Fitbit has just announced the recall of 1.7 million connected watches. According to an American control agency, a model launched in 2017, the Ionic, risks burning the wrist of its wearer. Fitbit has pledged to refund the accessory in exchange for the faulty device, which has already injured 118 people worldwide.
On March 2, 2022, Fitbit was forced to recall 1.7 million connected watches. The American brand, bought for 2 billion dollars by Google in 2019, complies with the opinion issued by the US agency in charge of product safety Consumer Products (CPSC).
According to the agency, the Fitbit Ionic, a connected watch model launched in 2017, presents burn risks. The organization asks all users of the smartwatch to immediately stop wearing it. Fitbit has sold one million of these watches in the United States and 693,000 overseas.
The Fitbit Ionic burned 118 people before a failure was spotted
Apparently, the problem is the battery integrated into the watch. “The Ionic smartwatch’s lithium-ion battery can overheat, posing a burn hazard“, advances the American agency.
The authority claims to have received 115 reports in the United States concerning a watch whose the battery started to overheat. 118 individuals worldwide have suffered burns while wearing the accessory. The American agency counts “two reports of third degree burns and four reports of second degree burns”.
In its press release, the control agency asks wearers to return the watch to Fitbit. “Contact Fitbit to receive a prepaid package to return the device. Upon receipt of the device, consumers will receive a refund of $299. Fitbit will also provide participating consumers with a coupon code for 40% off select Fitbit devices.announces the CPSC.
Fitbit quickly responded to the agency-requested recall. “The safety of our customers is always Fitbit’s top priority and, out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling Fitbit Ionic smartwatches. We have received a very limited number of reports of the Fitbit Ionic smartwatch battery overheating, leading to a burn hazard: the total number announced by the US regulator represents less than 0.01% of units sold. These incidents are very rare and this recall does not impact other Fitbit smartwatches and bands.” tempers Fitbit.
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How to get a refund?
The Ionic connected watch has not been marketed since December 2021. However, it is still on sale at many retailers, including Fnac, as well as on the second-hand market. If you are wondering if your watch is affected, we encourage you to check the serial number on the back.
If you find a number beginning with FB503, get in touch with the company. In the press release intended for French users, Fitbit asks the customers concerned to consult the dedicated web page on its website or at call their customer service on 0805080080 for a refund.
