Overview
- User reports posted to r/fitbit on Monday and amplified Tuesday show DEET from bug spray transferred to the Fitbit Air and chemically eroded the polymer back, producing visible plastic breakdown.
- Google support told affected owners the damage is environmental or accidental, said compromised units lose water resistance, and declined courtesy replacements.
- The active ingredient DEET is known to attack some plastics, and the Fitbit Air’s rear casing appears susceptible to that chemical interaction once it contacts the material.
- Fitbit’s own support pages already advise removing the tracker before applying sunscreen or bug spray, but those warnings are not prominent enough for many new owners.
- Reporters recommend practical steps such as taking the tracker off before spraying, using non-DEET repellents or mineral sunscreens, and wearing protective clothing, while noting those alternatives have not been tested against Fitbit Air materials.