Anker Lithium-Ion Battery Charger Recall Issued After Dozens of Fires, Explosions: CPSC

Design problems with nearly half a million Anker power bank portable chargers have been linked to more than 30 reports of devices catching fire or exploding.

Consumers are being urged to immediately stop using select Anker power banks due to a risk that the lithium-ion batteries may overheat, posing serious fire and burn hazards.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued the Anker power bank recall on September 18, after receiving at least 33 reports of fire and explosion incidents, including four cases of minor burn injuries and one report of substantial property damage.

A power bank is a portable battery that people use to charge phones, tablets or other electronic devices when a power outlet is not available. The power banks often run on lithium-ion batteries, which are lightweight and rechargeable. However, they have also been found to carry risks of overheating, catching fire or even exploding if damaged, overcharged or exposed to high heat.

The current recall involves approximately 481,000 Anker power banks with model numbers A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689. The devices have the name “Anker” engraved on the front, and the model number on the back or side of the power bank. 

The Anker power banks were manufactured in China and sold at BestBuy, Target and other stores nationwide, as well as online at Amazon, AliExpress, Ebay, Walmart and TikTok from August 2023 through June 2025 for between $30 and $50.

Those potentially still in possession of the recalled power banks can check their power bank, by entering the serial number on the company recall page.

If the power bank is included in the recall, customers should immediately stop using it and contact Anker Innovations Limited to receive a full cash refund or an Anker gift card, which can be used across a variety of Anker product lines.

Consumers must submit a photo of their recalled power bank, showing the model number, serial number, customer name, date of the photograph and the word “recalled” written on the device to receive the refund.

Anker will provide instructions on how to properly return or dispose of the power banks, since the lithium-ion batteries pose a high risk of fire and cannot be thrown in the trash, placed in general recycling, or left in used battery recycling boxes found at various retailers.

Lithium-ion batteries may be accepted at household hazardous waste (HHW) collection centers. However, the office should be contacted beforehand to confirm.

Consumers with additional questions can contact Anker Innovations at 800-988-7973 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at support@anker.com, or go to https://www.anker.com/product-recalls or https://www.anker.com and click on “Product Recalls”.

Power Bank Recalls

This is not the first time Anker Innovations has recalled its power banks due to fire and burn hazards. Just a few months ago, certain Anker PowerCore power banks were recalled after 19 reports of devices catching fire or exploding, including 11 reports of property damage totaling more than $60,000.

Last year, certain Garberiel lithium-ion battery chargers were also recalled due to risks of thermal runaway, which can lead to explosions that may cause property damage, severe injuries or death.

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