This is why the Google-owned company has announced a voluntary recall of its Ionic smartwatch due to a potential burn hazard.

Fitbit Ionic Recalled Due to Burn Hazard

Fitbit Ionic was released in 2017, offering a large display, integrated GPS, and advanced health-tracking features. It was sold across major retailers from September 2017 through December 2021, though production was stopped in 2020 itself. Now, Fitbit has issued a voluntary recall of the Ionic due to a fire hazard potentially caused by its battery overheating.

The move comes after the company received over 115 reports of overheating batteries in Ionic from customers in the US alone, with 78 such incidents leading to burn injuries. There were an additional 59 incidents reported in international markets. The CPSC recall page states that Fitbit sold around 1 million Ionic units in the US and about 693,000 units worldwide.

In its support page, Fitbit notes that after an investigation, it determined the Ionic’s battery can overheat in “very limited instances,” leading to a burn hazard. If you own any other Fitbit device, you do not need to worry about the recall as it does not pertain to your device.

What to Do If You Own a Fitbit Ionic?

Even if your Ionic is working properly, you are strongly recommended to stop using it. Fitbit is not offering a replacement as a part of the recall. Instead, it is refunding customers the $299 they paid for it provided they ship the product back and provide a receipt of purchase. Additionally, it is offering a 40 percent discount on select Fitbit devices that can be redeemed within 90 days.

You need to head over to the dedicated Ionic recall page and enter the relevant details to initiate the refund process. The recall is valid irrespective of the warranty status of your Ionic and the country you live in. You’ll also be eligible for a refund even if you are no longer using your Ionic—though, you will need to ship the device back to the company.

Time to Buy a New Fitbit

This recall from Fitbit is for the safety and security of Ionic users. And since the company is offering a full refund and additional discount, it will actually be beneficial for you to send the device back to the company.

You can then use the refund and discount to buy a newer Fitbit model with better features.