Fitbit Recalls Its Ionic Smartwatch Following Reports Of Burn Injuries

Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Anu Joy

Fitbit and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have announced a voluntary recall of the Fitbit Ionic smartwatches. CPSC said that Fitbit has received 59 reports internationally of the watch battery overheating. Of these, there were 40 reports of burn injuries. In the US, 115 reports of the watch overheating were recorded, of which 78 reported burn injuries.

Around one million Fitbit Ionic smartwatches were sold in the US alone. Additionally, 6,93,000 units were sold in the rest of the world. Fitbit recorded two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns, of all the reports of burn injuries.

Fitbit released the following statement regarding the recall of its Ionic smartwatches:

The health and safety of Fitbit users is our highest priority. We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution for our users. We will offer a refund to Fitbit Ionic customers.

Fitbit Ionic Refunds

If you own an Ionic smartwatch, Fitbit suggests you stop using it immediately, even if you have not faced any such overheating issues. The company adds that it will facilitate returns by supplying prepaid packaging and promises to issue a refund of $299.

To make up for the inconvenience, not to mention the potential risk of owning the device, Fitbit says it will also offer a 40 percent discount code for select Fitbit devices. You can visit its refund center for more details on the refund process.

To check if the Fitbit you own is the Ionic smartwatch, it should look like the picture below:

If you flip it over and see the model number FB503 under the “CE” mark, that means it is a Fitbit Ionic and you’re eligible for refund.

This is not the first time that Fitbit has recalled one of its devices. In 2014, the company had to recall the Fitbit Force over skin irritation complaints. However, its Ionic smartwatches pose a more serious risk of injury. It was first launched in 2017, and discontinued just three years later in 2020.