Q: Is it possible to keep the screen backlight on permanently on the TANITA 1479J2 scale?

No, the backlight cannot stay on permanently on the TANITA 1479J2. According to the manual, the screen light automatically turns off after 5 seconds of inactivity . This behavior is automatic and there is no option to disable this function or keep the backlight active permanently. This system is intentionally designed to extend the battery life of your scale. Whenever you need to check the display, movement or interaction with the scale will automatically reactivate the backlight for 5 seconds.

Q: Where can I download the TANITA app for the BC-601?

The TANITA BC-601 does not have a Bluetooth mobile app , but uses a compatible Windows desktop software called TANITA Consumer Software . Your scale automatically records your measurements on the included SD card , which you then insert into a card reader for your computer. How to download TANITA Consumer Software: Visit the official TANITA website (tanita.eu or tanita.co.uk) Go to the “TANITA Consumer Software” section Download the free 30-day trial version with no purchase obligation Download credentials and installation instructions will be sent via email after registration The software is for Windows only (no macOS version available) Free alternative: An older app called “Bodyvision” (free) can also display the data from your SD card, although it is no longer actively maintained by TANITA. System requirements: your computer must have a screen with a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. Once installed, the software allows you to create multiple personal profiles, view your results in detailed graphs, and track the evolution of your body composition (weight, body fat, muscle mass, etc.) over time. Data is synchronized simply by inserting your SD card into a reader connected to the computer.

Q: How to register a user profile on the TANITA UM scale?

The TANITA UM scale has four memory slots to register profiles for different users. Here’s how to register a profile: Registration Steps Step on the scale to activate it. The display briefly shows "0.0" to indicate it is ready. Select one of the four available memory slots (or use guest mode without saving). Press the SET button to confirm your selection. Release it immediately. Enter the requested personal information: Gender Age Height Mode (athlete or standard adult) Important Points The device emits sound signals (beeps) to guide you through the process. Always wait for the display to show "0.0" before stepping onto the platform. Once registered, your data remains stored even when changing the batteries.

Question 1

How to reset the TANITA UM scale?

Accepted Answer

To reset your TANITA UM scale, follow this procedure:

Completely turn off the device.
Remove the batteries (AAA type) from the compartment located under the scale.
Wait at least one minute for the system to fully discharge.
Reinstall the batteries, ensuring the correct polarity (+/-).
Turn the scale back on.

Important: This reset clears temporary system errors. Your settings and stored data will remain saved, so you will not need to reprogram your personal information after the reset.

This procedure is particularly recommended when the error message “ERROR” persists after checking other causes.

Question 2

How do I turn on my TANITA FitScan UM041F scale and weigh using parameter 4?

Accepted Answer

Here’s how to turn on your TANITA FitScan UM041F scale and take a measurement using parameter 4:

Turn on the scale and select parameter 4

Press the SET button to turn on the scale (you will hear a beep)
Press the MEMORY button (up arrow) to access your saved profiles
Use the arrows to navigate to parameter 4, then press SET to confirm

Take your measurement

Wait for the screen to display 0.0
Step onto the scale with bare, clean, and dry feet
Keep your heels centered on the back electrodes (at the back of the platform)
Stay still until the screen displays all the results

Results displayed in this order

Your weight (in kg, lb, or st-lb)
Body fat percentage
Total body water percentage

Make sure your personal data (age, gender, height) has been correctly programmed into parameter 4 to obtain accurate measurements.

Question 3

What should I do if the ERR code appears when turning on the scale?

Accepted Answer

The ERR code appears when you have moved or stepped on the scale before the display shows "0.0".

How to fix this issue:

Wait for the display to show "0.0" before stepping on the platform
Remain still during the entire measurement
Do not step down until the scale has beeped twice (end of measurement)

Other possible causes:

If the error persists after these checks, check:

If the 4 AA batteries are correctly installed (check the polarity)
If the batteries are new and in good condition (the code "Lo" appears if the batteries are low)
Remove the batteries for a few minutes and reinsert them to reset the scale
If the platform is clean and dry
If your feet are properly positioned on the electrodes of the platform

If the problem persists, the scale may require technical inspection.

Question 4

The TANITA InnerScan V scale does not turn on despite replacing the batteries

Accepted Answer

You have already cleaned the contacts and replaced the batteries, which are the right first steps. Here are additional steps to diagnose the problem:

Check the installation of the 4 AA batteries

Make sure that the 4 AA batteries are all present and fully inserted into the compartment located under the scale.
Check the battery polarity: the + sign should be facing up, the - sign down, as indicated in the compartment. A reversed battery can prevent the device from starting.
Ensure that each battery makes good contact - they should be pushed all the way in.

Test the batteries

If possible, test one of your new batteries in another device (remote control, flashlight) to confirm that they are not defective.
Replace all 4 batteries at the same time if one of them was worn out - do not mix old and new ones.

Check the battery compartment

Ensure that the battery compartment cover is properly closed and locked correctly. An insufficient closure can interrupt the electrical circuit.
Check for any visible debris or corrosion in the compartment.

Turn on the scale

Press the SET button to power on the scale. The display should show "0.0" a few seconds later.
If nothing appears, the device may have an internal electronic fault.

If after these checks the scale still does not turn on, it is likely that there is an internal hardware issue (damaged power circuit). In this case, contact Tanita customer service for troubleshooting or exchange.

