Versa tracks high heart rate readings

[Amlyn]

I started having difficulty with my versa yesterday- the HR is extremely high (150-180 bpm). This is not accurate, as I've measured it with a pulse oxometer at work with 82 bpm shortly after. I've restarted my versa and my phone, then reinstalled the app, then factory reset my fitbut- but the error continues. I've had this versa since November 2018 without issue and this is highly frustrating.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity

[JuanJoFitbit]

@Amlyn welcome to our Fitbit Community! I'm happy to assist you with your Fitbit Versa since it's tracking high heart rate readings even though you have restarted it and tried a factory reset before contacting our forums.

I'd like you to make sure of the following details:

1. Your device is positioned correctly on your wrist:
   • Tighten the band so that it doesn’t slip on your wrist. For more information, see How do I track my heart rate with my Fitbit device?
   • Heart-rate tracking may not work with certain accessory bands, especially if they’re loose fitting. For best results, use the wristband that came with your device.
2. If you’re doing an exercise such as high-intensity interval training, boxing, or other activities that cause your arm to move vigorously, try to relax your wrist and stay still for up to 10 seconds until your heart rate appears.

After this, monitor your Versa for the next 24 hours and see if the issue gets fixed.

Keep me posted on the outcome! 

[kchada]

I just started having the same problems. All the sudden on Sunday my heart rate monitor started to go crazy, saying I'm sitting around with a HR of 130+ constantly. I burned over 5,000 calories yesterday during a movie marathon with my husband....doubtful. Today I've accomplished over 150 minutes of activity while sitting at work. I've turned off the HR and restarted my Versa, turned back on the HR....still higher HR than it should be. Looking on your website hasn't been reassuring seeing people have been struggling with this exact issue for over the past year...

[Amlyn]

I've had this for a year- the band is positioned appropriately. I'm literally sitting down with a pulse of 75 (taken in a clinic) and my fitbit shows 143. If I turn the hr option off, and then on again, the pulse will read correctly for less than a minute before jumping.

[Debbieb60 · Accepted solution]

I have the same issue too and done everything you said and still not working. 

[Amlyn]

I just got off of a chat conversation with customer service, which was extremely unhelpful. Apparently, other people with Versa or Ionic watches are having the same issue and if nothing else works we have to wait for an update that "may" fix the issue. According to my fitbit, I've been doing cardio for 6 hours today and I've burned 5,000 calories. 

[Debbieb60]

Yes they've been working on it for two years and mean while it's not usable 

[Amlyn]

My screen became corrupted (green lines and dogs, unable to swipe) so they're sending me a new watch. No word yet on an actual solution for the heart rate issue

[Tjerk]

I have the same!

My Versa gives reasonable accurate HR readings, but when I start an exercise after a minute or two, de reading explodes. Where it should be 100, it gives 150 or even 195. That is way beyond my personale max HR. It make my Verso unusable as sports tracker.

Have tried every possible fix, reboot, tighten the strap, etc Nothing works. 
For me a reason to look for another brand.

Tjerk

[Bh86]

The heart rate on my versa has been measuring over 126 for a week now. I've tried restarting it several times, factory reset, tightening the band, turning off and on the heart rate function. None of the suggestions in any of the similar threads has worked. Several of the employee replies say that this is an uncommon issue, yet I've found several suhh threads from the past year or two with many people replying that they have the same issue that still has not been fixed. Is there any fix to this or will I have to buy a new watch? It's useless if I can't use it for workouts. 

[MBeck9]

I am having this same issue. Very frustrating!! Started Friday, 07/03/20. Very frustrating when you buy the product to actually help with you fitness and it pretty much is ‘lying’ to you!! Customer service, can you please assist??

[Bh86]

A day or two after I wrote that message, my watch died completely. I'd only had it for 18 months. Fortunately, I'd already ordered a garmin.