Volume won't go up or down on Versa itself

[kkeogh84]

 I have loaded my music onto the versa!  However I am unable to turn up or down the volume.  It appears as if there are the + - buttons on the right hand side.  When I pressed those buttons, nothing happened.  Should I try restarting my fitbit?  Ultimately I would like to control the volume of the music from the fitbit versa when using my earbuds.

Moderator edit: updated subject for clarity 

[VABeth]

I just bought the Versa yesterday.  It took me all morning just to get some songs downloaded, then they mysteriously disappeared.  I finally got the songs in, AirPods synced, all ready to go, and it blew my eardrums out.  I'm taking the Versa back today.  Sorry, Fitbit, not to fix this is unacceptable.  You've lost a  7 year, multiple device loyal customer.

[SunsetRunner]

Sorry to hear you've had this experience and this disappointment. (You probably won't get an apology from FitBit as they're studiously ignoring this thread).

I've been advised to keep records of any medical appointments, reports and treatments that result from not being able to adjust the volume. Given that there are no warnings to protect users from hearing damage caused by this 'bug', FitBit do seem to have failed to meet the duty of care for their customers.

I'm still convinced that this isn't really a bug but actually something that's been purposely implemented by FitBit to prevent Apple Airpods being controlled by the Versa. I've seen the volume control work briefly and then that functionality appears to be overwritten.

However, there are no updates from FitBit, no replies to these support threads, just a growing list of customers who find this information after they've purchased a FitBit device and learned that it doesn't work so I'm not expecting better customer service any time soon.

[LisaAnneW]

It's not just airpods I've just bought mixx streambuds I've got the same issue. I'm really disappointed as I really wanted to use my Fitbit versa at the gym and not take my phone with me.  Is there a brand which will work? 

[Chelsea.Sierra]

@LisaAnneW 

I was able to find a pair that work from LG. I believe they are called LG tone. This was such a waste of money for me since I have two expensive products that are not mutually compatible. If this problem is not fixed in the nearby future, this will be my last fitbit.

[lauralmarie]

I finally did find Bluetooth earbuds on Amazon that work on the Versa watch:
-Soundcore Wireless Earbuds, Anker Liberty Neo Bluetooth 5.0 True Wireless Earbuds-

I was so excited at first because the volume works perfectly from the Versa watch and goes as high as you want. The sound was a little sharp but tolerable. Then I tried using these at the gym. Not only did the left earbud keep cutting out (watch is on my left wrist) but when I put the volume up the sound was so piercing it hurt my eardrums. So disappointed. If you want to listen to music on your watch in places that don’t have a lot of background noise, for around $60 these might be okay.

[SunsetRunner]

Now that the Apple Watch has more health and fitness functions, it's harder to see any real benefit to owning a FitBit.

Personally, I like the Versa and chose it instead of an Apple Watch because it seemed to suit my needs more fully. But when something as fundamental as volume controls don't work, it's almost impossible to justify staying with FitBit in the future.

It wouldn't be so bad if FitBit  were to acknowledge the problem and promise to fix it but, as I've said before, I believe it's actually something FitBit introduced to purposely prevent customers from using a competitor's product.

Anyway, as is invariably the case, we're not likely to get a response from FitBit here, there are no signs of the "bug" being fixed and it's clearly a case of "we've got your money, we don't give a sh*t".

I never feel that Apple treat customers with that kind of disregard. I've had a couple of Apple products that needed attention recently. Both were dealt with really quickly and efficiently, one for free, even though it was out of warranty.

My experience with FitBit hasn't been so pleasant. So when the time comes to replace my watch, I won't spend a lot of time considering FitBit as a viable option.

Oh, well, you live and learn 🙂

[LisaAnneW]

That's really disappointing, the reason I chose the versa rather than the lite was is ability to store music. 😞 what's the point if you can't listen to it? I just want to use it whilst at the gym, I didn't wasn't to have to take my phone in with me.  So is this a fault with the versa - what are Fitbit doing about it?  I have a mind to send the thing back now. I've had it less than a week.

I've got the exact same issue with a non-apple product. 

Moderator edit: merged reply

[Sherri2019]

• I’m also having the same problem. I spent half the night trying to get music on the thing only to find out the volume controls don’t work and the volume is so loud I can’t listen to it. I’m not using air buds either. I tried rebooting but that didn’t help. I’m starting to think I made the wrong choice when I bought the fitbit versa. Very disappointed considering what I paid for it. 

[LisaAnneW]

It's somehow something to do with the Bluetooth on the headphones
themselves. Mine (mixx streambuds) worked with my mobile.

I've since bought a cheaper brand (£10 on ebay) and these work fine!!!! The
versa is working great and sounds great!!!!! 😀

Lisa

[LisaAnneW]

I'd like to know what Bluetooth versions are supported- it sounds like I'm not the only one!

Fitbit - you need to look into this.

I was ready to send my (new) Fitbit versa back!

[Sherri2019]

Thank you. Could you tell me what type of ear buds you got so I can look for that brand?

[Scooter2]

I bought Bose headset from Best Buy. Here is the link.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?st=Bose+-+SoundSport+Wireless+In-Ear+Headphones+-+Black&...

Moderator edit: personal info removed

[LisaAnneW]

From eBay (UK site) cheap as chips too.https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F401750114606

[LisaAnneW]

eBay (UK) listing

[MarcoGFitbit]

Hello @VABeth, @Sherri2019, @Sherri2019 and @Scooter2 thanks for joining the Fitbit Community, it's great to have you on board. It's nice to see you too @Chelsea.Sierra, @SunsetRunner, @LisaAnneW and @lauralmarie, I hope you're doing well. 

First of all, I would like to apologize for the delay in the response. We really appreciate our members's input and feedback and I would like to thank you for yours. I would also like to thank you for your reports, I have forwarded to our team.

While our team is currently working on this issue, they may not be able to provide a fix in the immediate future. We'll continue to monitor the situation, and keep our team informed of the impact to you and other customers. We understand that this isn't the resolution you're hoping for, but rest assured we're always working to improve our products.

We're sorry for any trouble. We appreciate your patience and look forward to getting you back on track.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

[Sherri2019]

Thank you so much LisaAnneW. I really appreciate your help. 

[lauralmarie]

Marco, thanks for the update; it’s good to know they are at least working on it.
Laura

[LisaAnneW]

i7S TWS Ear Pods (from eBay UK)

Lisa

[JustJess77]

Can you share what headphones you purchased? I bought my fitbit and was just about to buy some headphones but thought i’d check how volume works... then i found this thread 😞

[Kparham]

Perfect fix.  Plus and minus symbol’s control the column.