The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that Fitbit is recalling approximately 1.7 million Ionic brand smartwatches because the lithium-ion battery in the watch can overheat and burn wearers.
Fitbit reported that it’s received at least 115 reports of the watch overheating in the U.S. and 59 internationally. Seventy-eight of the reports included details of burn injuries, including two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns in the U.S. Another 40 reports of burn injuries have occurred outside the U.S.
Fitbit's Ionic device tracks physical activity, heart rate, and sleep. The CPSC reports that about 1 million of the watches were sold in the U.S., and another 693,000 were sold overseas. The product was sold at Best Buy, Kohl’s, Target, Amazon.com, and Fitbit.com from September 2017, through December 2021, for between $200 to $330.
What Fitbit Ionic owners should look for
The Commission says the recall involves only the Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch and no other Fitbit device. To identify the exact model being recalled, Ionic owners should look for the model number (FB503) on the back of the device near where the band attaches to the wristband.
Consumers who have a recalled device can visit Fitbit's refund site and enter their information to receive a return kit with instructions on how to return their device for a refund.
“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Ionic smartwatches and contact Fitbit to receive pre-paid packaging to return the device,” the CPSC stated.
Once Fitbit receives the watch, a refund of $299 will be issued, as well as a discount code for 40% off select Fitbit devices.