Google's Fitbit recalls 1.7 million Ionic smartwatches over burn hazard

Posted:
in General Discussion
Google-owned wearables company Fitbit is recalling its Ionic smartwatches because of the potential for the device's battery to overheat and cause burn, according to the U.S. Product Safety Commission.

Credit: Fitbit
Credit: Fitbit


The CPSC says that the lithium-ion batteries in the watches can overheat and cause burns to users. Consumers are advised to stop using their Ionic smartwatches immediately and contact Fitbit to return the devices.

Fitbit has sold more than 1 million Ionic model smartwatches in the U.S., and around 700,000 internationally.

According to the CPSC, Fitbit has received more than 100 reports of the Ionic's battery overheating and at least 78 reports of burn injuries -- including two third-degree burns and four second-degree burns. Internationally, Fitbit received 59 overheating complaints and 40 burn injury reports.

Customers who return a Fitbit Ionic smartwatch will receive a $299 refund and a 40% off discount code for select Fitbit models.

Fitbit says that the recall doesn't extend to any of its other smartwatch, fitness tracker, or wearable products.

The Ionic was first released back in 2017, marking Fitbit's first full-fledged smartwatch and Apple Watch competitor. At the time, it received mostly positive first impressions and reviews.

Fitbit, long a heavyweight in the fitness tracking industry, was acquired by Google for around $2 billion in 2021.

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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    robin huberrobin huber Posts: 4,025member
    You get what you pay for. 
    lkruppBeatswatto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 8
    anoyllaanoylla Posts: 39member
    "Google's Fitbit recalls 1.7 million Ionic smartwatches"
    that is, everything has sold?
    :D
    Beatswilliamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 8
    lkrupplkrupp Posts: 10,557member
    Google produces “iconic” products? Looks like a Timex knockoff to me.
    edited March 2022 watto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 8
    BeatsBeats Posts: 3,073member
    Recalled all the watches the 1.7 million they sold.

    Another one for the Google graveyard…
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 8
    BeatsBeats Posts: 3,073member
    lkrupp said:
    Google produces “iconic” products? Looks like a Timex kickoff to me.

    Remember, before the Apple Watch Fitbits were bands. Square watches were a bad idea remember?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 8
    jungmarkjungmark Posts: 6,927member
    Isn’t it “ionic”, don’t you think? I did not know Google bought Fitbit. 
    StrangeDayswatto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 8
    rezwitsrezwits Posts: 901member
    WOW, that is futs
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 8
    Well, that's a bit depressing.. I've had my Ionic for 4 years now and while he's never been the most full-featured Smart Watch around, I loved the boxy, 1980's B-grade sci-fi movie appearance. 

    I even found it charming that although I purchased the Charcoal model, Fitbit managed to mismatch the buttons so one of them ended up being from the Silver Model...

    Oh well, I guess it's time to seriously look at my options...
    watto_cobra
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