Power banks are incredibly convenient devices. They’re affordable, portable, and offer a significant boost to your phone’s battery life without taking up much space. Most of the time, when you buy a power bank from a reputable brand, it’s safe to use. However, just like the phones they’re designed to charge, power banks can sometimes have issues.
One such issue is the potential for fires due to the lithium-ion batteries inside them.
That’s exactly what’s happening with the popular Anker PowerCore 10000 power bank, which has been linked to several reports of fires and explosions. In fact, Anker is recalling over 1.1 million units of this product, sold between June 2016 and December 2022, due to safety concerns. This includes units purchased from Anker’s website, Amazon, Newegg, and eBay.
These issues have led to 19 reported incidents, including two cases of minor burns and property damage exceeding $60,000. If you bought one of these power banks and it’s within the recall range, it’s essential to check its model number and serial number to see if you are affected. You could be eligible for a $30 gift card or a new, safer replacement power bank.
But the bad news is, if you own a PowerCore 10000 (model A1263), it’s time to part ways with it. Not only should you stop using it immediately, but you’ll also need to dispose of it safely. To do this, contact your local hazardous waste collection center and confirm if they can accept the recalled lithium-ion battery.
While it may seem like a small issue in the grand scheme of over a million units sold, Anker is recalling these products out of caution to prevent any further risk to their customers. Even a small chance of danger is too much when it comes to your safety and property, so don’t delay in checking if your power bank is on the recall list.