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.

[Konaneil]

Is this update automatic or do we have to choose it i and download it actively?

[bmoliver]

It just popped up on my Fitbit phone app, so should be automatic.

[Konaneil]

Has anyone here tried the trial version of the premium software they want to sell us?

[Konaneil]

Accidentally repeated the last post

[bmoliver]

Interestingly, I just received another update for the Versa today (Version: 32.68.9.15).  Will have to see how this one goes.

[Konaneil]

Mine updated today as well but it says "version 3.7". Where do you find the number "32.68.9.15"?

I don't know if it's because of the last two updates but my sleep tracking on the watch has become much less accurate than before. Anyone else seeing this happening?

[bmoliver]

Go to the "Versa" screen on the Fitbit app where you can set the Sync settings (i.e., All-Day-Sync on/off), etc.  At the top under the heading "Versa" it should indicate the current sync status and under that the Firmware version.  This is for the Android app.

[TexasSix]

So, first my 6 month old versa quit giving any heart rate at all. 

Went thru all the steps, factory reset down to customer support. They were nice and sent me a complementary??

replacement. So now I get a reported 198 bpm while on the treadmill which is reading 90 to 96....Is there a fix, or do I go from 0 to 200 in 5 seconds.

[Konaneil]

I get similar but usually get a fairly accurate reading if I use an elliptical exercise machine. In fact, other than while resting or sleeping, when I'm on the elliptical is the only time I do get an accurate reading.

[Kayakerdad]

I find that the heart rate spikes for some reason, and reads very high. If I take the watch off for a few seconds when I put it on again the rate has dropped. Sometimes you can actually see that the rate has got stuck at one rate even though it’s wrong

[Kayakerdad]

I use an cross trainer a lot and find that I get on average one spike in heart rate where it goes high. The is no real logic to when this happens and does not reflect effort to my actual heart rate. 

[TexasSix]

 Im not talking spike....im talking 

[TexasSix]

And this constant reading is when actual bpm goes from 89 to maybe 95.

An occasional spike is acceptable.

Constant reading 50 to 75bpm too high is not not acceptable. 

[Tollyron]

The Versa is a nightmare. Have now lost any heartrate reading or any sleep reading whatsoever. Charge HR was much more reliable. Waiting on response from Fitbit. My wife's Versa died 7 months ago only 6 months old. They replaced but not confident it will last........

[Luvee8]

Tollyron I still get these crazy readings, even with my replaced versa. The past few days I get readings that say my heart rate is “10”..you are not reading wrong “10” and it will get stuck on that number. I still get reading of 180 and higher that will drastically drop down to 100. The versa really is unreliable and I am just plain disgusted with this watch. Not worth the money. Tired of the we are working to fix the problem..

[Andy43]

I sent mine back to Amazon for a refund. It was a birthday present and I really like how it looked, the quality of the display and pretty well everything, but it would suddenly jump from around 85 while I was out walking to about 136 and stick there. No wonder it was telling me I was doing loads of aerobic exercise! No amount of fiddling or re-setting made any difference. Wrist-worn HR sensors are a bit iffy so we shouldn't expect 100% reliable readings and I suppose the occasional spike would be fine, but when it sticks at 130 bpm for ten minutes several times per day it will cause other reading to be wrong too.  So back it went and I now use a cheap Chinese Kungix which works well.

[Lcbennett62]

Iam having a issuse with my heart rate. It is off on my versa 2.  It is off.  I wear a myzone  belt and a versa 2 watch and bpm is off by 20 on my watch. What do I do

[Konaneil]

Welcome to the club none of us wanted to be a member of! This problem has been going on since they introduced the original Versa nearly two years ago.

If you still can, I'd suggest returning it to where you bought it from.

Fitbit just released new firmware for the Versa and possibly Versa 2. Maybe that will solve the problem. However, it's been going on for so long that I'd be very surprised.

[drnod10]

Sorry I can't figure out how to make a post without replying--so I will do it this way. I too was having extremely high HR while running---5.5mph, playing pickleball. Works ok during sleep, walking-low level activity. I tried all the suggestions seen on this forum and update did nothing--so I just bought a Polar OH1 to record HR accurately. I found the review about a velcro adjustable band on Amazon and figured--why not it was $7.99. Put it halfway between elbow and wrist--stupid place--and it collected HR just fine. We all spent money on a Versa to help record HR---which it fails miserably.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RZZ1798/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was forced into using the Versa after my Blaze died and the warranty company offered Versa or nothing. I noticed right away that the Versa was terrible at reading my heart rate when exercising. You know, the whole point of the stinkin' thing. I read all of the forums, got sweat guards, tightened my existing bands...I did everything possible to get this heart rate monitor to actually work and nothing worked. I wear a chest strap monitor for certain work outs, so that's how I know it's 30-50 bpm off regularly. Anyways, THIS BAND MAKES THE FITBIT VERSA ACTUALLY WORK. The velcro means you can actually tighten it enough to secure it higher up on your arm. The fabric of the band absorbs sweat and prevents the band from sliding all over the place the second you get sweaty. If you have a Fitbit Versa, this $8-10 band actually makes it a functioning device. Cannot recommend enough!

[Kayakerdad]

Thanks I will try this, I love the fit bit community and if it wasn’t for that I would leave. I have found the products and service have declined massively over the years....all profit...no service

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