Fitbit Ionic returned but refund still not processed for many customers

In September of 2017, Fitbit launched the successor to Blaze and Surge known as Ionic. Designed to compete with the Apple Watch Series 3, it looks like a mash-up between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker.

Running on Fitbit OS 2.0, the device features a 1.45-inch LCD display and comes with a heart rate monitor, GPS, accelerometer, 2.5GB internal storage, and automatic workout detection.

Having said that, in the last few months, we covered a lot of bugs and issues related to Fitbit with almost every device broken in some way or the other.

Unsurprisingly, the Ionic was no exception with many saying their smartwatch was not charging or booting up after a firmware update.

But as it turns out, that wasn’t the only problem with the device. In March this year, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission advised users to stop using the watch citing that the battery is a potential burn hazard.

The company was quick to recall the devices under the CPSC’s Fast Track Recall process with many returning their watch after Fitbit announced a $299 refund.

But as it turns out, the majority of Fitbit Ionic users are frustrated since they are yet to receive their money.

Hi all. There was a recall of the fitbit Ionic and I was notified that there is a 299USD refund that has been sent to me. I never had a PayPal account , but gave them my email address. I was told to create a PayPal account using that email and then the funds would be available. I have done so, however my PayPal account is showing a nil balance . Is there anything I still need to do for the funds to reflect ? Thanks so much
(Source)

I sent my Ionic back to Fitbit via their postage paid envelope on April 22nd. Since then, I have not heard anything from Fitbit. I called them this morning and they did confirm they received the device back, they don’t know anything about my refund or how long it will take or how long it will take them to even figure out how long my refund will take. Is this normal customer service from them? I really just want my $300 back at this point.
(Source)

While many Fitbit Ionic users are still waiting for their refund, those who did receive it said they had to wait five to seven weeks before it was processed.

I received my refund this morning – $309. It’s a relief it didn’t drag on for months.
(Source)

It took about a month after I sent off the box I got before they acknowledged that they got it (via email) and had processed it. I got my refund a week and a half after that.
(Source)

We hope the Fitbit team responsible for refunding users takes a look at the matter and processes refunds at the earliest.

As always, we will be keeping track of further developments on the issue and update this space as and when we come across more information so make sure you keep checking PiunikaWeb.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Fitbit section so be sure to follow them as well.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.