Injury hazard type

Bone fracture or break
Bruising
Burn
Cut
Electric shock
Electrocution
Internal injury
Poisoning by inhalation

On this page

About smart devices

Smart devices send and receive information or data to and from the internet. Some also send information or commands to other products. This gives you the ability to remotely control products or to measure usage data.

Some smart devices use artificial intelligence. They can predict an outcome, perform a task, or change a setting without human interaction.

Smart devices are also known as interconnected devices or the Internet of Things (IoT).

Common smart device products include:

  • smart phones, computers, laptops and tablets
  • smart wearables, smart watches, fitness trackers and wireless headphones
  • baby monitors, child trackers and geolocators
  • interconnected toys and dolls, drones and robotic planes, and gaming consoles
  • smart home appliances, such as televisions, fridges, washing machines and robotic vacuum cleaners
  • home security systems, smart door locks, smart smoke detectors and smart thermostats
  • virtual assistants.

Smart devices have many benefits for users. They are popular products people use in the home and on the move. They can also cause harm if they have a safety issue.

A robot vacuum in a living room
A woman using her phone to change the temperature
A woman uses her phone to set up a sensor

Risks and injuries from the product

Safety issues in smart devices can arise from a technological failure or malfunction that causes the device to stop working properly. This can lead to:

  • house fires
  • burns
  • electric shock
  • lacerations
  • exposure to chemicals.

A safety issue can occur with a smart device when:

  • a connection to the internet or another product is lost
  • a software download corrupts the operating system
  • a software update contains a coding error
  • a software update designed to fix a safety issue is not received or installed
  • the supplier no longer provides software support
  • a cyber security breach leads to a third party installing malicious software or remotely controlling a device
  • a consumer alters the product by installing third party software or using a charger not supplied with or recommended for the product.

Examples of smart device safety issues

Software problem causes battery to overheat

A smart phone has a software problem that causes the battery to overheat. The supplier issues a software update to fix the cause of the problem. The consumer doesn’t accept the software update and the battery overheats and catches fire.

Software update error resets the thermostat 

A smart thermostat controls the hot water service in a consumer’s home. This allows the consumer to set their preferred temperature using a smart phone or tablet.

The smart thermostat receives a software update containing a coding error. The error resets the preferred settings to the maximum temperature.

The next time the consumer turns on the hot water they are burned by the hot water, as they didn’t know the thermostat had been reset.

Consumer turns on oven by mistake using an app

A smart oven has a remote-control feature. Using an app, a consumer sends a command to the oven through Wi-Fi.

The consumer doesn't realise they have turned on the oven. When they touch the oven, they don’t expect the surface to be hot and they are burnt.

Things to look for when buying the product

Some serious injuries have happened to people when their smart devices have failed or malfunctioned.

The wide variety of smart devices available also means that they come with varying degrees of quality, performance, safety and security.

There isn’t a mandatory standard, but the following is a guide on what to look for.

  • Consider securing your home network by making sure your software is up to date and you have unique passwords for your devices.
  • Be aware of cyber security risks that can cause your device to work in a different way.
  • Consider what connection you need to run the device, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Know what you'll do if the device loses connection.
  • Understand what software is needed to support the device. Consider if you'll need to update the software and how long the manufacturer intends to support the product with software updates.
  • Consider how you will get software updates, such as from the supplier of the device or an authorised third party.
  • Be cautious about using unauthorised third-party software.
  • Don't modify the device yourself. Only professionals should make modifications.
  • Consider what other components or services the device has and how long support will be offered by the supplier.
  • Examine regularly the hardware or physical product for any visible defects that may impact the safety of the product.

    How to use the product safely

    To use the product safely, make sure:

    • the device is kept away from flammable materials, heat sources and water
    • the device is kept out of reach of children, or only used in line with age restrictions on the packaging or under adult supervision
    • you check the device instructions on how to avoid a failure or malfunction
    • the device is used where it will not cause harm to you or other people.

    Next steps if a product is unsafe

    When buying a product, consumers have the right to expect the product is of acceptable quality. 

    Acceptable quality includes that the product is safe, durable and free from defects.

    If you bought a product that is unsafe or doesn't comply with a mandatory standard, you can report it to us.

    Report an unsafe product

    Related recalls

    Search all product recalls

    See also

    Product safety priorities

    The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Industry 4.0 Program provides initiatives for businesses to explore innovative technologies.

    The Department of Home Affairs voluntary Code of Practice: Securing the Internet of Things for Consumers aims to improve the cyber security of the Internet of Things for consumers.