Devices affected:This recall involves only the Fitbit Ionic smartwatch. The device has a 1.4-inch color LCD screen and a polyurethane band.
To identify the model, look for the model number (FB503) on the back of the device under the “CE” mark and above the clasp near where the band attaches.
Onlythe following models and colors are included in the recall: Ionic FB503CPBU in slate blue/burnt orange; Ionic FB503GYBK in charcoal/smoke gray; Ionic FB503WTGY in blue gray/silver gray; and Ionic FB503WTNV Adidas edition, ink blue & ice gray/silver gray.
To see which device is connected to your Fitbit account, tap the Today tab on the Fitbit app, then tap your profile picture. On theAccountpage, review the devices connected to your account.
The watches were sold at Best Buy, Kohl’s, Target, and other stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com and Fitbit.com from September 2017 through December 2021 for between $200 and $330. Fitbit stopped production of the Ionic in 2020. About 1 million devices were sold in the U.S., and about 693,000 were sold internationally.
Consumer Reports tested the device and gave it a CR Best Buy recommendation. The recall doesn’t affect other Fitbit smartwatches or fitness trackers.
The problem:Fitbit has received at least 115reports in the U.S.—and 59reports internationally—of the battery in the Ionic watch overheating, according to the CPSC. There were 78reports of burn injuries in the U.S., including two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns, as well as 40 reports of burn injuries internationally.
The fix: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled Ionic smartwatch and contact Fitbit to receive prepaid packaging to return the device.
Upon receipt of the device, consumers will be issued a refund of $299. Fitbit will also provide participating consumers with a discount code for 40percent off select Fitbit devices, bands, and services, which is good for 90days.
The company estimates that consumers will receive their refunds three to six weeks after completing the registration process. All Ionic users, including those no longer actively using the device, are eligible for a refund.
Before sending in your device, you may want to delete your personal data, which might include credit and debit card info; follow this link for detailed instructions.
How to contact the manufacturer: Consumers can call Fitbit toll-free at 888-925-1764, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information go to theFitbit Ionic help page, or go toFitbit’s home pageand click on “Product Help” at the bottom of the page. To begin the recall process go to the Fitbit Ionic Recall page.
CPSC recall number:22-089
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of consumer electronics and smart devices, my expertise spans across various brands and models. I have a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of smartwatches, their functionalities, and the associated safety considerations. My experience extends to critical evaluations and assessments, ensuring that consumers make informed decisions when it comes to their tech purchases.
Now, diving into the details of the Fitbit Ionic recall, it's crucial to highlight the affected device's specifications and identification markers. The Fitbit Ionic smartwatch, subject to the recall, features a 1.4-inch color LCD screen and is equipped with a polyurethane band. To confirm if your device is part of the recall, inspect the back of the watch for the model number (FB503) located under the "CE" mark and above the clasp near the band attachment point.
The recall specifically pertains to the following models and color combinations: Ionic FB503CPBU in slate blue/burnt orange, Ionic FB503GYBK in charcoal/smoke gray, Ionic FB503WTGY in blue gray/silver gray, and Ionic FB503WTNV Adidas edition in ink blue & ice gray/silver gray.
To identify the connected device on your Fitbit account, navigate to the Today tab on the Fitbit app, tap your profile picture, and review the devices listed on the Account page.
These Fitbit Ionic watches were distributed through various retail channels, including Best Buy, Kohl’s, Target, and online platforms like Amazon.com and Fitbit.com. The sales period spans from September 2017 through December 2021, with prices ranging from $200 to $330. Notably, production of the Ionic ceased in 2020, and approximately 1 million devices were sold in the U.S., with an additional 693,000 sold internationally.
The reason behind the recall revolves around safety concerns related to the device's battery. Fitbit has received reports of the Ionic watch's battery overheating, with at least 115 incidents reported in the U.S. and 59 internationally. These incidents resulted in 78 burn injuries in the U.S., including two cases of third-degree burns and four cases of second-degree burns, along with 40 burn injuries reported internationally.
For consumers with the affected device, immediate action is recommended. Cease using the recalled Ionic smartwatch and contact Fitbit to facilitate the return process. Upon returning the device, consumers will be refunded $299 and provided with a 40% discount code applicable to select Fitbit devices, bands, and services, valid for 90 days.
Fitbit estimates that consumers will receive their refunds within three to six weeks after completing the registration process. Importantly, all Ionic users, regardless of their current device usage status, are eligible for a refund. Before returning the device, users may consider deleting personal data, including credit and debit card information, following detailed instructions available on the provided link.
To initiate the recall process or for more information, consumers can contact Fitbit toll-free at 888-925-1764, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional resources include the Fitbit Ionic help page, Fitbit's home page under "Product Help," and the Fitbit Ionic Recall page with the CPSC recall number 22-089.
