In a significant development for tech consumers, Anker has issued a major recall affecting over 481,000 power bank units due to serious fire and explosion risks. The recall, prompted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), comes after 33 reported incidents, including injuries, linked to faulty lithium-ion batteries from a single supplier. The affected models span Anker’s popular lineup, including specific units under the Anker, MagGo, and Zolo brands with model numbers A1257, A1647, A1652, A1681, and A1689. Given their widespread availability through major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, the recall has generated significant concern among consumers who rely on these convenient charging solutions.
What’s Being Recalled and Why
The recall specifically affects five Anker power bank models that were sold between August 2023 and June 2025. These devices, which range in capacity from 10,000mAh to 20,000mAh and feature various charging speeds, all share a common flaw: their lithium-ion battery cells can overheat, posing significant fire and burn hazards to users.
The affected models include:
- Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable) — Model A1647
- Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W) — Model A1652
- Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) — Model A1257
- Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable) — Model A1681
- Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C Cable) — Model A1689
These power banks were sold through a wide range of retailers, including Best Buy, Target, Amazon, AliExpress, Walmart, eBay, and TikTok, with price points ranging from $30 to $50. The global voluntary recall was initiated “out of an abundance of caution” after Anker’s enhanced quality assurance protocols identified the issue with battery cells from a single vendor.
Understanding the Risk: Thermal Runaway
The root of the problem lies in what’s known as “thermal runaway” in lithium-ion batteries. In simple terms, thermal runaway is a dangerous chain reaction where heat inside a battery cell triggers further chemical reactions that produce even more heat. This self-perpetuating cycle can cause the battery to overheat rapidly, potentially leading to fire or explosion.
This isn’t just a theoretical concern—according to the CPSC, there have been 33 reported incidents of fire and explosion, with four minor burn injuries and one case of substantial property damage. While the likelihood of any single unit malfunctioning is considered minimal, the potential consequences are serious enough that immediate action is required.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own any of these recalled power banks, the CPSC and Anker strongly recommend that you stop using them immediately. Continuing to use these devices poses unnecessary risks and could lead to serious injury or property damage.
How to Check if Your Power Bank is Affected
To determine if your power bank is part of the recall, you’ll need to check its model number, which is located on the back or side of the device. If your model number matches any of the five listed above (A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681, or A1689), you should proceed with the recall process.
Anker has set up a dedicated recall page where you can verify your product and register for the recall program: https://www.anker.com/rc2506. You’ll need to provide information about your device, including the serial number, and submit a photograph showing the model number, serial number, your name, the date of the photograph, and the word “recalled” written on the power bank.
Getting Your Remedy
Consumers with affected power banks will be offered either a full cash refund or an Anker gift card that can be used across their product range. Once your product is verified, Anker will provide instructions for returning or properly disposing of the recalled unit.
Proper Disposal is Critical
It’s important to note that these recalled power banks should not be disposed of in regular household trash or recycling bins. Lithium-ion batteries in thermal runaway can ignite during waste collection or processing, posing risks to sanitation workers and facilities.
Instead, you should take your recalled power bank to a certified facility that accepts recalled lithium-ion batteries or your local household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center. Before visiting, contact the facility to confirm they accept recalled lithium-ion battery devices. More information about proper disposal can be found on the EPA’s lithium-ion battery recycling page.
Broader Context and Safety Implications
This isn’t the first time Anker has had to recall power banks. In June 2025, they recalled over 1.16 million units of their Anker PowerCore 10000 (model A1263) for similar overheating concerns. This pattern raises questions about quality control in the manufacturing process, especially given the critical role these devices play in our daily lives.
Lithium-ion battery safety is a growing concern as these batteries become more prevalent in consumer electronics. While the vast majority of lithium-ion batteries function safely, incidents like these highlight the importance of proper manufacturing protocols and ongoing quality assurance. The risk of thermal runaway, while rare, can have serious consequences when it does occur.
Moving Forward
Anker has stated that they’ve implemented enhanced quality assurance protocols to detect manufacturing issues earlier in the production cycle. These measures include expanded component-level audits and supplier testing, which helped identify the issue leading to this recall.
For consumers, this incident serves as a reminder to stay informed about product recalls, especially for devices that contain lithium-ion batteries. Regularly checking manufacturer websites and signing up for recall notifications from the CPSC can help ensure you’re aware of any safety issues with products you own.
While it’s unfortunate that these popular and useful devices have safety issues, it’s encouraging that Anker identified the problem proactively and is working with regulatory authorities to address it. By following the recall procedures and properly disposing of affected units, consumers can protect themselves and their property while still enjoying the convenience that portable power solutions provide.
For more information about this recall or to register your affected power bank, visit Anker’s official recall page at https://www.anker.com/rc2506 or contact Anker Innovations Limited directly at 800-988-7973.
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