I have a bunch of Ankers, and of course at least one of them was part of this.
Edit/Clarification: Only certain serial numbers are affected. If your model is listed in this, you’ll need to enter its serial number in the recall form to see if that specific unit is affected.
Models:
- Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) — Model A1257
- 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 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
- Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Bank — Model A1263
Resources:
- Recall Overview: https://www.anker.com/rc2506
- Product Recall Submission Form: https://www.anker.com/rc2506-form
I lost my model A1263 in a box during a move. I’ve been looking for it over the last couple of weeks once I was notified about this, but no luck. I actually emailed Anker to ask if there’s a risk of fire even in storage or not in use, and apparently it can happen even when not under any load and completely discharged.
I don’t even know if I still have it. Fingers crossed that my serial isn’t one of the affected ones, but I’ll keep looking and hoping that it doesn’t burn my house down.
all batteries are potential fire hazards even if not under a recall, eventually they can become spicy pillows
I really need to go through my old electronics drawers and pull out any old batteries. I’m battling statistics right now, and statistics always wins.
I was asleep in bed one night many years ago and heard a loud bang, startling me awake. I thought for sure somebody was trying to break in a window or something. Went out, checked the house, nothing amiss. Went outside, checked around for any signs of something being off, not a thing. I then sat in my living room for 30 minutes trying to decide if it was a dream or if it would happen again. Still, nothing. I went back to sleep.
The next morning I made coffee and sat down at my MacBook Pro. It was an older model but I immediately noticed something was wrong. The entire laptop was elevated off the table slightly. The battery had apparently expanded in the middle of the night and with enough force ripped the bottom aluminum cover through three of the screw holes. Found the source of the noise, and immediately took it for disposal.
I was very lucky it didn’t catch fire, although it would have quickly solved my midnight mystery.
Yup. Don’t keep lithium batteries in a drawer. They all become fire hazards, given enough time.
Yeah, it’s one of those things where I was vaguely aware of the hazard, but for some reason wasn’t consciously acknowledging it. Since I came to that realization, I’ve started to gather all of my lithium batteries to take stock and start to get rid of some.
I’m definitely more worried about the batteries I’ve forgotten about that ended up in boxes or drawers. Another thing to keep me up a night, yay.
Maybe check your order history if you bought it online.
Although any lithium battery can catch fire if mishandled… You should still probably look for it.
Do note that only certain serial numbers are affected.
Yep. I’ll note that in the post. Thanks.
Process was pretty easy. Basically you have to:
- Fill out the recall form (linked in post).
- Provide info for the unit:
- Model number
- Serial number
- It will check to see if that exact unit is part of the recall. If it is, you’ll also need to provide:
- Where it was purchased
- The order number associated with the purchase
- Let them know if you want a replacement unit shipped to you or a non-expiring gift card for Anker.com
- I selected “replacement unit” and had to provide my shipping address. Not sure if gift card needs that or not, but would assume so.
- You have to submit two photos of the unit:
- Write the current date and the word RECALL on a piece of paper.
- Upload a photo of the back with the serial number visible with the paper in the shot
- Upload another photo of the front with the paper in the shot. Also, you have to write RECALL on the device itself in Sharpie (not sure if they’ll be able to see it in mine since the case is black and you can’t see the marker at all)
- It said the turnaround time is approx. 5 days.
- It advises to send the unit for recycling after you submit the form, but I’m holding onto mine for now because I’m not sure if they’re gonna complain about the Sharpie not being visible in the second photo.
It’s Anker, not Ankler. Your link goes to a domain squatting page.
I’m sad that didn’t go to a “porn” site for the extremely religious where they show uncensored women’s ankles.
Jesus Christ, I almost came when I read “women” and “ankle” together. You should be ashamed of yourself for tempting me like that you blasphemous heathen.
guess what I’m wearing under my socks
Not that you’d get one just for this, but they do make silver, bronze, and gold Sharpies that appear better on darker surfaces. Just saying. Thanks for all the deets!
Are the instructions in a basement lavatory marked “beware of the leopard”?
