A US regulator said on Wednesday that the Google-owned company has recalled the Fitbit Ionic over overheating issues that can cause a burn hazard. The recall decision comes after Fitbit received more than 100 reports of burn injuries due to the smartwatch's overheating. Fitbit Ionic was launched in September 2017 and offered features including activity tracking as well as heart and sleep monitoring. About 1 million units of ionic smartwatches have been sold in the US through December 2021, with an additional 693,000 units sold globally including India.
As a result of the recall, Fitbit will issue a refund of $299 (roughly Rs. 22,700) once owners return their ionic watch to the company. It will also provide consumers with a discount code to offer a 40 percent discount on select Fitbit devices, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission noted in its announcement.
The US panel said that Fitbit has received at least 174 reports of overheating of the watch, with 118 reports of burn injuries including two cases of third-degree burns and four cases of second-degree burns.
In a statement emailed to Gadgets 360, Fitbit said: “We have received a very limited number of reports — the totals in the US regulator's announcement represent less than 0.01 percent of units sold — of the battery in Fitbit Ionic smartwatches getting too hot. , which poses a risk of combustion. .
The company stated that the recall did not affect Fitbit smartwatches or other trackers.
Fitbit discontinued the Ionic in 2020. The smartwatch was launched in India at Rs. 22,990 in January 2018.
Gadgets 360 asked Fitbit to confirm how Indian consumers can benefit from a refund, and the company responded by saying that affected users outside the US should visit help.fitbit.com/ionic for information on how to get a refund.
The refund amount is equivalent to $299 in local currency. We urge all Ionic users to do so.”
Returns are limited to four variants of Fitbit Ionic that have the following model numbers: FB503CPBU, FB503GYBK, FB503WTGY, and FB503WTNV.
Eligible US consumers may proceed with a refund by calling the Fitbit Helpline at 888-925-1764 or visiting the Help section of the company's website.
User reports in the Fitbit Community Forums indicate that overheating issues with the Ionic began appearing shortly after its launch in 2017.
“Today I burned my Fitbit Ionic wrist. "I've noticed I have a stinging feeling," said one affected user in a forum.
This isn't the first time Fitbit has recalled one of its popular wearables. In 2014, the company recalled its Force bracelet after it experienced complaints of rashes and irritation. Fitbit also avoided a recall of the Flex wristband despite receiving similar reports of skin irritation and said it had made some adjustments and placed a warning that it could cause allergic reactions due to nickel.
