Concerns Arise Over Oura Rings Due to Reports of Overheating

Safety Incidents and Company Response

Oura Ring, known for tracking health metrics, has faced some troubling reports recently. Earlier in the year, a ring started expanding on a user's finger as they prepared to board an airplane. More recently, there have been two instances where users reported their rings became excessively hot and emitted smoke.

One individual shared an experience on a social forum that their ring began smoking and burned their finger during a morning walk. The user managed to remove the ring quickly after feeling the burn but suffered a blister as a result.

"My hand reeks of burnt electronics," commented the user, who had worn the device for about four to five months when the issue occurred. Another complaint came from a user who found the ring faulty soon after purchase.

Acknowledging these concerns, an Oura representative mentioned that the company takes all safety reports seriously and is actively investigating the issues on an individual basis. Although discussions on platforms like Reddit might amplify these reports, the incidents appear isolated. The company is leveraging both internal and third-party analyses to thoroughly understand the situation and is committed to supporting affected customers. As context, Oura has distributed over 5.5 million rings since the start of the year.

Understanding the Risks Involving Lithium-Ion Batteries

Smart rings like Oura's are powered by lithium-ion batteries, known for their compact size yet potent energy capacity. Despite technological progress and rigorous safety measures that diminish consumer risks, these batteries can still experience thermal escalation leading to combustion if mishandled or defective, as noted in a 2024 industry analysis.

Previously, YouTuber Daniel Rotar detailed an incident with a different brand's Galaxy Ring, which expanded alarmingly around his finger just before traveling. The ring's battery had swelled, disrupting the integrity of the device.

Rotar observed that for months the ring struggled to maintain a charge for even 24 hours. He advised cautious handling and discontinuing use if devices show signs of malfunction.

While these alarming accounts exist, an expert assured that rechargeable batteries still offer remarkable safety to consumers.

Battery Longevity Concerns Among Users

Numerous Oura users have taken to online forums this year to voice concerns over diminished battery life. Even those who recently purchased rings have noted that battery performance falls short of the expected eight-day life span.

Positively, Oura has shown responsiveness, providing robust support through warranties and ring replacements.

"We continuously strive to enhance our software and features to mitigate battery degradation. Most users still enjoy battery life lasting between five to eight days. We urge users encountering issues to reach out to customer support for personalized assistance, which may include troubleshooting and ring replacement as necessary," a statement from the company reads.