How do I get Sense ECG app in Australia?

[thejesus]

Hi, to my understanding we dont have access to ecg here in australia, does anyone know how to trick the fitbit into thinking its in a different country so i can download it?

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject and updated label

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @thejesus. It's good to see you here in the forums.

As you may know, currently the ECG App isn't available in Australia. I understand how much you'd like to have this app available and while it's not possible to have it on the Sense, please know that we're working hard to bring the Fitbit ECG App to Fitbit users across the world and your feedback is truly appreciated. Please keep an eye to our Help Forums and our Press Release for future updates about this or any other feature availability. 

See you around.

[Dazza1983]

Is there any update if or when the ECG app might be available for Australian users?

[Soltek]

This should now be accelerated with Apple obtaining TGA approval for the Apple watch? surely Fitbit / Google can supply us with the feature that a number of users purchased the device for?

https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6231803497001https://www.pulseitmagazine.com.au/australian-eheal...

[CBV2]

One would hope so. I have moaned several times to the Fitbit Service channel about Fitbit's failure to get the ECG app implemented but I have the feeling that my tweets just faded away ...

Interestingly I asked about the Apple Watch ECG when I was in the Apple Store on Sunday last and was told that they expected the app to be available in Australia in July!  After being approved in March.  Make of this what you will.

[Rich_Laue]

Like the article points out, the Australian Government approved the Apple ECG. It is up to Australia to approve the release of Fitbit's ECG. 

Is Fitbit able to force a speed up of their testing process? 

[Philharmonick]

It would be nice to know they've applied for a start!

[CBV2]

I have asked that question.  Sadly, Fitbit is even more opaque than Apple. In the end, once again Sadly, I have given up after six years with Fitbit and moved to the Apple watch. Amongst other benefits, the HR is accurate!

[LostScientist42]

Is there any update or information as to whether Fitbit even applied to get the approval?

[Pjstapes]

Have just purchased a fitbit sense only because of the ecg app  are we anyway closer to having it in Australia 

[Rich_Laue]

Check with your government. They usually have a page with a listing of what medical devices have been approved. 

Once approved it seems to take 2-3 weeks for the release. 

[Blatto]

When will the ECG app be available in Australia 

[N8teGee]

Hi @Blatto.

The ECG functionality has to be approved on a country by country basis. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that this is something that Fitbit shares the progress on. All you can really do is check the bottom of this page (here) for the list of supported countries, which Fitbit will update as new ones are added. 

[Blatto]

Ok thanks Nathan, just noticed the Apple Watch was just approved in Australia, hopefully Fitbit won’t be to far away

[meganjj]

I have likewise just purchased A Fitbit Sense (7 May 2021) only because of the ECG App, which has been widely applauded. Had I known that the App was not available in Australia, I would have opted for the Versa 3, which is $150 cheaper. I really feel cheated and let down. As it stands, the description of this product is misleading. Given that the Health/ECG App is the model’s main sell point (e.g. compared to the Versa 3), I believe that it should not be stocked and sold in Australia as it does not  meet the description promoted. There is nothing on the box to alert Australian customers that the ECG App is not available – all that it states is that the ‘ECG App is only available in select countries’. I did not imagine for one moment that one of those countries would be Australia. Nor was this pointed out to me at the point of sale. I urge Fitbit to address this issue as soon as possible so that those of us who have bought this watch in good faith can have the benefit of the ECG App. Thank you in advance.

[meganjj]

Thank you for your response. However, it does not solve the problem. It is ow May and the ECG App is still not available in Australia. As I have posted on this forum below:

'I have likewise just purchased A Fitbit Sense (7 May 2021) only because of the ECG App, which has been widely lauded. Had I known that the App was not available in Australia, I would have opted for the Versa 3, which is $150 cheaper. I really feel cheated and let down'.

[Rich_Laue]

Fitbit has to work individually with each country. As mentioned above, it may take time before countries, like Australia gives their approval. 

[meganjj]

I'd  be interested to learn what Fitbit is doing to lobby the Australian government and settle this issue?Sent from my SAMSUNG Galaxy S7 edge on the Telstra Mobile Network

[Rich_Laue]

Since this is a medical device it will need to go through medical certification required by the government. 

Lobbying the country is not enough. 

[meganjj]

Then this product should not be marketed and sold in Australia until the
app is available. To this end I have contacted the Australian Consumer
Advocacy organization Choice to advise. I feel very cheated and let down by
Fitbit.