Fitbit recalls Ionic smartwatch after 78 reports of burns

Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is working with the company to recall the Ionic smartwatch. The company has received over 100 reports of the watch's battery overheating, as well as 78 reports of burn injuries to customers.

Customer safety is always a priority for the company and out of an abundance of caution, we are conducting a voluntary recall of the Ionic. The reported cases represent less than one percent of the units sold. More than one million Ionic watches were sold in the US.

If you have an ionized watch, you should stop using it immediately. The company says it will give pre-packaged returns for $299. It says it will extend a 40 percent discount code for certain devices. You can call or visit the online center.

There were 115 reports in the US and 59 reports internationally of the Ionic's battery overheating. There were 78 reports of burn injuries in the US and 40 reports internationally. There were two reports of third-degree burns and four reports of second-degree burns.

The Ionic was the first real attempt at a watch by the company. The watch was one of the first to introduce SpO2 sensors, but it was disappointing in terms of sales due to its lackluster design and limited smart capabilities. One of the best features of the Ionic is its weeklong battery life. The Ionic was discontinued in 2020.