Urgent recall over mobile phone power bank batteries over fire risk

Anker is recalling three models of its power banks due to a risk of fire from overheating batteries.

The recall affects specific Anker Power Bank models where the lithium-ion batteries can overheat during use, potentially leading to smoke, melting or even fire. This means they don't meet electrical safety regulations.

The affected models are:

• Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable) – Model A1681 (manufactured May 2024 to February 2025)
• Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1689 (manufactured June 2024 to February 2025)
• Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable) – Model A1647 (manufactured September 2023 to January 2025)

Anker said: "Earlier this year, Anker implemented a series of enhanced quality assurance protocols designed to detect manufacturing issues earlier in the production cycle. These safeguards—including expanded component-level audits and supplier testing—helped us identify a potential issue with common, lithium-ion battery cells from a single vendor.

"While the likelihood of malfunction is considered minimal, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to initiate a voluntary global recall of several Anker power bank models. We have formally notified and are coordinating with regulatory authorities in all regions to ensure the recall is conducted in compliance with all applicable local guidelines."

If you own any of the affected Anker power bank models, stop using it immediately.

How to Tell If You Have an Affected Power Bank

Step 1: Check your model number—located on the bottom or side of your power bank.
If it matches one of the following models (A1647, A1681, A1689), proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Verify your serial number or submit your proof of purchase using the online recall form: http://www.anker.com/uk/rc2506-form

Note: Please carefully review the letters and numbers in your serial number, such as "1," "L," "l," "2," and "Z." Characters like "0" (zero) and "O" (letter O) are easily confused. Affected serial numbers do not contain the letters "O" or "I."

For further information and to check if your power bank is affected, you can visit Anker's recall website.

There you can access their online recall form to process a claim for a replacement or a gift card. You'll also find instructions on how to safely dispose of the recalled lithium-ion battery.