Google warns of potential overheating in certain Fitbit wearables, offers $50 reimbursement

Owners of Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatches are at risk of their batteries overheating. Google is issuing an update.

The Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatches, released in 2020, are experiencing battery overheating issues that pose risks for affected users.

According to a Google notice for customers, users with affected smartwatches will receive a firmware update in the upcoming month, which should reduce the risk of overheating.

However, the downside of the update is that it will also reduce the battery capacity of devices.

Those affected will see a notification on their Fitbit app and also receive an email from the company. If the update isn’t installed, the device will experience a factory reset, meaning that all personal users’ data will be deleted.

Those who have affected devices may also receive a $50 reimbursement. They can check for eligibility by filling out a form on the company’s website.

The issue of FitBit wearables is caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries, which are quite a fairly common problem in consumer devices and can lead to injuries.

In December, Anker recalled nearly 80,000 of its speakers due to a potential fire hazard after 33 reports of fire incidents and one user suffering a minor burn injury.