No, they’re on the form. Was just providing experience of what the process is like in case people expect it to be super painful.
Ahh, the sensationalist headlines. “STOP USING THESE NOW OR YOU WILL DIE!”
I’m not calling out you, OP. This is just the nature of journalism now. “OH OH, LOOK AT ME!”
I mean…I tend to take potential lithium fires seriously, especially when they’re in my everyday carry. Companies don’t issue recalls and mass-replace units on a whim.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t. I’m just saying that we tend to sensationalize the wording more and more each day. Eventually, there will no longer be words strong enough to get the appropriate attention and people will suffer because of it.
I’m not faulting Anker. I’m faulting Gizmodo.
I don’t care for gizmodo but this headline isn’t even clickbait. It says fire prone before the RIGHT NOW1!! What is sensational about not wanting something most people keep in their pocket or on a bag on their hip/side/back to ignite.
Agreed here. Frequently people charge these near where they sleep and the failure mode is… sudden. Couches and beds tend to be really good kindling too.
Urgency in this case is probably warranted.
This could literally kill you. You should stop using them immediately. Sensationalist headlines are rapant, but this is a serious problem worth getting attention over.
Yep, I don’t see any problem with the headline. Seems like sensible advice.
This is how recalls work though, the company needs to do this for liability reasons.
Well it’s gizmodo, so already not journalism.
What if I like the spicy smoke?
Anker smoke. Don’t breath this.
I always use anker accessories. I find them reliable.
I used to believe a lot of things.
Newegg sold really good products.
Blizzard made good games.
America is the land of the free.
Things change. Anker rose to the top for low priced products that were good. And now that they’ve become bigger, their output might get worse.
Bummer that they’ve gone downhill. Not sure what to recommend to people now.
Anker used to be my go-to recommendation for USB cables and chargers. All my Anker products have been working perfectly for 5-10 years now. But I don’t own any of their newer products.
Their products are still solid. Any brand can have issues with their batteries (other companies use the same cells), and I don’t see a reason to avoid their non-battery products like cables and chargers.
Have a gan charger from baseus and cables/usb & hdmi switch from ugreen that I’m satisfied with so far.
I’ll be agreeing with you if I face any anomalies.
Issuing recalls - a sign of how big Anker has gotten.
Stop telling me what to do.
Put this Karen on a global no-fly list lol
The defective ones are made by Ankler. The good ones are made by Anker.
HAHAHA. 🤦♂️ I’ve called them “Ankler” for freaking years and am just today learning it’s “Anker”.
It’s “Downtown Abbey” all over again lol.
When you’re alone, and life is making you lonely you can always go… Downtown Abbey!
Hello, fellow old timer.
I have some anker batteries but not these specific ones.
Making me nervous…
Tbf, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 didn’t affect the other Samsung Phones. I think its fine.
I’ve got a PowerCore 20000k (20Ah). I wonder why the 10Ah version is “fire-prone” but the 20Ah version isn’t.
Probably different batches. Recall info said it was due to an issue with a single supplier. Not even all of the listed models are affected, just certain serial numbers for each model.
I’d bet it’s something to do with faulty insulation between cells or something
Didn’t like anker after their subsidiaries bullshit with security, this just cements anker as shit in my mind.
The what what?
I think they’re talking about the unencrypted footage uploaded by Eufy (a subsidiary of Anker) security cameras to their own servers without express permission of the owners.
Yikes, that’s a bad look.
Anker has always been shit. I bought a few things from them in the past and most didn’t last 6 months.
I have one of the models affected by this recall. My serial number indicates it isn’t affected. It’s been working fine for years. I have other products of theirs and my biggest complaint is that my earbuds didn’t work after being lost in the snow and found months later in the spring.
Does my anecdote beat yours?
I’ve had good luck with Anker, generally speaking. One of their MagSafe docks is a bit weak, such that I couldn’t charge through certain cases with a Snap 4 on it, but good with others. But other than that I’ve never had an issue with their products.
Do note that you should also check that you initiate the recall from the Anker site matching your location
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