The Fitbit Ionic has been recalled by the Google-owned company due to overheating problems that could pose a burn risk, a US regulator said on Wednesday. The recall decision comes after Fitbit received more than 100 reports of burns caused by the smartwatch overheating. Launched in September 2017, the Fitbit Ionic offers features including activity tracking as well as heart and sleep monitoring. About one million Ionic smartwatches have been sold in the US through December 2021, with 693,000 units sold globally, including India.
As a result of the recall, Fitbit will refund $299 (approximately Rs 22,700) after owners return their Ionic watches to the company. It will also offer consumers a discount code for 40% off some Fitbit devices, says US Consumer Product Safety Commission. note in its announcement.
Fitbit has received at least 174 reports of watch overheating, with 118 reports of burn injuries, including two third-degree burns and four second-degree burns, the US commission said. know.
“We have received a very limited number of reports – the total in US regulatory notices representing less than 0.01% of the units sold – about battery levels in the United States. Fitbit Ionic smartwatches overheat, posing a risk of burns,” Fitbit said in an emailed statement to Gadgets 360.
The company states that the recall does not affect other smartwatches or Fitbit trackers.
Fitbit discontinued the Ionic in 2020. Smartwatches have launched in India at Rs. 22,990 in January 2018.
Gadgets 360 asked Fitbit to confirm how Indian consumers can take advantage of the cashback. However, the company has yet to respond.
The recall is limited to four variants of the Fitbit Ionic with the following model numbers: FB503CPBU, FB503GYBK, FB503WTGY, and FB503WTNV.
Eligible US consumers can process a refund by contacting Fitbit’s helpline at 888-925-1764 or visiting the help section on the company’s website.
User reports on Fitbit Community forum suggest that the problem of overheating with the Ionic watch started to rise right after debut in 2017.
“Today my Fitbit Ionic burned my wrist. I noticed a stinging sensation”, one of the affected users speak in a forum post.
Notably, this isn’t the first time Fitbit has recalled one of its popular wearables. In 2014, the company remember that is Force wristband after facing complaints of skin rashes and irritation. Fitbit also avoid recall the Bend bracelet despite receiving a similar skin irritation report and saying they had made some adjustments and issued a warning that it could cause an allergic reaction due to the nickel.
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