Do magnetic bands interfere with Fitbit?

[Kris2692]

So I am trying to upgrade the look of a fitbit to blend in with my wardrobe more but the replacement bands have magnets and I am wondering if they will interfere with the fitbit technology?? Has anyone heard of anything or had good/bad experiences with magnets near their fitbit?

I included a link to the fitbit band I'm looking at if that helps! Thanks to anyone who has helpful info!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0599ZS/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A23K4BMC7EI317

Moderator edit: format. 

[Rosebud69]

My Versa has performed great with my magnetic/ stainless steel band. My only mistake was when I was putting the band on, I pressed some buttons and made changes to the Versa that I didn't want. After I figured out how to set them correctly, my problems went away. Keep trying.

[PattyCMn]

Mine did that also it came back fine

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

[Indiet]

I know that it is an old post. But is there conclusion about this topic?

I just bought my inspire HR and replace the band with the magnetic one I bought online. When I wear the magnetic band, the HR reading is not normal, it shows very high HR. I compare the result by wearing 2 fitbit at the same time (one belong to my husband, same type, with rubber band) and the HR reading in my husband's fitbit is normal.

Now i switch back to wear the rubber band and the HR reading is normal.

I want to be able to wear the magnetic bands because it's prettier and doesn't cause rash, but it seems impossible, I'm stuck with the rubber one 😪. 

[CharmingCat]

The only fitbits that have magnetic bands and work normal for me are the charge 2, and Versa.I didn't test one for my alta HR.

[NHgirl]

I only have the Charge 2 and it works fine with that .one

--
Linda Stebbins

*Ps 46:10 "Be Still and Know that I am God" *

[Rosebud69]

I've had a Versa for nearly a year with a magnetic band which I like because it can  be adjusted precisely unlike the plastic bands. My wrist size changes throughout the day depending on if I'm active and working hard or sleeping. So far the only time my Versa gives me a bogus heart rate is when I lift weights. During all other activities, it is accurate. The mag band also allows sweat to evaporate more easily as well, so I don't get a rash under it. 

[Rich_Laue]

This makes no sense since magnets do not affect light in a strong way. 

[Indiet]

So, from what i read from the replies, the magnetic band works fine in charge 2 and versa (even though for some people it doesn't)  

Logically the magnetic will not interfere because it's location is all the way on the other side of the wrist, but it happens. 

Hopefully there will recommendations from fitbit regarding this magnetic strap problem 

[Steph331]

I returned the magnetic band I bought. Magnets may not interfere with light
but something in the band I bought definitely interfered with something in
my Fitbit. By the end of the day mine was DEAD. Thankfully it came back but
not until 2 days later after I removed it from the band. I was not willing
to ruin it over the band. Sad bc I would prefer one that is more stylish. I
don’t understand what happened but I was a bonafide witness to what
happened in my case, so all I can say is “good luck”!

[Rich_Laue]

@Indiet to add to your logic, the Tracker dies not have a compass or any other device that is affected directly by magnetic waves. This would be a problem since the earth is one big magnet. 

The sensors in the tracker simply measure changes in speed (acceleration) this would also include changes in direction of movement. 

[Ollyvyr]

I know this is an old thread, but again, this is the first thing that came up in the search...  just started using a band with magnetic clasp.  1 day later the fitbit display is no longer working.  The watch itself seems to be working, based on the information captured in the app. I have a Versa that's about a year old...

[kitcab]

Been there, done that! I'm really surprised that Fitbit hasn't come out
with a warning about magnetic bands. They do interfere with the Fitbit
display, but it is temporary. Remove, and get rid of the magnetic band.
Display will return in a few days and be as good as ever. Might want to
recharge it as well. Good luck.

[LeaDawn]

So, this is my experience. I have had to replace 2 FitBit Charge 2s, after the screens got lines on them and became difficult to read, also the first one stopped holding a charge. My 3rd one has worked great for the last year, the other 2 started having problems after 6 months. The only difference is that I haven't worn the mesh bands with the magnetic closure with this one. I love the look of the magnetic bands, but I'm not willing to risk it again.

[Poptart00]

My experience: magnetic bands absolutely affect the Fitbit, with a caveat. As long as you're wearing it, it's fine. If/when you take it off, I reccommend unclasping it all the way and laying flat; although I can't say definitively it would matter. BUT I did not do this; I just loosened the band, slid it off my wrist, & set it down; to where the magnetic clasp aligns right along the tech bits on the back of the tracker. I went through THREE Charge 3's. The magnet messed up the first one I bought; I was sent a replacement that was already defective, and the magnet messed up the second replacement until it wouldn't even turn on. This was over the last year or so. I gave up on it. I just got a charge 4 today and I will not be getting a magnetic clasp band. I really liked the one I had but it's just not worth the risk. Some people don't have issues at all. Maybe they were more careful with theirs than I was with mine. But there's no disclosure saying keep the magnet from direct contact with the tracker. Hope this helps.

[Rich_Laue]

Your tracker doesn't have any sensors to detect magnetic waves. 

[LeighAn]

I take mine off and always place a cloth of some kind between the two so
the magnet does not have contact with any part of the watch. My original
charger still works. I lost heart rate and BP readings right after the band
was changed to magnetic one. My recent issue is with my daughter’s new
Versa 2. No band change but she does not get message notifications!! Keeps
app open and has all the right things Open per Versa instructions. That is
a bummer!!! Makes me unhappy knowing hers is not functioning well and she
therefore is not wearing it much. 🙁😐--
Nancy Liszewski, RN
Unit 10 President
nliszewski@syrteach.org

Please remember to not use School District email for union related
questions or conversations.
Emails sent to you are considered private. Please do not forward, copy or
alter my emails without my consent.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

[tjgunc80]

I noticed my resting heart rate registers 10 points higher and the increase corresponds with when I got a metal band to replace the original.

[ZeemSquirrel]

Just chipping in to say this is exactly my experience. Had a Charge 3 that held on for several years perfectly fine. Gone through a few rubber straps so figured I'd try a metal-magnetic strap for a change. Lasts barely a few weeks before I start seeing lines striking through the screen, making it difficult to read and causing the device to fail to recognise inputs and buzzes by itself. The next day there were even more lines making the screen barely readable, and by the end of the day the screen was completely dead.

tldr; Do not buy magnetic straps for your Fitbit as they will destroy your device. 

I've now moved onto a Charge 5 and while I'm still not fond of the rubber straps, I will try a leather one instead. Never using a magnetic/metal one again.

[Rich_Laue]

I've had bands with magnetic claspsgon most of my fitbits. Charge 2,, 3, 4, Versa 1, 3, Sense, Inspire, maybe more, and never had any issue. 

With the wrist in-between I would not expect interference. 

[ZeemSquirrel]

Perhaps whatever brand of straps you use is more reputable - but there's definitely a chance that third-party magnetic straps can damage your device.