If you have an Anker power bank, pay attention: there’s a recall in the United States for explosion and fire risk. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which is the authority responsible for consumer safety, has informed that this recall affects hundreds of thousands of units sold in big stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy (online and physical stores). The idea is not to scare you (maybe only a bit) but to avoid any accidents.
The Anker recalled models include A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689, you can find them printed on the case.
Authorities have already received many fire and explosion reports, and people have been hurt because of it. And although it’s not like thousands of them have caused reported damage yet, nobody wants it to get there. One case can be enough; one power bank exploding in your backpack, or your office, or the seat of your car is danger enough. That’s why the message is strong: if you have one of the models listed, stop using it NOW! And follow the official process.
What’s the problem with the Anker battery?
To understand the problem, we need to know how the lithium-ion batteries work. They save a lot of energy in a very small space (like phones, headphones, and power banks), but if they break, overheat, or are defective, they can lose control and start a fire. It’s not magic, it’s chemistry.
That’s why the CPSC is asking to act fast:
- Identify the model
- Don’t charge it
- Don’t use it
- Don’t toss it out to the garbage
If you notice that your power bank is getting fluffy, smells weird or is getting too hot, this is a sign of alarm (even if it’s not on the model’s list).
How to ask for a refund?
It’s actually very simple. You have to first, take a picture of the power bank where the model number is visible. Then, you write with a permanent marker “recalled” on the device and take another picture. After that, you can go to the recall website (from Anker or the CPSC), upload the pictures, and choose how you want to be refunded: gift card, money, etc. Keep the power bank until they explain to you where you can throw it away or if you have to send it back.
You cannot throw the power bank at the bin like any other regular item. It’s dangerous. Lithium batteries are something else; they require special treatment even at the airports. Yes, you haven’t noticed? If you’re going to travel, the TSA has its norms about it: power banks (up to 100 Wh) go in the suitcase, never in the checked luggage. If a device surpasses 100 Wh, it cannot go in the hold of the plane. Some airlines have extra rules. It’s not a game; in a plane, a fire is an awfully huge risk.
If you didn’t buy the device on Amazon, Walmart, Target or Best Buy, you can still recall it with the manufacturer or the CPSC. If you have the payment proof, great! If you don’t, maybe the pictures will be enough.
Better safe than sorry!
Recalls are very important, it’s not just pointing fingers at a company that has made a mistake, it’s a true prevention because there’s a real risk of danger. So if you own an Anker power bank, don’t ignore it. Check if yours is on the list:
- A1647
- A1652
- A1257
- A1681
- A1689
And if you gave it as a gift, someone borrowed it from you, or you know someone that has one, share this info with them. It might avoid a huge risk.