Almost half a million Anker power banks are being recalled.
About half a million units in Anker’s most recent recall were sold with numerous compact power adapters across big-box stores and online marketplaces, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said, after reports of fires and explosions attributed to some chargers.
What the CPSC says about the Anker power bank recall
The CPSC said it had received 33 incident reports involving the affected devices, including fires and explosions. The agency says four of those cases led to reports of minor burn injuries, and one report resulted in significant property damage. Even though the incidence rate is low relative to the number of systems in use, we believe the risk is still too great for a recall covering so few units, especially considering the potential volatility of lithium‑ion cells when they fail.
Thermal runaway — a chain reaction that can lead to extreme heat, fire or rupture — is still the primary danger associated with small power banks if the internal components are damaged, mismanufactured or not adequately protected. Regulators typically move quickly if multiple reports contain similar failure signatures, as seems to be the case in this matter.
Which Anker power bank models are included in the recall
The recall applies to certain models from several Anker products: Anker Power Bank (models A1257 and A1647), Anker MagGo Power Bank (model A1652), and Anker Zolo Power Bank (models A1681 and A1689). These products were sold through national electronics chains like Best Buy and Target, as well as online marketplaces such as Amazon, AliExpress, eBay, Walmart, and TikTok Shop.
If you’re uncertain about your device, look at the model code printed on the back of the unit. Customers are being offered either a full refund or a gift card, but will need to check the serial number and file a recall claim on the brand’s official recall page.
How this recall fits into the broader safety picture
It’s not a one-off for the brand. The other Anker recall against selected PowerCore 10000 models affected more than a million units, and demonstrates that the company’s quality and safety audit processes are reaching far across its product range. The new figure of 481,000 units underscores the size the portable power category has reached — and how a manufacturing defect can expand rapidly once products are sold internationally.
Across the industry, the CPSC has increased scrutiny of lithium‑ion consumer products as reports of battery-related fires have soared. Municipal agencies including the New York City Fire Department have also repeatedly stressed the dangers of faulty cells — echoing the call for stringent testing and user attentiveness.
What owners of affected Anker power banks can do now
Discontinue use of any affected power bank immediately. Keep it in a cool, nonflammable place separated from volatile matter until the inspection procedure is executed. Don’t try to charge it “one last time,” and do not poke holes in, crush, or disassemble the battery.
After filing the claim, discard the unit at a facility equipped to handle lithium‑ion batteries, such as a household hazardous waste collection site or an electronics recycling center that accepts batteries. The CPSC, along with federal and state environmental agencies, discourages throwing lithium‑ion products in the regular trash, curbside recycling, or in retail drop boxes because of the potential to start a fire during transport and sorting.
What to look out for on future power bank purchases
When purchasing a power bank, consider the following to evaluate safety and build quality:
- Recognized safety certifications (e.g., UL or an equivalent)
- Robust enclosure design and housing
- Clear capacity labeling in 10% intervals on the device body
- A model number on the device to aid traceability
- Reputable sellers that provide support and traceable supply chains
Protection against overcurrent draw, temperature monitoring, and cell balancing are frequently mentioned by independent labs as important safety features to integrate in a small battery pack.
The headline number is 481,000 Anker power banks covered by the new recall. For those toting a pocket charger every day, it’s also a reminder that the tiniest power sources deserve as much vigilance and follow-through after a recall as any big electronics buy.
