Versa 2 gives me inaccurate heart rate readings when sweating

[KMC225]

Please can anyone help, this is driving me crazy! 

I love my Fitbit but whenever I do a workout that causes me to sweat (which is most of them given the heat at the minute) my heart rate is totally inaccurate. I have to take the watch off, wipe it and then put it back on and it will literally go from like 102 fat burn to 156 cardio, which obviously affects the amount of calories it says I’m burning, It’s infuriating!

I can’t believe that something that cost so much can provide such an inaccurate reading, I’ve tried spraying deodorant on my arm before a workout, washing my arm, using talc, dry shampoo all kinds! 

I’m now outside of the return window, so I’m stuck with the darn thing now, does anyone have any ideas as to how I can stop this happening and get a more accurate reading during my workouts?x 

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Clairek_83]

I've the versa 2 and love it but when doing a workout my heart rate keeps being lost due to sweat so correct calorie loss isn't being counted. 

[Rich_Laue]

This may be the reason the doctor or nurse dries off the finger before attaching the heart monitor. 

[MarreFitbit]

Hi there @KMC225, thanks for stopping by. Thanks for the details provided about the accuracy of the heart rate on your Versa 2 and for steps you've done to improve the accuracy.

I'm sorry to hear that your warranty window has expired and that you're going through this situation. Please note that our main purpose is to avoid negative experiences to our customers, we're always willing to help and provide troubleshooting steps. 

Hey @KMC225 and @Clairek_83, this happens to me when there is excessive sweat but there are some things that you can do to improve this situation. First clean your tracker's heart rate sensor with cotton and rubbing alcohol. While exercising you can try wearing a sport wristband to easily and quickly remove the sweat, this way your tracker will be able to get a good reading.

Your tracker can have difficulty finding a signal, typically due to the tracker's fit. For example, wearing your band tightly may constrict blood flow in your wrist and affect the signal. When you're not exercising, wearing the tracker just above the wrist bone--as you would a watch--typically works fine. However, moving the tracker up a couple inches can be helpful during high-intensity exercises or exercises that cause you to bend your wrist frequently. I'd recommend reviewing our recommendations for wear and other tips.

Good point @Rich_Laue.