- Anker has just issued two separate recalls for some of its best power banks spans a total of six models
- Some of the power banks may pose a fire hazard
- If you qualify you may be able to get a brand new Power Bank for free
Anker has just announced his second product recall this year – and although it is bad news for the brand, there may be a silver for you. If you own one of Ankers Power Banks, you may be eligible for a free replacement.
The company remembers six different Power Bank models with reference to problems with the lithium-ion battery inside. This includes models from Ankers Power Core, Maggo and the Zolo series, among others.
Below we will tell you everything you need to know about Anker’s Power Bank remembers and what to do next.
What anchor -power banks are affected by the recall?
Anker has launched two separate recalls. One in early June included a single Power Bank model, while the newer second expanded the list with another five models across a pair of anchor product lines.
The Power Bank that was first revoked was Anchor Powercore 10000 (A1263). If you purchased Power Bank via Amazon, you would have received an E email as the one we received below. The subject line would have been ‘Attention: Important security message about your previous Amazon order’.
Not all PowerCore 10000 Power Bank was revoked. The recalled units include only the A1263 model manufactured between 1 January 2016 and 30 October 2019.
The second recall was more extensive and included the following models:
- Anker Zolo Model A1681 (20K, 30-Watt, with built-in USB-C and lightning cables)
- Anker Zolo Model A1689 (20K, 30-Watt, with built-in USB-C cable)
- Anker Maggo Model A1652 (7.5-watt, 10,000 mAh)
- Anker Power Bank Model A1257 (10K, 22.5-Watt)
- Anker Power Bank Model A1647 (22.5-watt, 20,000 mAh, with built-in USB-C cable)
In these cases, Anker has not specified a production or sale date for the affected power banks. But in its ‘voluntary recall’ message referring to the above models said that “while the probability of troubleshooting is considered minimal out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to initiate a voluntary global recall of multiple anchor Power Bank models.”
To check if your Anchor Power Bank has been revoked
No matter which of the affected models you own, your first step will be to check the model and serial number on the back or side of your power bank.
Not each device from each model is remembered, so even if you own one of these, it may not be eligible for replacement.
Next, you will need to enter the serial number along with a few other key information on Anker’s online recall form to check the eligibility.
If it is confirmed to be one of the affected models, stop using it immediately and submit a form for recall of product. This contains information on how to request a gift card or replacement.
What can you get if your power bank qualifies?
If your power bank is affected by one of the recall, anchor will either offer you a replacement or a gift card. People in the United States do not receive a refund, although Anker offers a refund in China.
In case of Power Core 10000 Anker says you will be offered a replacement effect bank. If it is on back order, you can either choose a $ 30 gift card (should be used in Anker’s Store) or wait for Power Core 10000 to be available again.
The second recall is a little more guard, but Anker says you will be able to choose between a gift card or a replacement unit.
How to submit a recall claim
When you are sure that you own one of the models listed above, you must submit your recall requirement to anchor for verification.
- If you have anchor Power Core 1000 (A1263), go to Anker’s Recall Form for that Model
- If you have one of the other power banks (A1257, A1647, A1652, A1681, A1689), you should go to this recall form instead.
In both cases, you may be asked for serial number, proof of purchase, order number and photos of Power Bank.
If this fails but you still think you are eligible for replacement, contact Ankers Support via live chat, e email or phone.
Why is Anker Power Banks remembered?
Anker has not gone into a whole lot of details about the cause of the recall, but in both cases it seems that the problem lies with the battery.
When Advertising the first recallAnker said these power banks could be a fire hazard because of a “potential problem with the lithium-ion battery.” Reportedly, the battery can overheat and if that happens, some of the plastic components may melt, resulting in smoke or even a fire.
In case of Other recallAnker revealed that it identified a potential problem with lithium-ion battery cells made by one of its suppliers. The company admits that problems are unlikely, but it is cautious and remembers all five of the affected models.
Can you still use your old power bank?
Once it is confirmed that your power bank is affected by the recall, stop using it immediately. Even if it seems to work fine, it pose a fire risk, so you have to dispose of it as soon as possible.
Anker says you should not dispose of the battery “in the trash, general recycling flows (eg street level or recycling of street level or street recycling) or in used battery drop-off boxes often found in retail or housing improvement stores”.
Instead, Anker recommends discarding it on a local disposal facility for electronics that accept remembered devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. This is because remembered batteries need to be treated differently on common due to their higher fire risk.
