Anker has announced a voluntary global recall of several of its portable power banks, citing a potential issue with lithium-ion battery cells sourced from a single vendor. This follows the company’s recent overhaul of its quality assurance protocols, which were upgraded earlier this year to detect manufacturing irregularities at an earlier stage in the production cycle. The recall also applies to owners of the affected power banks in Malaysia.
According to Anker, the affected battery cells are widely used in the consumer electronics industry and were included in select models of the company’s PowerCore and Zolo-branded power banks. While the chances of malfunction are considered low, Anker says the decision to recall is being made out of an abundance of caution, with full cooperation from regulatory authorities worldwide to ensure compliance with local safety guidelines.
The following models are potentially affected:
- Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) — Model A1257
- Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable) — Model A1647
- 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
Owners of these devices are advised to check the model number printed on the bottom or side of the unit. If the model matches one of those listed, users should then verify their serial number through Anker’s official recall portal. Customers may also submit proof of purchase as part of the verification process.
Importantly, affected serial numbers will not contain the letters “O” or “I”, and users are reminded to carefully distinguish between similar-looking characters when checking their unit. Once a power bank is confirmed to be part of the recall, Anker instructs users to stop using it immediately and refrain from disposing of the device until further notice.
In cases where a unit qualifies, users will receive a replacement or gift card. They are then required to dispose of the recalled product at a certified facility capable of handling lithium-ion batteries flagged for safety risks. Anker stresses that these devices must not be discarded in regular household waste, standard recycling bins, or commonly used battery drop-off locations, as such methods are not equipped to process recalled lithium-ion cells and could pose a fire hazard.
The company also warns that continued use of a recalled power bank (even one that appears to function normally) could result in overheating, melting, smoking, or fire. The company urges all affected customers to prioritise safety and take immediate action.
(Source: Anker [official website])
