand not making battery changing easier instead of having to start all over each time.

[Roscojim]

Same here - the scale would flash the low battery signal when I stepped on it, so I flipped the scale over, took out the old batteries, and put in the new ones. The Aria showed me the name of my WiFi network. Then, I set the scale on the floor, and stepped on it. It found me, measured my weight, and sent it up to Fitbit. 

Piece of cake!!

[campinghippie]

must be nice! I have changed batteries a couple times and it is a complete
pain and the **ahem**.
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Moderator edit: removed personal info

[croucherg]

Strange. It seems some are completely pleased (me) and others find it a
real struggle. Fitbit should really have a look at this issue, as I have
had many who have no issue, and many who have serious issues.

Gord

[campinghippie]

I've had issues with this and then went through 3 fitbits that kept falling
apart too. That is why I switched to a different smartwatch tracker.
Their company is a joke in my experience. My wife also when through 2 and
my MIL went through 2. All of these were in less than a year. Not to
mention all the promises they didn't deliver when ordering the first ones.
Every couple weeks would tell me later and later ship times.

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Moderator edit: personal info removed

[croucherg]

Nathan,

Interesting. I have had zero issues with fitbit, and have always found them
helpful. If one goes to the dashboard, and looks at the "settings" you
would see the battery status of the Aria scale, which tells you beforehand
that you need to change them.

I have 5 Garmins, but the appeal of fitbit is the massive market share,
which means that most of your friends that you might want to compare with
would likely be on fitbit. If you are tracking steps for you alone, you are
fine.

Gord

I also get an email warning (see below). For me no issue, no problem, and
the scale tells me, and emails tells me and "settings" tells me and (to
labour the point) my app also has battery level on it.

*Hi Gordo, Your Aria battery level is low. Replace your batteries as soon
as possible. Your Aria scale is powered by 4 standard 1.5V AA batteries.
This type of battery can be found wherever batteries are sold. To replace
the batteries in your Aria: 1. Turn the scale over and remove
the battery door 2. Replace the batteries following the indicators in
the battery compartment 3. Replace the battery door Your Aria scale's
batteries should last approximately 6 months under normal use. Note
that battery life and charge cycles vary with use, settings and many other
factors; actual results will vary. Happy stepping! *

Moderator edit: merged reply

[paracelsus51]

Mine gives me warnings too, but it takes several tries of setting it up to get it to work. I know some people are lucky enough to have a scale they can just pop the batteries in and out of in whatever pattern and it works, but mine doesn't. It has required several setup sessions at each battery change. Have to start over from scratch each time. It is nice that it works for you though. It is still insane to me that you cannot just change the batteries and have the scale retain its memory. 

[croucherg]

I have sent a message, through twitter to Fitbit. I labelled it "not
urgent" but told them they really should look into this, as it IS very odd
that some have no issue, and others major issues.

G

[RichardMW]

In the past changing batteries just worked. No problem.

This time, I put in new batteries and it could not find the wifi.

Solution: I removed and replaced batteries several times and finally it worked.

[paracelsus51]

This is what it is like for me every time ever since I got it. Some people are lucky in that they can just switch out the batteries one by one or it just works, but for me, every single time, have to do the process at least four times. I got the strongest batteries I could find so that I won't have to do it again any time soon. My cat likes to sit on it, so I get 'guest' weights all the time.

[SerenaM]

Changed batteries, all equipment next to router & fitbit, keeps reading ERR.  GRRR, pain in the backside! Batteries were completely dead.

[Newtdog4]

For something that cost $120+ you shouldn’t have to read a manual to change batteries.  Walmart has a $10 scale that tells you how much you weigh and batteries work when you change them..duh! 

[croucherg]

I just don't get it. I have changed the batteries 5 times with absolutely
no issue? I really don't understand how I can have no issue and others
having to read the manual. It is hard to fathom.

[Roscojim]

Does the Walmart scale sync with my phone and Fitbit app? Nowhere near the same thing, in case you haven't figured that out.

Get Outlook for Android

[croucherg]

You can look on your phone or pc and the aria appears with a battery level indicator. Also; I get an email when it is low.

[Roscojim]

The app tells you, your phone tells you, and you can get an e-mail. There's no reason for your scale to "go dead".

Get Outlook for Android

[JuanJoFitbit]

Hi everyone! I really appreciate your feedback and comments about the hard time you've experienced when changing the batteries. This info will be forwarded to our team since this helps us to keep improving our services and products.

Don't hesitate to get back if you have any doubts! 

[Darla499]

I was on the phone with FitBit support .On the scale. Flat, tile surface, barefoot. I couldn't possibly have been any closer to my modem. We tried everything. The woman even sent me a new "set up" link TWICE. She finally said "I can't help you." It didn't work  It's not me. It's FitBit.

You /we shouldn't have to to do all that  It needs to be simple when you pay that much for a scale

Moderator edit: format

[RichardMW]

I finally gave up on the Aria scale.

There were many problems in addition to the batteries.

It was slow and sometimes fussy to sync.

I got a $30 smart scale at Amazon that does a bluetooth sync to my phone and then does a 2nd sync to my Fitbit dashboard. It works much faster and also had many more body statistics.

It is the RENPHO Smart Bluetooth Body Fat Scale

[Darla499]

Thank you