ECG app on Charge 5 not available in China

[shimsim]

So what determines whose jurisdiction should apply to when in my case I am a UK citizen but currently working in China?

I literally had to jump through hoops to get this charge 5 into the country as its not sold here and never will be only to find out its functionality has been crippled because it will only work in some countries ..... this is beyond frustration especially considering my home country and where I 'LIVE' is on the list yet because I am currently in China (and somewhat unable to travel freely because .... you know .... COVID), I can not use one of the key features of that made me upgrade.

Please tell me there is a reasonable solution for this, I don't even have the option to return this now.

Extreemly frustrating!

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[CAHaynes]

This was one of the main reasons why I upgraded to the 5 and now this.

I am beyond disappointed, once I can get it sold, I am off to Apple 🥲

[shimsim]

Well for some reason it suddenly decided to allow me to use the ECG feature, perhaps because I was on a VPN or used a different phone with no Chinese SIM, who knows, all these tech companies are bending over to comply with the redicoulos regulations in China.

Am I happy now? Not really, no clarity on how this limitation is supposed to work with international regulations and if it applies to where you are or what natioality you are, i mean its such an outdated way of thinking anyway, but OK, at least explain how that works. 

So now onto the next problem ... battery life ..... mine doesnt last more than 24 hours .... and yes I have already tried all the obvious things. I dont have screen on, i dont get any messages, brigntess dim, screen time on minimum, not using GPS , etc etc etc ... yes, i did the firmware update, yes i did the reset ..... do deeply disappointed with Fitbit

[CAHaynes]

I am beyond disappointed.  My daughter who.happens to be a physician gifted me the tracker, much to her chagrin..

I have since advertized it for sale.

I'm done!

[Wibby]

Hello @shimsim @andyrun 

It checks your physical, geographical location, not the one you choose in your App. 

Some people in supported countries were unable to get it when they were abroad on holiday. 

My location is set to a supported country but I actually live in an unsupported country so I have to wait until they give it official approval before I can get it.

[shimsim]

Good to know that, so not sure why it started working for me. I am in China, its unlikely they will ever extend support here, yet it started working. Not sure how that would have happened, I don't have any way to spoof my location, but kinda sucks to have this geographical restriction on the functionality of the device.

[Wibby]

Yes @shimsim 

The list of supported countries is at the bottom of this page.

ECG Countries 

Your VPN is probably what's allowing you to circumvent the restrictions. 

I guess the only other way for people to get it is to download it if/when they're in a country that supports it. I'm imagining it would still work when they get home.

Just to add, China has recently approved the ECG App for Apple watches so it's just a matter of time until they approve it for Fitbit I imagine.

[shimsim]

@Wibby thanks for the insight 

I get the point, supported countries etc etc, I'm just opposed to the idea that I'm restricted based on travel. I think for a feature like this, it should be defined by your nationality and/or an opt-in where you acknowledge whatever legal requirements are imposed, not where you happen to be at the time of using the feature.

As for the ECG in China, I do hope you are right but unlike Apple that values China as one of its biggest markets and it actively selling here, not to mention doing everything in their power to hold onto the market (not to get political, but let's say ..... whatever it takes to appease the government), Fitbit is pretty much out of here, they stopped selling soon after Google purchased them. I had to get a friend to bring me one from the US as I was told categorically by sales that they don't plan on selling them here. Ironically when I got the box, the sticker says .... made in china 😂 

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi there, @shimsim, @CAHaynes and @Wibby.

Thanks for joining this thread and sharing your thoughts about the Charge 5. As you may know the ECG App is available in certain countries  that are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to our medical products. I understand how much you'd like to use this app and I'm sorry for this inconvenience. Your feedback is truly appreciated and our team will keep working to bring this app too all our members across the world. Please keep an eye to this link for future updates about the availability of this feature.

See you around.