Several users found that low batteries caused their scales to display incorrect or fluctuating numbers, and replacing them fixed the issue along with confirming actual weight loss progress. Others noted corrosion from old batteries, the need for flat surfaces and consistent morning timing, plus varying reliability across different models where some repeat the exact same number daily while others jump around within minutes.
What this discussion establishesWhy certain scales lock onto one number every day despite real daily fluctuations
Nothing here is advice.
FUNNY story: This morning I realized my weight wasn't actually stalling or going up, thank goodness. The smart scale was low on power and feeding me bad numbers. Once I swapped the battery it showed I had hit my first goal at 140 pounds and I'm actually at 138 now. I've restarted intermittent fasting too so overall I've dropped close to 20 pounds. Always check those batteries. To treat myself I did some pep shopping and I'm adding a few new items to the stack. Can't wait for them to show up. PS: cross posted on my intro post.
I just changed mine this morning too. My wife noticed it wasn't working right. There was dried battery acid all over the compartment so I had to clean everything out and put fresh batteries in. Congrats on the weight loss.
Thank you. Fresh batteries really do change the readings a lot.
After more than thirty years as an auto mechanic I know how much battery voltage matters once a vehicle has thirty-plus modules and computers, so I get why weak power makes everything act strange.
So all I need to do is swap the batteries and I'll hit my goal? Nice. I'm on Amazon grabbing some right now, ha. Joking aside, how did you figure out the scale was the problem? I'm about ready to toss mine because it gives different numbers even when I step on twice in a row.
Make sure you pick up the brand that promises all-day power, ha. I wish it were that simple. Two weeks ago I cleaned up my eating, restarted keto and IF, added light workouts once my ankle felt better, and made sure I got at least six hours of sleep. My clothes started fitting looser and I felt lighter, yet the scale disagreed until I noticed the app showed low battery. After the swap everything matched. If your scale jumps around on back-to-back tries it might be time for a replacement. Also keep it on a perfectly flat surface in the same spot every time and always weigh first thing in the morning.
I have one model I really like.
The scale surprised you! Congrats, and nothing beats celebrating with more peps.
I thought I was the only one. I can step on three times a few minutes apart and get three totally different numbers. Now I just step on five or six times and go with whatever weight shows up most often.
Thanks. Does it stay consistent if you get on and off a few times in a row?
Exactly the same problem here, never repeats even within minutes. At least it's not just me, though sorry you're dealing with it too. I'm going to check out the scale that was mentioned earlier.
I have the opposite problem. Every morning at the same time for a whole week it gives me the exact same weight down to the ounce, which can't be real. I tried every reset and battery swap and it still locks on the same number. It feels like it's mocking me.
Congrats on hitting your goal. 138 is great and you must feel fantastic. Nice choice celebrating with some well-earned pep shopping.
Down with Big Battery, ha.
Yeah that doesn't make sense either. Weight has to change a little from day to day. What is going on with these things, ha.
Down with Big Battery. They're absolute demons, ha.
This is part of why I haven't tracked my weight very carefully. I don't get those nice graphs other people share because the numbers jump around too much. I treat my scale as just a rough estimate.
I like mine and it gives the same reading even if I step off and back on three or four times. Plenty of people say it lines up pretty well with full body scans. I also track BMI and body fat and both keep trending down a bit each time.
Thanks. I just ordered one and it should arrive tomorrow.
Read the instructions first. You turn it on by stepping on it, then stay on until the little colored lights finish flashing if you want the full body scan readings.
Thanks for the tip. This might be one of the rare times I actually read the instructions instead of just pulling it out of the box.
That's the reminder I needed to reset the one that's been sitting under a dresser collecting dust.
If you have tried it, this topic is still open. Sign in to reply — it takes a minute.