Recall: Fitbit Ionic can cause severe burns

Those who own a Fitbit Ionic might now have to fear for their health. The wearable, which is now a bit old, can become defective, which also results in a risk of injury. Due to the threat of burns, Fitbit has now pulled the ripcord and taken the sports watch off the market.

Refunds on return

Fitbit has to admit to itself serious mistakes in the design of its Ionic. Google’s subsidiary has joined forces with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which has jurisdiction in the United States, to ask buyers of the sports watch to return it. The wearable appears to be so risky that Fitbit has not only asked that they stop using it. As part of a recall, it also stressed the need to store them safely to eradicate further damage. In 2017, Google’s sports watch manufacturer launched its Ionic.

At the same time, the wearable by no means launched exclusively in the US. Fitbit also brought its watch to retailers in this country. Consequently, users in Europe should also be aware of the risks. Fitbit itself describes that its warning is based on 174 reports worldwide. Users described that the wearable not only tends to overheat extremely. In the worst case, the device is even said to be able to burst into flames, which poses a great danger to the user’s health.

Third-degree burns

In this case, the damage did not only lead to minor health problems. Six users from the United States reported burns. Of these, four people suffered second-degree burns and two others even suffered third-degree burns. In total, Fitbit has sold just under 1.7 million devices of its Ionic worldwide. All owners have now been asked to return their smartwatches. In the process, they are to receive a refund for the almost 280 euros expensive sports watch.

Google bears no blame

Of course, the recall action combined with the damage already done scratches at the clean reputation of Google. At the same time, the search engine giant should not be blamed for the faulty sports watch. After all, Fitbit launched its wearable when the company was not yet part of Google. But even after the takeover by the tech company in 2019, there were problems with Fitbit’s wearables from time to time. However, these were rather reflected in a faulty GPS location and not at all in a health hazard.

Recall action in Germany

You have a Fitbit Ionic in your possession? Then you should also recycle it as soon as possible. For this purpose, Fitbit Germany has set up a corresponding hotline. If you don’t want to pick up the phone, you can also online initiate your recall.