STATEMENT: Fitbit recalls about 1 million Ionic Smartwatches after 78 reports of burn injuries

With more than 100 incidents of overheated batteries reported, here’s what to know about today’s smartwatch recall

U.S. PIRG Education Fund

CHICAGO — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in conjunction with Fitbit announced the recall of the Fitbit Ionic Smartwatches on Wednesday. 

Fitbit had received at least 115 reports in the United States of incidents involving the battery overheating in Fitbit Ionic Smartwatches. The company also received 78 reports of burn injuries, including two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns. In addition to the 1 million Ionic Smartwatches that Fitbit is recalling in the United States, the company is recalling about 693,000 that were sold internationally, where another 59 overheating incidents and 40 burn injuries have been reported.

In a “consumer notice” posted on its website, Fitbit said: “The health and safety of Fitbit users is our highest priority. We are taking this action out of an abundance of caution for our users. We will offer a refund to Fitbit Ionic customers.” The Ionic smartwatches sold for $200 to $330. Fitbit stopped production of the Ionic in 2020.

In response, Hannah Rhodes, Consumer Watchdog Associate with the PIRG Education Fund, said:

“We applaud the CPSC for taking the Ionic Smartwatches off the market and working with Fitbit via the fast track recall program, which allows companies to work with the CPSC to move recalls and remedies along quickly. 

“We urge other companies that have to recall an unsafe product to follow suit and use the fast track system. It’s in the best interest of consumers for companies to work with the CPSC voluntarily and know that companies have their safety in mind.” 

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Consumers should stop using the Fitbit Ionic Smartwatches immediately and contact Fitbit for a full refund. Customers can call 1-888-925-1764 anytime or visit help.fitbit.com/en_US/ionic.htm for more information.