Due to fire hazard: Anker recalls five different power bank models

When their cell phone battery dies on the go, many people turn to power banks. Anker is doing well with this worldwide. But now the battery manufacturer is recalling five models that pose a high risk.

The technology company Anker is recalling five different power bank models worldwide. During quality assurance tests, officials discovered a "potential issue" with "common lithium-ion battery cells from a single manufacturer" used in Anker products. In a worst-case scenario, the portable power banks could ignite and suddenly catch fire during use.

Anker estimates the likelihood of a malfunction as "minimal," as the company announced in a statement . Nevertheless, the battery specialist wants to initiate a recall "out of an abundance of caution" to prevent the worst from happening.

According to information from Anker, the models affected are the A1257 ("Power Bank", 10,000 mAh, 22.5 W), A1647 ("Power Bank", 20,000 mAh, 22.5 W, with integrated USB-C cable), A1652 ("MagGo Power Bank", 10,000 mAh, 7.5 W) as well as the "Zolo Power Banks" A1681 (20,000 mAh, 30 W, with USB-C and Lightning cable) and A1689 (20,000 mAh, 30 W, integrated USB-C cable).

How those affected can react

The model number can be found on the back of the respective device. Anyone who owns a power bank affected by the recall can fill out a form on anker.com . Users will need a photo clearly showing the model and serial number.

The website then provides information about whether the device is actually affected by the defective lithium-ion batteries. If so, the power bank should be disposed of according to legal regulations – meaning, never in household waste. Information on proper disposal is available, for example, from the Federal Environment Agency .

As compensation, users will receive either a voucher for the Anker online shop or a new power bank. "If your product is not affected, you can continue to use it without hesitation," Anker informs.