These Anker Power Banks Are Fire Hazards; Get a Free Replacement

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Anker might be the Android accessory maker that I trust the most. The company focuses mostly on charging accessories like cables, power banks, wireless chargers, and charging bricks. However, it does that aspect of the accessory market so well that I have no issues recommending its products.

This news might be a little bit of a hiccup in that regard, though. Anker has recalled five models of power banks, less than a month after recalling another model, due to a high risk of fire and explosions. That's problematic, and to remedy the situation, the company is guiding consumers on what to do and how to claim a free replacement.

Anker Is Recalling Five Models of Its Power Banks Due to Faulty Batteries

The most notable instance of a non-explosive product turning into a bomb in customer pockets was with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. The company revamped its quality assurance process to ensure that it would never happen again. The good thing is that it hasn't (Google is more notorious for exploding phones now). However, the same can't be said for OEMs outside of smartphones, based on what Anker is going through right now.

I'm a massive Anker fan, but at the moment, the company is going through a pretty tough time. The manufacturer has freshly recalled five different models of power banks, one of its most popular categories of products, due to faulty batteries and the risk of fire and explosion. The following models are the ones affected:

• A1257: Anker Power Bank (10,000mAh, 22.5W)
• A1647: Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W)
• A1652: Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W)
• A1681: Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000mAh, 30W)
• A1689: Anker Zolo Power Bank (20,000mAh, 30W)

The issue seems to be due to faulty battery units provided by a specific supplier, and unsurprisingly, the company has moved to another supplier. The new supplier, Amperex Technology Limited, supplies Apple and Samsung, so that should mean higher quality expectations, and hopefully, no repeat episodes.

How to Identify Affected Units and Claim a Replacement

If you happen to have a power bank with one of the above model numbers, there's a good chance that your device is affected. However, it isn't a certainty, as it depends on the specific serial number. Anker has put together a convenient way to check if your unit is affected.

1. Check the back of your power bank, where Anker prints product text, and check to see if your model has one of the affected model numbers.
2. If so, take a clear picture of the back of your power bank to show the device serial number (S/N) and model number, and submit it on this webpage. If the webpage fails to extract the relevant information from the picture automatically, you can enter it manually.
3. Once verified, you'll be informed if your power bank is part of the affected batches.
4. If so, Anker will give you a replacement power bank or a gift card for the official Anker webpage.

You will have to dispose of the power bank in a safe fashion, typically at a recycling facility that specializes in disposing of batteries.

This Comes Soon After Another Anker Power Bank Had Several Explosion Incidents

At the start of the month, the Anker A1263 power bank was recalled due to over 19 incidents of the product exploding. In two cases, it caused minor burns and significant property damage.

I'd like to think that the earlier recall prompted some due diligence on Anker's part, leading to the new recall. It might be a massive inconvenience, but the important thing is that it may prevent potential property damage and bodily harm, and that's what counts.