Versa 4 is not tracking my heart rate as my Inspire 2 did

[jlporter013]

I am heavily tattooed on both arms, so it's really hard to find a heart rate tracker that works. I understand the heart rate is tracked through a light that is shone through the skin to see veins and all that... So I understand why most heart rate trackers don't work with very dark skinned people or heavily tattooed people. Although, for some reason, the bare bones Fitbit Inspire 2 will track my heart rate and sleep perfectly! I wanted a bigger screen so I bought a Versa 4 (after having owned a Versa 2 in the past). I assumed they'd update their heart rate sensors but the Versa 4 won't track my heart rate either. Does anyone know if Fitbit uses the same heart rate sensor on all their products or why the cheap Inspire 2 will track my heart rate but not the more expensive Versa 4? Thanks all!

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject

[Guy_]

Hi @jlporter013 - the heart rate sensor was improved in the Sense and Versa 3 and later watches, it seems to have more difficulty in registering heart rate during movement.

The original Versa and Versa 2 seem to do better which you may have found too. 

Though tattoos is always going to be a problem on many watches.

[Odyssey13]

Hi @jlporter013  a while back a member posted success using a white medical tape across the sensor and it seemed to help get the heart rate working. They had dark skin as well as the tattoos and it worked for them. Another member mentioned nando tape and how it helped them. I'm not sure if it would work in your case, but it did work for them.