help menu

Join us on the Community Forums!

  • Community Guidelines

    The Fitbit Community is a gathering place for real people who wish to exchange ideas, solutions, tips, techniques, and insight about the Fitbit products and services they love. By joining our Community, you agree to uphold these guidelines, so please take a moment to look them over.

  • Learn the Basics

    Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for information on Community features, and tips to make the most of your time here.

  • Join the Community!

    Join an existing conversation, or start a new thread to ask your question. Creating your account is completely free, and takes about a minute.

Not finding your answer on the Community Forums?

Cancel
Turn on suggestions
Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type.
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Versa wont ready heart rate over a tattoo

Replies are disabled for this topic. Start a new one or visit our Help Center.

‎01-12-2019 07:32 - edited ‎01-13-2019 18:36

‎01-12-2019 07:32 - edited ‎01-13-2019 18:36

Hey everyone, I got a versa for Christmas and I have noticed that it wont read my heart rate all the time, I think it is because I have a wrist tattoo, would this be the reason why it wont read while I workout and sleep. 

Best Answer
0 Votes
6 REPLIES 6

‎01-12-2019 08:27

‎01-12-2019 08:27

Yes, this is well know problem. Tattoes give erratic HR readings whenever they are on the place were the sensor is located. 

Best Answer

‎01-12-2019 08:29

‎01-12-2019 08:29

I've read of others having an issue with tattoos, perhaps depending on color, darkness, etc.  But I would think it would happen all the time, not just when working out or sleeping.  Could it be that your Versa slips around, or is too loose, at those times?

Have you tried your other wrist?

Before posting, re-read to see if it would make sense to someone else not looking at your Fitbit or phone.

Best Answer

‎01-12-2019 12:26

‎01-12-2019 12:26

Hi @Derk8181. Here is a good explanation from another Fitbit CC member, @wmchapman. @JohnnyRow offered some good suggestions.

 

All wrist HR monitors use a light that shines into the skin to measure pulse.

The light strikes the blood vessels in your wrist, and then sensors on the devices detect how much light is reflected back, which lets the devices detect the changes in blood volume that occur each time your heart beats, pushing blood through your body.

 

If the light can't see the blood vessel, no pulse.

Best Answer

‎01-13-2019 18:35

In response to JohnnyRow

‎01-13-2019 18:35

I haven't tried the other wrist, it wont matter I have a tattoo on both. 

Best Answer
0 Votes

‎01-13-2019 19:12

In response to Derk8181

‎01-13-2019 19:12

@Derk8181 Around the wrist? You can try flipping the tracker to the bottom side of your wrist. I know it's not really a solution though. I would still try other wrist because it really depends on the type of ink used. You can also try wearing the watch higher, above the tattoo, if possible. Good luck.

Marrrmaduke | Canada
Charge HR, Blaze, Charge 2, Charge 3, Inspire HR, Versa Lite, Versa SE, Aria

Best Answer

‎04-05-2023 06:50

In response to SunsetRunner

‎04-05-2023 06:50

It's all in the sensor. I have the inpire 2 and that works fine. I've also had older garmins that read it fine through the tatoo.  The charge 5, Versa 2 can't seem to get a beat though.  I would like the sensor improved or replaced with the older model that didn't have this issue. 

Best Answer
0 Votes