Heart rate readings too high in Fitbit Versa

[tiim]

I just went on my first run with the Versa and found the heart rate wildly off. I've had several other Fitbit devices that have registered a peak rate between 160-165 bpm for the same run, on the same wrist, with the same wrist placement. This run shows a lengthy section where my heart rate peaks at 209. I'm in my late 40's... No way that is accurate. Anything I can do to fix this?

Moderator Edit: Updated Subject For Clarity.

[Ryan79]

I spent the day sitting at work on a phone and managed to burn 6500 calories. 

HR jumps from 90 to 160 for no apparent reason. 

Was there any possible solutions to this?

[SunsetRunner]

I found that the readings were more accurate if I wore the Versa further up
on my wrist.
--
*11)Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business
and to work with your hands... 12)so that your daily life may win the
respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. ~1
Thessalonians 4:11-12*

[Savikam53]

Thanks for your feedback.

[jw41]

Thank you I will try that.
I was also thinking of getting the $100 wriststrap to make it easier to
move the Versa up my arm.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Ryan79]

Their recommended placement may be suitable for people with straight forearms but it doesn't really help me. The Versa is kinked at a weird angle.

What is confusing is that it suddenly went from working fine 3 days ago to starting off reasonably accurate and then within 5 minutes off by almost 100%.

And support doesn't really help at all. 

[Savikam53]

I am more and more convinced this may not be my best option. A cardiac patient who needs more accurate readings and these readings are not reliable. Apple Watch battery life not supportive of a 24 hour cycle so not yet a viable option. Guess low tech monitoring with blood pressure cuff will be my go to.

Sent from my iPhone

[SunsetRunner]

I returned my Versa and got the new Charge 3 instead. So far I’ve been
pretty happy with it.
--
*11)Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business
and to work with your hands... 12)so that your daily life may win the
respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. ~1
Thessalonians 4:11-12*

[Savikam53]

Thanks for the feedback.

Sent from my iPhone

[aloha8scooby]

Hi,

I thought it seemed off and google search brought me here.  i am concerned because your post is from April and I just bought mine.  
have they responded to you at all?

If it is taking this long, it probably won't be fixed???

My Charge 2 seemed more accurate than this Versa???

[tiim]

I started this original message thread and got tired of waiting for
Fitbit... so I dumped the Versa and returned to my old Charge 2. It still
works well. I couldn't be happier.

I've owned a number of Fitbit devices over the years, but my experience
with the Versa was a real disappointment. I might switch to Garmin after
the Charge 2 dies. The company's lack of communication on this issue was
terrible.

[SunsetRunner]

I actually had to rerun the Versa because I had an allergic reaction to it
AND the band. After that I tried the Charge 3. It worked great until it
suddenly died a couple of days ago. Luckily I was still within 45 days and
was able to return it for a full refund.
--
*11)Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business
and to work with your hands... 12)so that your daily life may win the
respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. ~1
Thessalonians 4:11-12*

[Savikam53]

I joined the community and have not reached out to Fitbit yet. I have kept it beyond the time to return it and keep hoping a system update will correct the issue. I use it primarily to monitor my sleep and use blood pressure monitor as backup for more accurate heart rate. Also, I am not very active yet to track heart rate but will monitor more closely soon. Sorry I could not provide any update on a reported support issue.

Sent from my iPhone

[msalcedo]

Did anyone get a fix for this? I just ended a live chat with support and they just told me I'm stuck with a faulty Versa, no fix, no replacement.

Feeling pretty stupid with my purchase right now!

[SunsetRunner]

I recently left the FitBit world and got an Apple Watch instead. My Versa
broke me out and then the Charge 3 I replaced it with died after about a
month. 😞
--
*11)Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business
and to work with your hands... 12)so that your daily life may win the
respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. ~1
Thessalonians 4:11-12*

[jw41]

If Fitbit support told you that there is no fix, that probably means it is
a hardware issue.
Software can generally be fixed but hardware cannot.
If you have had your Versa for a short time you might be able to return it.
Try Googling "fitbit lawsuits"
Good luck
Jim

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[Savikam53]

Thank you for your response. Husband wants a device for holiday present. Versa not an option.

Sent from my iPhone

[jw41]

I would suggest you consider Apple and Garmin products.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[ashfrick]

Having the exact same issue switching from Charge 2 to Versa and wondering what’s happening now that it’s almost 2019... my runs used to spend most of their time in orange / cardio and now they’re in red / peak.... just after switching devices. 

[jw41]

I think we are doomed to live with this Versa (hardware?) problem. It is
not going to get fixed.

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[msalcedo]

Yes, and all of the "support" provided so far is complete and utter mediocrity. I was told that I cannot get a replacement because they can't ensure that the new monitor won't have the same problem... Yet... Fitbit continues to sell Versa all over the world...

This is textbook "greedy corporation" behavior. 

I told the support rep that I am "willing to take my chances" with a new device, but they said NO. I told them that I have valid warranty, that Fitbit states that I get a replacement if my monitor has defects. But NO again... I am very upset and completely ready to be done with this deplorable company.

Screw Fitbit.