Question 5

Is it possible to keep the screen backlight on permanently on the TANITA 1479J2 scale?

Accepted Answer

No, the backlight cannot stay on permanently on the TANITA 1479J2.

According to the manual, the screen light automatically turns off after 5 seconds of inactivity. This behavior is automatic and there is no option to disable this function or keep the backlight active permanently.

This system is intentionally designed to extend the battery life of your scale. Whenever you need to check the display, movement or interaction with the scale will automatically reactivate the backlight for 5 seconds.

Question 6

What does the percentage displayed after the weight on the TANITA UM scale correspond to?

Accepted Answer

The displayed percentage corresponds to the body fat percentage, expressed as a percentage of your total mass.

Your TANITA UM scale uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to calculate this measurement. A harmless electrical current passes through your body: since fat is a poor electrical conductor compared to muscle tissue, the scale can deduce your body composition.

This information is useful because a high fat percentage is associated with various health issues such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. You can thus track the evolution of your body composition beyond just weight.

Your scale therefore displays two main measurements:

Weight in kg or lb (accuracy: 100 g)
Body fat percentage (calculated by bioelectrical impedance)

Question 7

Where can I download the TANITA app for the BC-601?

Accepted Answer

The TANITA BC-601 does not have a Bluetooth mobile app, but uses a compatible Windows desktop software called TANITA Consumer Software. Your scale automatically records your measurements on the included SD card, which you then insert into a card reader for your computer.

How to download TANITA Consumer Software:

Visit the official TANITA website (tanita.eu or tanita.co.uk)
Go to the “TANITA Consumer Software” section
Download the free 30-day trial version with no purchase obligation
Download credentials and installation instructions will be sent via email after registration
The software is for Windows only (no macOS version available)

Free alternative: An older app called “Bodyvision” (free) can also display the data from your SD card, although it is no longer actively maintained by TANITA.

System requirements: your computer must have a screen with a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. Once installed, the software allows you to create multiple personal profiles, view your results in detailed graphs, and track the evolution of your body composition (weight, body fat, muscle mass, etc.) over time. Data is synchronized simply by inserting your SD card into a reader connected to the computer.

Question 8

How to register a user profile on the TANITA UM scale?

Accepted Answer

The TANITA UM scale has four memory slots to register profiles for different users. Here’s how to register a profile:

Registration Steps

Step on the scale to activate it. The display briefly shows "0.0" to indicate it is ready.
Select one of the four available memory slots (or use guest mode without saving).
Press the SET button to confirm your selection. Release it immediately.
Enter the requested personal information:
- Gender
- Age
- Height
- Mode (athlete or standard adult)

Important Points

The device emits sound signals (beeps) to guide you through the process.
Always wait for the display to show "0.0" before stepping onto the platform.
Once registered, your data remains stored even when changing the batteries.

Question 9

How to use the Tanita UM-014 scale?

Accepted Answer

To properly use the Tanita UM-014 scale, follow these simple steps:

1. Device Installation

Place the scale on a hard, flat, and stable surface, such as a tiled or wooden floor.
Avoid soft or uneven surfaces like carpets or rugs, which can distort the measurement.

2. Power On

Gently step on the platform with your foot to turn on the device.
The screen will light up and display numbers or symbols for a few seconds.
Wait for the screen to display "0" to indicate that the scale is ready to use.

3. Weight Measurement

Step slowly and carefully onto the platform.
Remain still during the measurement to ensure an accurate reading.
Your weight will be displayed on the screen after a few seconds.

4. Reading and Units

The weight is usually displayed in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb), depending on your device's settings.
To change the unit, refer to the specific model options (usually via a dedicated button), if available.

5. Auto Shut-off

After a few seconds of inactivity, the scale will automatically turn off to save battery.

Tip: To obtain consistent measurements, always weigh yourself under similar conditions, for example at the same time of day and in comparable clothing.

Question 10

How to resolve the error message displayed after selecting from memory on the TANITA UM scale?

Accepted Answer

The error message "ERROR" that appears on your TANITA UM scale after selecting from memory has several specific causes that you can easily resolve.

Main cause: SET button not released properly - When you press the SET button to confirm your memory selection, you must release it immediately. If you keep the button pressed, the device will display "ERROR" after 3 seconds. Make sure to press and then quickly release the SET button after selection.

Secondary cause: premature stepping on the scale - The error also appears if you step on the platform before the screen displays the numbers "0.0". After pressing SET and confirming your memory selection, the device beeps and displays your programmed data, then beeps again before showing "0.0". Absolutely wait for this "0.0" display before stepping on the scale. If you step on too early, you will be unable to take a measurement.

Additional checks - Before repeating the operation, ensure that you have selected the correct memory number that corresponds to your profile (gender, age, height, athlete mode or standard adult). Also check that your personal data is correctly recorded in this memory. Stand barefoot, with clean and dry feet, properly placed on the electrodes of the weighing platform.

Battery status - If you simultaneously see the message "Lo" (low battery), immediately replace the AAA batteries. Worn batteries can cause malfunctions of the memory function. Your settings will remain saved when replacing the batteries, and you will not need to reprogram your data.

Complete reset if the error persists - If the problem continues after checking all these points, turn off the scale, remove the batteries for at least one minute, then reinstall them and turn the device back on. This reset clears temporary errors from the system. Then repeat the entire procedure, ensuring you release the SET button immediately and wait for the "0.0" display before stepping on.

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