Google Pixel models and Fitbit watches safety report over fire risk

The phone safety reports relate to risks caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries in the Google Pixel 4a and Google Pixel 6a during normal usage.

The OPPS says corrective action was issued by Google in January 2025 for the 4a and July 2025 for the 6a, installing updates to lower the risk of overheating by reducing battery capacity and charging speed. It added that, consumers with impacted products may be eligible for a free repair or cash payment.

The 4a model was primarily sold between August 2020 and September 2022, and the 6a until March 2024, but sales via other distributors may still have occurred beyond these dates.

The Fitbit smartwatch models affected by safety reports are the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3, initially sold between September 2020 and September 2023 but also still distributed via other outlets beyond these dates.

Risks have been identified in the batteries in these smartwatch models, which the government warns may overheat during regular use and potentially cause burns to the wrist.

Fitbit initiated a fix in January 2025 through an update which reduced the capacity of the battery to help with the overheating issue, but the OPSS said that consumers with impacted products may still be eligible for some form of appeasement.

Leigh Day solicitor Philippa Wheeler, who works on the product safety team, said:

“Smart devices have become an ingrained part of our daily lives, with many of us reliant on them for work and leisure activities. However, these devices do not come without risks, with the issue of overheating batteries highlighted by these product recalls. While it is positive that corrective action has been taken by both companies, users may still be entitled to some form of remediation, and it is important that the government and companies do all they can to make people aware of at-risk products.”