The Ionic is being recalled as its battery may overheat and cause burns. | Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge
Fitbit announced today that itâs working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to voluntarily recall its Ionic smartwatch. The company says itâs received over 100 reports of the watchâs lithium-ion battery overheating, as well as 78 reports of burn injuries to customers.
âCustomer safety is always Fitbitâs top priority and out of an abundance of caution, we are conducting a voluntary recall of Fitbit Ionic smartwatches,â Fitbit said in a statement. It went on to say that the reported cases represent less than 0.01 percent of units sold. Roughly one million Ionic smartwatches were sold in the U.S., with an additional 693,000 sold internationally.
If you have an Ionic smartwatch, Fitbit recommends you stop using it immediately. The company says itâll provide prepaid packaging for returns and will issue a refund of $299. It says itâll also extend a 40 percent discount code for select Fitbit devices. You can call at 888-925-1764, or visit Fitbitâs online refund center here.
According to the CPSC, Fitbit received 115 reports in the U.S. and 59 reports internationally of the Ionicâs battery overheating. More troubling, the company received 78 reports of burn injuries in the U.S., and additional 40 reports internationally. Of the reported burn injuries, Fitbit received two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns.
Launched in 2017, the Ionic was Fitbitâs first real attempt at a smartwatch after acquiring Pebble. It was one of the first wearables to introduce SpO2 sensors, but the watch disappointed in terms of sales due to its lackluster design and limited smart capabilities. Ironically, reviewers praised the Ionicâs weeklong battery life as one of its best features. Fitbit discontinued the Ionic in 2020.