May 5, 2022, 9:35 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Fitbit warns against continued use of its Ionic fitness watch. Overheating of the battery could lead to burns. Now, other models from the manufacturer might be affected.
The Google-owned manufacturer Fitbit, known for its sports bands and fitness trackers, recalled nearly 1.7 million Ionic smartwatches worldwide in March. According to Fitbit, the company has received reports of injuries due to battery overheating. Fitbit advised Ionic owners not to use or wear the watch any longer.
Update May 5, 2022: There are now reports about products from the Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Sense lines. Whether the battery is also to blame has not been confirmed but is likely. Two women in the U.S. have now filed a lawsuit.
Recall of Fitbit Ionic–Customers Receive Refunds
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), about one million smartwatches in the recall are from the U.S. market. The agency reported 118 cases worldwide of burn injuries from overheated batteries–including second and third-degree burns. Fitbit has therefore opted for a voluntary recall of the devices and emphasizes that other Fitbit smartwatches or trackers are not affected by the issue.
Read also: Why fitness trackers measure a pulse on toilet paper and bananas
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In Germany, the Fitbit Ionic has been on the market since 2017. However, it was sold in smaller quantities here. Fitbit discontinued production of the smartwatch in 2020. It has not been available in German retail for some time.
On a specially set up website, the company is currently informing its customers about the recall and offering affected customers a refund and a special discount on selected Fitbit devices, bands, and services. Customers must register on a separate page for this.
Update May 5, 2022: Apparently, not all affected customers who applied for a refund have received it. A class action is now being pursued in this regard.
With material from dpa.