Stop Using These Recalled Fitbits That Can Cause Burns
According to a statement from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fitness tech maker Fitbit has voluntarily recalled about a million of its Ionic smartwatches sold in the United States after reports that the product’s battery overheated to the point of burning the wearer’s skin. ). The recall also includes 693,000 watches sold worldwide.
Here’s what you need to know about the recall, including how to apply for a refund.
Why are Fitbit Ionic smartwatches being recalled?
After receiving injury reports from customers around the world who purchased their Ionic smartwatch, Fitbit conducted an internal investigation to pinpoint the cause. It turns out that the lithium-ion battery in the watch can overheat, putting the wearer at risk of skin burns. According to Fitbit, the faulty battery was only present “in very limited cases” and that the recall was made “out of great care.”
As of March 2, Fitbit has received at least 175 reports of watch battery overheating, 118 of which have resulted in burns, including cases of second and third degree burns, as stated in the CPSC report .
How to know if your Fitbit is subject to a recall
Fitbit produced its Ionic smartwatches between 2017 and 2020 , and they were available for purchase at retailers including Best Buy, Kohl’s, Target, and Amazon (as well as Fitbit.com) from September 2017 to December 2021. Watches were sold at prices ranging from $200 to $330. .
All Fitbit Ionic watches are being recalled, regardless of color or individual device overheating. Ionic’s model number is FB503 . You can find it on the back of the device near the strap attachment point, under the CE marking and above the clasp.
Some of the other features of Ionic include:
- 1.4″ LCD color screen with three buttons
- Came with PU tape
- Tracks activity, heart rate and sleep
- Fitbit is printed on the front of the watch.
- Colors include Slate Blue/Bright Orange, Charcoal Grey/Smoky Grey, Blue Grey/Silver Grey, and Adidas Special Edition Ink Blue/Silver Grey.
How to get a refund for a Fitbit Ionic smartwatch
First, stop wearing your watch (if you haven’t already). Then contact Fitbit to begin the return process. The easiest way to do this is to visit their dedicated recall website , but you can also call their recall hotline, which in the US is 1-888-925-1764. Those outside the US can find their country number on the Fitbit recall announcement .
After you provide the initial information, the company will send you a prepaid package so that you can send the watch back free of charge. When the company receives your recalled watch, you’ll receive a $299 refund, as well as a 40% discount code on select Fitbit devices, according to CPSC .