Fitbit Ionic Smartwatches Recalled

Millions of Fitbit Ionic Smartwatches are being recalled globally for concerns their lithium battery can overheat and potentially burn users. A popular brand, the Fitbit Ionic’s recall Wednesday March 2, 2022 comes about eight years after its recall of the Fitbit Force activity-tracker.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the company will be offering a refund to qualifying customers as part of recall number 22-089. Approximately 1 million units have been sold in the U.S. with another 693,000 sold internationally. The Fitbit Ionic was first released in September of 2017, designed to compete with the Apple Watch Series 3.

Per the Commission’s statement, the recall only involves the Fitbit Ionic, which features a 1.4-inch color LCD screen and polyurethane band. Produced in four models including: Ionic FB503CPBU in slate blue and burnt orange; Ionic FB503GYBK in charcoal and smoke gray; Ionic FB503WTGY in blue gray and silver; and the Ionic FB503WTNV Adidas edition in blue and silver. Customers can check the back of the device for the model number FB503 as only these models are included in the recall.

An incredibly popular series we monitor regular, the Fitbits were first born in 2009 and offer GPS tracking as well as detailed activity tracking, with many models able to stream music, email, text, and monitor sleep. Consumers with an Ionic smartwatch are asked to stop using it and contact the company to receive a pre-paid package in which to return the device for a refund of $299, as well a discount code of 40% off other Fitbit devices. Per the commission, approximately 115 reports in the U.S. and 59 internationally have been made of the watch battery overheating with 78 reports of burn injuries, including two third-degree burns and four second-degree burns.

Consumers can contact Fitbit toll-free at 888-925-1764, or visit the company here.

The Fitbit Ionic was sold at Best Buy, Kohl’s, Target, Amazon.com, and Fitbit.com between September 2017 and December 2021 for between $200 and $330. Manufactured in Taiwan, Fitbit LLC is a San Francisco, California-based company.

To read up on alternatives to the Fitbit Ionic, check our reviews here.