Overview
Your BodyTrace or Virta Scale is able to transmit your weight to your Virta app through cellular data connection. Below are some pointers on how to make sure your scale works correctly, as well as some preliminary troubleshooting you can do on your own if an 'Error' message pops up.
BodyTrace or Virta Scale Set Up
Your BodyTrace or Virta scale is ready to use once you pull it out of the box. Find a hard, flat surface for the scale in your home and put in the provided batteries. This scale will not give you accurate measurements if it is on a soft surface (e.g. carpet).
*Please note, your scale surface and display colors and design may look different than the below image.
Your First Weigh-In: What to Expect
Step on the scale and stand still. The scale should automatically turn on and display your weight. Once it flashes a weight that ends with 'lb', step off the scale, so it can begin transmitting your measurement.
*Please note, the display colors on your scale may look different than the below images.
Image 1: How your scale represents data transmission
Image 2: How you know your scale successfully transmitted data
After your measurement has transmitted, your BodyTrace scale should turn off automatically.
BodyTrace and Virta Scale Best Practices
BodyTrace and Virta scales are very precise, but they can also be very finicky. Here are some of the steps you can take to make sure you get an accurate reading every time you step on the scale:
- Make sure the scale is placed on a hard, flat surface. Not carpet.
- Stand on the scale with your weight evenly distributed.
- Remain completely still on the scale until you see the weight flashed with 'lb'.
- Try to keep the scale in the same place -- moving it can impact calibration.
- Make sure the scale is placed somewhere with a cellular network (not necessarily WIFI) reception. The scale connects via AT&T and T-Mobile 2G-5G services.
- If possible, place your scale near a window.
- Step on your scale at the same time every day.
Can others use my scale?
It’s best that you are the sole user of your scale throughout Virta. Since your scale is transmitting your weight to the Virta App, you want to make sure that it’s not picking up your friend's and family’s measurements.
What is the accuracy of my scale?
As weight nears the capacity of the scale, the accuracy decreases. This is common across all scale types and brands. Please see the specifics below for your weight range.
Accuracy in lbs
- 0–110 lbs: ±0.7 lbs
- 110–220 lbs: ±0.9 lbs
- 220–331 lbs: ±1.1 lbs
- 331–440 lbs: ±1.8 lbs
Accuracy in kg
- 0–50 kg: ±0.3 kg
- 50–100 kg: ±0.4 kg
- 100–150 kg: ±0.5 kg
- 150–200 kg: ±0.8 kg
A Guide to Common BodyTrace and Virta Scale Error Codes
For a full list of error codes and core troubleshooting steps for resetting and recalibrating your scale, please see our Troubleshooting article, linked here.
Below are some of the most common BodyTrace 'Error' codes and how to resolve them. If you (i) see a code on your scale that is not listed, or (ii) try to troubleshoot the 'Error' on your own to no avail, please submit a request with our support team.
'Error 2': Measurement Error, How to resolve: Stand still so the weight can lock.
'Error 4': Low Battery Error, How to resolve: Replace batteries
'Error 4': Cell/Network Error, How to resolve: Move scale to another cellular data hotspot
'Error 5': Connection Error, How to resolve: Move scale to another cellular data hotspot
'Error 6': Send Error, How to resolve: Move scale to another cellular data hotspot
