Whoop Replaces Defective MG Fitness Trackers Amid User Complaints

Whoop, known for its advanced fitness trackers, recently launched the Whoop MG, a device boasting medical-grade features such as EKG monitoring and blood pressure insights. However, the launch has been marred by significant issues, with users reporting that their devices become unresponsive shortly after activation—sometimes in less than an hour.

The Whoop MG requires a premium subscription costing $359 annually, which adds to the frustration among users experiencing device failures. Complaints surfaced quickly on community forums, with some users noting that their trackers stopped working overnight or failed to pair with the app despite following troubleshooting steps like charging and resetting.

In an unusual customer service move, Whoop has begun proactively replacing these defective units, sometimes even before users report any issues. Some customers received replacement notifications without experiencing any problems, indicating the company’s effort to mitigate the fallout from the faulty devices.

This situation is compounded by earlier subscription controversies where Whoop initially required users to have 12 months remaining on their membership to upgrade to the Whoop 5.0, a change from the previous 6-month requirement. After user backlash, the company revised this policy to accommodate those with at least 12 months left.

The Whoop MG’s early failures highlight the challenges of launching cutting-edge IoT health devices that blend hardware and software complexity. For consumers investing heavily in health tech, device reliability is paramount. Whoop’s proactive replacement strategy may help restore trust, but it also underscores the importance of rigorous testing before release.

For companies developing IoT wearables, this case serves as a cautionary tale: the integration of advanced medical features demands not only innovation but also robust quality assurance and responsive customer support. Whoop’s experience shows how quickly user confidence can erode when devices fail to perform as promised.