Fitbit recalls 1.7 million Ionic smartwatches over burn risk
Fitbit has issued a recall of its Ionic sports watch, after reports of users being burned by the device.
The official recall has been issued in the US, amid disturbing numbers of burns suffered while wearing the Ionic smartwatch. The Ionic was launched way back in 2017 and was on-sale until 2020, as Fitbit’s GPS sports watch.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has alleged that there have been 115 reports of burns from the Ionic overheating – with two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns.
That’s out of 1.7 million smartwatches sold in the US and around the world.
“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Ionic smartwatches and contact Fitbit to receive pre-paid packaging to return the device,” said a statement on the CPSC web site.
Fitbit will offer users a refund of $299 on the device, and the company will also issue those customers a discount code for 40% off select Fitbit devices.
If you own a Fitbit Ionic you can register for the recall here.
If you have a Fitbit Ionic and want to check if your model is affected, the product codes for Ionic models are: FB503CPBU, FB503GYBK, FB503WTGY and FB503WTNV
According to the CPSC, it’s Ionic watches with a polyurethane band in all body colors – which would account for most devices.
It’s not the first time Fitbit has been subjected to a product recall. Back in 2014 it was forced to recall the Fitbit Force over skin irritation complaints. But this is undoubtedly more serious, both from the perspective of the injuries sustained, and that the Ionic has been on sale since 2017.
