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Charge 4 Can’t figure out HR with any accuracy

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‎03-19-2022 21:35 - last edited on ‎12-14-2022 14:42 by Fitbit Moderator

‎03-19-2022 21:35 - last edited on ‎12-14-2022 14:42 by Fitbit Moderator

This seems to be both a known and a chronic problem which has yet to have a resolution but maybe I’m missing something. Almost every single time I do a peloton ride for the first 15/20+ minutes the heart rate reading on my FitBit is ALL over the place, BUT not accurate. It starts off gradually climbing as I warm up, but as soon as my heart rate really spikes it drops down to the 90s and comes up to 120 then drops to 105, then comes up to maybe 130, then drops out and doesn’t read anything for awhile and then repeats this scenario multiple times. By 10 minutes in, I know that I am 160+ easily. I keep toggling the do not disturb function on an office as that has helped in the past. I take the FitBit off and rub the back of it and put it back on and sometimes that helps and then somehow eventually after like 25 minutes it figures out that I’m at 165, and if I ride for another hour after that it actually records my proper heart rate. Any tips or tricks? Has the company responded to this problem or do they even care? I have reset my FitBit several times as well.

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5 REPLIES 5

‎03-22-2022 11:37

‎03-22-2022 11:37

I have a similar problem and have tried every recommended solution provided by FitBit. This is a known problem that they don't seem to care about. My Charge 4 was fairly accurate and reliable the first 2-3 months I owned it. Now in month 4 it is a mess. GPS stops working, heart rate monitor is all over the place and the battery life not near what it used to be. During a run when I know my heart rate is around 150 the heart rate reading varies from 78 to 180 and frequently doesn't read at all. This is my first and last FitBit product.

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‎03-22-2022 12:54

‎03-22-2022 12:54

Exact same probably, instructor says our heart rate should be at (for example) 150 and above, i look down and mine says 105 when clearly my heart is beating out of my chest. I don't think i've ever been over 160 and people with Apple Watches tell me they hit 170 almost every ride. Which then turns into calories burned not calculating correctly. 45 minutes of spinning should be 300+ burned, ive never gone over 250.. i've expressed my concern many times, but fitbit doesn't care.

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‎03-22-2022 13:52

In response to Leannek18

‎03-22-2022 13:52

I don't think an Apple Watch is any better, way to pricey and the battery life is terrible. I have been using a Polar H10 heart rate monitor along with the Polar Beat app, so far so good.

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‎03-23-2022 05:40

In response to BHJP

‎03-23-2022 05:40

my instructor has an apple watch and she loves it. i don't have an iphone otherwise i'd get one. 

those heart rate straps are so uncomfortable and hard to keep on when you're sweating a lot. 

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‎03-23-2022 06:57

In response to Leannek18

‎03-23-2022 06:57

I guess it is up to the individual. I have no issues with the chest strap, I am a 64 year old male and I don't sweat a ton when I run. My daughter has an Apple watch and she has to charge it every day. That is a deal breaker for me, but I suppose you get used to it. Lot's of in depth reviews by DC Rainmaker, worth checking out.

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