Problems with Versa after swimming

[Nigel1903]

I have had a Versa for just over 2 weeks and it has been working well until today when I went pool swimming fir the first time with it. After the swim (c.20 mins) I dried the watch and immediately saw that it was working erratically. It restarted itself numerous times, the touch screen stopped working (to taps and swipes), the buttons only worked intermittently and within 30 mins the battery was dead. This cannot be normal after a swim. I am assuming the water seals are faulty but wanted to check with Support before requesting an exchange. 

[Linz76]

It seems ridiculous that the product is clearly not fit for purpose. I can't understand why they haven't upgraded the Versa to actually make it swim proof. My 3rd replacement is working in the water... . For now ! 

I'm on my 3rd. You should not have a problem with a replacement. The first one I sent them back, the 2nd one they didn't want me to return. I was offered free replacement or 50% discount of another product (UK). 

Moderator edit: merged reply

[KayleeAmanda]

Update:

Here is the latest BS answer from Fitbit about my TWO broken versas within hours of swimming on the same date.

We are livid.

[Linz76]

That's crap ! I'm still within my warranty period so perhaps that why I get a replacement. I  hoping this one actually works. Maybe contact the Obmusmon or something ? Consumer Rights ?????

[Mich0331]

Sadly, it does appear that salt or saline water is the main issue. Mine started acting up after I went to the beach with my kids. My oldest daughter has an iwatch and I loved bragging about how I'm not worried about going swimming with my watch but she was. I gave not told her that I had to chat with Fitbit about my charge 2. I know she will have a blast making fun of me. They did send me a new charge 2, but the lesson is, don't brag about Fitbit anymore...

Sorry, versa. Charge was my last one and it worked fine at the beach.

Moderator edit: merged reply

[MAM1125]

_After_ I used my Versa in a salt water pool last night and it started to act erratically (kept buzzing like I had a new text) is when I came across this thread and learned my mistake. Luckily, my Versa is under warranty so customer service arranged for a replacement (after I sent a video of the right two buttons on my watch no longer working). The customer service rep was very respectful and professional and I appreciated that. She indicated that the waterproofing was only tested in a chlorinated pool so I suggested the Versa manual needs to be updated with caution in using the Versa in salt water (natural or chemical). Let's see if that happens but I know I won't be wearing the replacement to aqua aerobics going forward.

[KayleeAmanda]

We swam in chlorine and still had two dead versas. Don't beat yourself up. 

[jjohnso]

Beat myself up?  How?Sent from my Samsung Galaxy , an AT&T LTE smartphone

[JuanJoFitbit]

Hi everyone! I'm sorry for the late response. I'm also sorry about the issues you've experienced with your Versa watches after swimming. I totally understand how you feel about this and I appreciate your feedback and comments.

[Abbey0911]

I would like to add another voice to the "Fitbit Versas are not water proof" camp. I have now had two die after swimming. The first time I went swimming in the ocean and gave Fitbit the benefit of the doubt, thinking that possibly the salt water was the culprit. Now I have had my second Versa die after swimming in a lake... It is literally the least abrasive swimming environment available... and this one is completely fried as well. So obnoxious. Also, I must say, the Fitbit support process is TERRIBLE!! I have been through it on numerous occasions and it is like pulling teeth. I am essentially at the point that I am certain the fitbit Versa is a poor quality product.

[Linz76]

Are Fitbit going to fix the problem with the Versa or atleast admit they are not waterproof ? You shouldn't have to keep sending a product back. It's clearly not fit for purpose. 

[renamarie]

I want to thank everyone for their comments. I was just about to take my first ever swim in my community pool with my FitBit Versa. However, wanted to check year. I recently had to replace my original Versa due to bluetooth issues. Have never even showered with my Versa. So, no water for this Versa, in fact, I will also take it off when I wash my dishes. Yes, Fitbit, please there are a lot of comments here. I do not want to send my Versa back. I like my Fitbit.

[Goingtoapple]

Hi, I wanted to chime in on this topic. After 2 replacements Fitbit will no longer replace my device. They say it is only covered under my original warranty when I first purchased my original device. Ridiculous. They obviously don’t care about their customers. Beware anyone looking to buy this product. DONT DO IT!

[Shellis70]

They have to know they are junk because they do not make them anymore, just the Lite and Versa 2.

[jjohnso]

The versa is supposed to be able to get wet. It has a swim function to track laps. It cost $200 and is supposed to do everything it advertises to do. You like your fitbit yet you won't wear it in the water be cause of the multiple posts about it dying after getting wet?  You could have paid a lot less money to get the Fitbit that only tracks steps. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy , an AT&T LTE smartphone

[Linz76]

Would all of us who have had to send replacements back to Fitbit for obvious faults in water be getting a free upgrade to a Versa 2 when they are available. Maybe as a gesture of good will. It would certainly seem there are a lot of unhappy customers who cannot swim with their allegedly swim proof Versa ??? Another worry would be - has the Versa 2 been upgraded so that you can actually use it in the pool for swimming ??

Would love a response. Many Thanks. 

[Shellis70]

I would not even try to put any fitbit item in water.  They do not list the waterproof level like many other waterproof items.  The highest rating is IPX8 like you see on swimming electronics, and the box of my versa has none of those listings.  IPX7 is water tight, but not water proof, but there is no listing at all.  How can we be sure they even tested the models for water tightness?  I love my versa as a step counter and calorie burn tracker only.  I have a garmin vivoactive hr that I use to track my swimming.

[Linz76]

It's so frustrating, I bought mine specifically to swim. They shouldn't advertise them as swim trackers if they aren't up to the job. 

[jenny05]

Definitely not water resistant.  Mine died within 5 minutes of being in the water.  False advertising.  Fitbit replaced it but I won't go near the water with this thing now.

[jjohnso]

Mt first versa that I swam with died after 2 months. The replacement versa that I swam with also just died after 2 months. They say that was still under warranty. Yours are good questions to ask. The versa is obviously faulty. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy , an AT&T LTE smartphone

[jjohnso]

Good tip on the Garmin. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy , an AT&T LTE smartphone