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.

[Jenaenae1]

Yes! I’ve done about 14 soft resets (holding the buttons down) and completely wiped it clean and reinstalled it 3 times as a new fit bit

reinstalled the app... etc... weeks of trial and error and they ended up sending me a new one since I had only had it 6 months! 🎉 new one works great! Whew!! 

[Konaneil]

Is the new one accurate when you're working out vigorously?

For many of us this is the problem; that it will go wild, sometimes double the actual rate when we do aerobic exercises.

[Savikam53]

I followed your instructions and will monitor over the next couple of days.
Thank you.

[mramkumar7]

How bad it is to see that this problem being reported by so many Fitbit users for such long time and not being fixed yet.

Not sure if Fitbit understands what a severity 1 issue is. If one of your primary functionality is not working as it is intended to then it’s a severity 1 issue and all your workforce should be not sleeping until this is fixed especially when there are so many customers receiving incorrect health data from the device you sell

what is more disheartening is that inspite knowing this product line is having so many users facing this problem, the decision to not call back or continue selling a device that is reporting incorrect health data.

with just being out of warranty I am sure what Fitbit will tell about replacing my device with a new one (a straight NO)

I think it’s time to move out of this faulty device (a hefty loss of dollars). Yet I can’t give it to someone hiding this issue out (it will be no ethics to do so can’t be like Fitbit)

[AD1971]

It's really sad to see Fitbit owners posting on a Fitbit forum and saying they are returning their Fitbit and buying a competitor brand - all because Fitbit doesn't correct its many problematic issues on their devices for their own customers. Sad, indeed. 

@Andy43 I'm curious, what brand of smartwatch did you end up going with? Are you happy with your purchase? 

[mramkumar7]

I don’t get it. If it’s a software bug how could a replacement fix the issue? Think they are just buying time to keep customers quiet from writing harsh notes outside.

[AD1971]

You are correct @mramkumar7 about the software bug - a replacement would not fix the issue. As for your second statement, I'm not quite sure. I'll let Fitbit moderators / staff answer that one. Fitbit moderators / staff, care to chime in here? 

[Andy43]

AD1971 - Having returned my Fitbit Versa for the reasons brought up in this (and other) threads, I had a good look around to see what else suited my requirements.  I very briefly tried a Garmin Forerunner 35, but found it so fiddly to set up and operate that it went back within 48 hours!

I ended up getting a 'KUNGIX Q8' (the square one, not the round one) from Amazon.  At just £25, it was cheap enough to mess with and not worry too much. It has an attractive colour TFT display like the Versa and all the functions I require - steps, calories, heart rate, sleep etc. A charge lasts over a week.

It's not perfect - the display is limited to 3 types, only one of which shows time, steps and heart rate at a glance.  It's also difficult to read the smaller digits in bright outdoor conditions. The single touch-button is too sensitive and will change functions even if just brushed by a wet sleeve.

The software is called 'Da Fit' and can be downloaded free. It's not as fully-featured as the Fitbit app, but again it shows me what I need to know. All functions seem reliable so far.  And at £25, I won't be so upset if it packs up after a couple of years. Hope this helps.

[tiim]

@AD1971 I replaced my Versa with a Garmin Fenix 5 bundle that came with a
chest strap HRM. You can pick them up at REI now for ~$420.

The Fenix 5 is actually a couple of years old and the interface is somewhat
dated. It doesn't have all the smartwatch features of the Versa, but I love
the way it pairs directly with a chest strap during high intensity
workouts. It provides extremely accurate heart rate data and fantastic
metrics on my running form. I've really picked up the cardio since I
purchased it months ago. Also the battery life is fantastic. On the
downside, its optical heart rate sensor is probably as inaccurate as the
Versa... but now I don't care since I don't rely on it during workouts.

[MarkRhys]

I hav enoticed this as well.

Had a blaze before, and I reach peak a lot more with the Versa...

Was the Blaze accurate or inaccurate... I would have to get a chest HR monitor to be sure... lol

[AD1971]

@Andy43 oh, that's definitely not for me then. But I'm glad you're happy! 🙂 

@tiim whoa! It doesn't have as many features as the Versa, yet it's $420??? I guess most of that price tag is for the chest strap monitor. As long as you're happy - that's what matters!

[Jujubes]

How long have you had your replacement?  Is it still working?

[mprague]

Yes, the replacement is working perfectly. I have been using this replacement for about 3 months.

[JadeAmberx]

Hey! Is your versa still working ok? I’ve tried resetting mines and it’s still saying I’m 172bmp as resting when I’m usually 69 .... 

[mprague]

Have had no issues with the replacement Fitbit sent me. Heart rate seems accurate.

[Savikam53]

Lately, I have been testing against a pulse ox meter and it has been
consistently the same. I am sedentary and have not tested it with exercise
or exertion. I stopped relying on it and keep the pulse ox meter close in
case I feel my HR may be elevated to ER levels. Still debating on Apple
Watch. I primarily relay on Versa for sleep analysis and steps. So pretty
much gave up on the HR part for reliability. Sorry.

[Andy43]

Mine was just the same, Savikam. In fact that was the reason it went back.  I found the HR was correct at rest (around 50, I'm on medication which slows my heart), but once I got moving and my heart rate rose to over 80, my Versa went barmy. It would quickly climb to ridiculous levels, usually around 130 BPM and stay there for about a minute or two before *very* slowly returning to normal.

It would occasionally do it while I was resting too.

I've replaced it with a cheap KUNGIX watch, which has a nice TFT display like the Versa and the HR readings seem far more sensible. It's not perfect though - the touch button is far too sensitive and the slightest touch with a wet sleeve will change modes. It's also not easily read in daylight. But then it was only about £20.

[GerberaDaisy]

Hasn’t anyone gotten any resolutions?  Apparently this has been a known issues for over a year. If they haven’t been able to fix it by now, why would they ever?  I see there is a new Versa coming out. My guess is they are ignoring this issue to work on the new one coming out. I only have one month left in my warranty and they are refusing refund or replacement. They keep telling me to just keep waiting. 

[Savikam53]

I no longer rely on the HR monitor. I am surprised they will not honor your
warranty. Sounds like poor customer service.

[bmoliver]

I have experienced the high pulse readings on the Versa since buying it earlier this year.  I finally decided to get a chest monitor for comparison, and it confirms that the Versa data is completely unreliable except when doing no activity (no walking, no bike riding, etc).  On a simple walk yesterday, the Versa showed bpm values all the way up to 136, whereas the chest monitor varied between 78 and 92, which is much more believable.  Now that I have a direct comparison, I will call Fitbit service and see what they can do.