Fitbit Ionic Recall and Safety Concerns: A Look at the Past and Present Issues

Fitbit, a leading wearable technology company, recently faced a hefty $12.25 million fine as part of a settlement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This penalty stems from a long-standing issue with the Fitbit Ionic, the brand’s first smartwatch, introduced in 2017.

The Fitbit Ionic Recalled

The Ionic smartwatch was recalled in 2022 due to reports of overheating and potential burn hazards. According to Fitbit’s own summary, the watch’s battery could overheat, posing a substantial risk. At the time, users were advised to stop using their devices immediately.

This recall affected an estimated 1.7 million devices. The issue originated from a defect that could create a serious product hazard, leading the CPSC to emphasize the unreasonable risk of injury or death posed to consumers. In fact, 115 overheating incidents were reported in the U.S., resulting in 78 burn injuries, including two instances of third-degree burns.

Fine Details

The CPSC ruled that Fitbit failed to report the safety hazard promptly, justifying the significant civil penalty. This settlement comes as Fitbit, now a subsidiary of Google following the company’s acquisition in January 2021, continues to address critical safety concerns with its devices.

Recent Safety Issues and Actions

Interestingly, the Ionic recall settlement follows closely on the heels of another safety advisory issued by Fitbit. In early 2025, the company warned users about overheating risks in the Fitbit Versa 3 and original-generation Sense models. Unlike the Ionic situation, Fitbit is offering a $50 apology to affected users, though it has not advised discontinuing use of these devices.

To mitigate overheating risks, Fitbit is rolling out a firmware update that will reduce the recognized battery capacity, helping to prevent heat buildup.

Forbes
Fitbit Users Get A Surprise Upgrade
By Andrew Williams

From Ionic to Sense

Following the Ionic, Fitbit introduced the Fitbit Sense in September 2020, establishing it as the brand’s flagship watch. The Sense series has since expanded, with the most recent model, the Fitbit Sense 2, available since 2022. However, Fitbit has not unveiled a new flagship smartwatch since.

Conclusion and Moving Forward

While the Fitbit Ionic recall and subsequent fines highlight the ongoing challenges in wearable technology safety, Fitbit’s proactive step in issuing firmware updates and offering compensations indicates a commitment to addressing and ameliorating these issues. As the smartwatch market continues to evolve, consumer safety remains a top priority, and Fitbit’s actions resonate with the broader industry trends.

Stay informed as advancements in technology continue to shape the future of wearable devices. Your comments and feedback are valuable as we explore these topics further.