How Repellents Are Destroying Fitbit Air Trackers: Owners' Stories
Photo: Android Authority
Quick answer
DEET in insect repellents corrodes the plastic components of Fitbit Air fitness trackers, damaging the casing and sensors. Google does not cover such cases under warranty, classifying them as 'environmental damage.'
Owners of Google’s Fitbit Air fitness trackers are facing an unexpected issue: popular insect repellents can disable the device. The problem stems from a chemical reaction between the plastic casing and DEET, a common ingredient in mosquito and tick repellents. One user shared a Reddit post detailing how their tracker malfunctioned after repellent came into contact with the device during a hike.
The issue isn’t just cosmetic—DEET corrodes the plastic, leading to sensor clouding and measurement inaccuracies. The user reported that Google denied warranty repairs, citing 'environmental damage.' A similar incident occurred with their spouse’s device, confirming the problem’s widespread nature.
While the Fitbit Air manual mentions avoiding repellents, there are no explicit warnings about DEET in official safety guides or support pages. Known for its aggressive effect on plastic materials, DEET poses a real risk. Users are advised to apply repellents to clothing rather than skin to minimize tracker damage.
Common questions
- What is DEET, and why is it dangerous for Fitbit Air?
- DEET is an active ingredient in repellents that corrodes plastic. When it contacts Fitbit Air, it damages the casing and sensors, compromising measurement accuracy.
- Does Google’s warranty cover damage from repellents?
- No. Google classifies such cases as 'environmental damage' and denies warranty claims, despite no explicit warnings in the device’s instructions.
- How can I protect my Fitbit Air from repellent damage?
- Avoid direct contact between the device and repellents or sunscreen sprays. Apply these products to clothing rather than skin near the tracker.
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