Fitbit recalls smartwatches over hazard

The Google-owned Fitbit has recalled 1.7 million smartwatches due to a burn hazard

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fitbit has recalled 1.7 million smartwatches due to a burn hazard. The recall impacts Fitbit’s Ionic watches and consumers are advised to immediately stop using the smartwatches and contact Fitbit.

Fitbit had received 115 reports that the battery in the smartwatch overheated, resulting in 78 reports of injuries. Two reports consisted of third-degree burns and four reported second-degree burns, according to the commission.

The smartwatch batteries, which are lithium-ion, can overheat and lead to burns, according to the safety commission. 

Roughly a million Ionic watches have been sold in the US and nearly 700,000 have been sold internationally. 

Ionic smartwatch consumers will be granted a $299 refund and discount for 40% off other Fitbit devices after they return the hazardous smartwatch. Fitbit will provide pre-paid packaging to return the smartwatch.

According to the CPSC, only the following models and colors are included in this recall:

• Ionic FB503CPBU – Slate Blue/Burnt Orange

• Ionic FB503GYBK – Charcoal/Smoke Gray

• Ionic FB503WTGY – Blue Gray/Silver Gray

• Ionic FB503WTNV – Adidas edition, Ink Blue & Ice Gray/Silver Gray

From September 2017 to December 2021, the watches, which were made in Taiwan, were sold at various retailers and online at Amazon.com and Fitbit.com.