Fitbit is carrying out a global recall of the Ionic smartwatch after it was discovered the battery can overheat and cause severe burns.
The recall was triggered following 115 reports within the US and 59 internationally of the smartwatch battery overheating. In total, 118 burn injuries were reported, with two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns.
Owners are advised to immediately stop using the smartwatch and contact Fitbit directlycontact Fitbit directly. The company will provide you with pre-paid packaging to return the device and a refund will be issued for $299 as well as a 40% discount offered on selected Fitbit products.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lists the following four models as part of the recall:
- Ionic FB503CPBU - Slate Blue/Burnt Orange
- Ionic FB503GYBK - Charcoal/Smoke Gray
- Ionic FB503WTGY - Blue Gray/Silver Gray
- Ionic FB503WTNV - Adidas edition, Ink Blue & Ice Gray/Silver Gray
You can find the model number printed on the back of the device close to where the band attaches.
Last year, Peloton carried out two voluntary recalls of its Tread+ and Tread treadmills in conjunction with the CPSC as they could cause injuries to small children and pets. Recalls due to batteries overheating are much more common in laptops than smart and fitness devices, although no product category is immune to the risk of a battery fire.