Fitbit Ionic recall—1.7M Ionic smartwatches recalled due to ‘burn hazard’

The Fitbit Ionic recall, announced by the smartwatch manufacturers, affects 1.7M owners of the device. Reports of the Ionic's battery overheating and even burning some users has led to widespread concern regarding the device.

This news, from a brand believed to produce some of the best smartwatches on the market, is in the wake of 174 reports of its battery overheating. These complaints were made to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), who revealed the extent of the issue.

Of the 174 reports made to the CPSC, 118 people reported being burned by the device. Two of those injured by the watch had third-degree burns and four other individuals reported less severe second-degree burns.

Although the smartwatch was previously considered to be among the best fitness trackers around, the clever chronometers are also used by their wearers to track sleep. This, understandably, raises a whole other level of risks with its safety.

Addressing the recall, Fitbit said, "Customer safety is always Fitbit's top priority and out of an abundance of caution, we are voluntarily recalling Fitbit Ionic smartwatches."

Here's everything you need to know about the Fitbit Ionic recall.

Which Fitbit models have been recalled?

According to the BBC, the recall is only for the Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch. The model in question has a 1.4-inch color LCD screen and was sold with a polyurethane band that comes in multiple colors. 

According to the CPSC, if your watch has any of the following codes on the back, then they are being recalled.

• Ionic FB503CPBU—Slate Blue/Burnt Orange
• Ionic FB503GYBK—Charcoal/Smoke Gray
• Ionic FB503WTGY—Blue Gray/Silver Gray
• Ionic FB503WTNV—Adidas edition, Ink Blue & Ice Gray/Silver Gray

Fitbit Ionic refund—what are users entitled to?

The BBC reports that the smartwatch manufacturers will issue those who purchased one of the devices a refund of $299 (£225) as well as a discount on a replacement product of their choosing.