When will Fitbit work with tattoos???

[Justink33]

My wrist has tattoos, all the way around. Fitbit hasn’t been able to detect heart rate or even track sleep since getting this work done. I got rid of Fitbit for about a year, went with a super cheap tracker which actually did half way decent on tracking sleep and heart rate. And now have a new Fitbit and back to fighting the position of the tracker vs ink/bare skin just to check heart rate and sleep doesn’t track. Seems to be a Fitbit thing since I had the versa when I got my ink, and now I have the sense.

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

@Justink33 - The problem is not with Fitbit. The issue is tattoos. As early as 2015, Apple acknowledged a problem with tattoos. Same with Garmin. It's all of them using the same system to a greater or lesser degree. The sensor is trying to detect a colour change as blood pumps through the blood vessels under the skin as function of reflected light from the leds. Tattoos interfere with this function. TechAcute offers a good explanation as well as some possible work-around. I wish I had better news for you. 

[LZeeW]

Very helpful link @SunsetRunner.  When this issue hit social media with the Apple Watch, it was known as #Tattoogate.  I'm sorry, but there are times when you just can't overcome the laws of physics. 

[SunsetRunner]

I have full sleeves and haven't noticed any problem

[Newtripley]

Hi

I have the same problem however I put an epoxy sticker over the diodes...works great tracks heartrate and sleep

This is a problem with all smartwatches not just fitbit 

Try getting the sticker/ sticky dot I buy mine from Amazon you'll have to change it whilst charging but it really works 

Hope this helps 

[SunsetRunner]

@SunsetRunner - it all depends on the shade and intensity of color. At least that’s what the articles say. Glad your Fitbit is working with your sleeve. 

[Justink33]

@Newtripley I’d be willing to try this but explain how that helps….? Something like this? ….. Bottle Cap Co. Vintage Epoxy Dot Clear Stickers .5" 100/Pkg, Round https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008EDWQKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G4N9FDYH29E3ZBCNBZSZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[Newtripley]

Try these from amazon or ebay place one over the diodes they then work through the tattoos...you will get constant heartrate and sleep monitoring 

 

 

[Thetankgyrl]

I have an older Charge 2 and have never had this issue with it. I think perhaps because the older models have multiple lights on the sensor. Based on its photo I thought maybe the newer Charge 5 would have that same multi-light design but nope. I have to push the 5 up on my wrist to a non-tattooed spot. I’ve ordered the Epoxy stickers suggested to see if that’s a fix but I really hope Fitbit is working on a fix for this. 

[Rich_Laue]

It really depends on the color of the tattoo. 

Fitbit is limited to using a color that works with blood. If your tat absorbs to much of this color, the HE will fail. 

[vic415]

I’m just moved from Apple Watch 4 to Fitbit inspire 3 and the heart rate tracking is atrocious so far. I was trying to figure out what the issue was as I didn’t have any issue with my Apple Watch reading my heart rate and I believe it is my wrist tattoos as the Fitbit will work sometimes. I’ll be returning for another watch or just might go back to Apple 

[IanB14]

New to fitbit and I am having the same issue. I really think people should be made aware of this before buying. So many people are heavily tattoo’d these days. 

[IanB14]

Are your tattoo’s colour or black/grey? I have been wearing mine of my non-dominant wrist, which is tattoo’d black/grey. My dominant wrist is tattoo’d with colour so might have to give that a try at night. The colour tattoo is fuller though, ie the black/grey is shaded and I can see more of my skin through it. Really disappointed, wish I knew of these issues before buying. 

[IanB14]

Any idea of how this works or did you find out by chance? I’m willing to give it a try, I actually have some of those sticky dots in a drawer already. 

[Thetankgyrl]

My tattoo is a wrist band of shapes - it's light tan, brown and black. But it's pretty solid as far as color going all the way through. Frankly, I don't actually care much for the heart monitor issue, as I don't really use it for that, but what bothers me, is that since the fitbit doesn't connect with my skin properly, I don't get the notifications from my phone. I'm still using my old charge2 with the multiple light sensors and returned the newer one, but that won't last much longer since the battery is reaching that point where it won't hold a charge very long anymore. 😐