Fitbit recalls 1.7 million smartwatches: fire hazard reports

Worldwide, Fitbit is recalling 1.7 million smartwatches. The smartwatches would spontaneously catch fire due to overheating of the battery. Nearly 200 people have been injured, according to reports.

Recall from Fitbit

Smartwatches come in many shapes and sizes. Fitbit is a well-known manufacturer of smartwatches. However, the manufacturer is now negatively in the news with the smartwatches. The Fitbit Ionic, which was sold between 2017 and 2021, has sold 1.7 million and is all being recalled, the manufacturer reports.

The cause of the recall is a fire hazard. The battery in the watch can overheat. There are already 174 reports received from the manufacturer. Overheating has resulted in burns in at least 118 users. Two were even third-degree burns, and four of the reporters were second-degree burns.

Fitbit reports that buyers of the Fitbit Ionic can return the watch to the manufacturer. The money will be refunded, along with a 40 percent discount coupon, for a future purchase. Those in possession of the Fitbit Ionic can sign up for the recall here. It is not the first time that Fitbit has been negatively in the news with a recall. In 2014, a million Force models were recalled due to allergic reactions such as skin irritation and blisters.