Anker announced a major product recall, pulling over 1.1 million PowerCore 10000 power banks off the shelves over a serious fire hazard. If you own one of these devices, it’s worth checking the model and serial number immediately to ensure you’re not at risk.
Fire safety concern prompts urgent recall
According to a joint statement published on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, Anker voluntarily recalls its PowerCore 10000 portable charger, specifically unit model number A1263. The recall has been issued “out of an abundance of caution” following reports of the power banks overheating.
Anker says the problem lies with the lithium-ion battery inside the device. Sometimes, the battery can overheat, which may cause the plastic casing to melt. This creates smoke and presents a serious fire risk for users. So far, multiple incidents have been recorded, although no injuries have been officially confirmed.
Check your power bank’s serial number
If you purchased the PowerCore 10000 (model A1263) in the United States, you should check the bottom of the device for its serial number. Then, use Anker’s online tool to verify whether your specific unit is part of the affected batch.
The faulty units were manufactured between January 1, 2016, and October 30, 2019, and sold between June 1, 2016, and December 31, 2022. That means if you bought your Anker charger anytime in the past few years, there’s a strong chance it could be one of the recalled units.
Customers with affected power banks are entitled to a replacement or compensation in the US. If you’re in the US, you should stop using the device immediately and follow the instructions on Anker’s website to begin the return or replacement process.
Users outside the US should still stop using it
Unfortunately, if you’re based in Singapore or any country outside the US, you’re not eligible for a replacement or voucher under this recall. However, that doesn’t mean you should continue using the charger. Even without a formal compensation programme, Anker advises all users to stop using the product if it falls within the affected production dates.
To stay safe, it’s a good idea to replace the power bank with a newer model, especially one that has passed strict safety standards. While Anker has not named specific alternatives, there are many reliable options on the market that come with better safeguards and thermal protection features.
If you’re unsure whether your charger is safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Lithium-ion battery fires are dangerous; even a small risk should not be ignored. This is especially important if you use your power bank frequently during travel, at work, or overnight while charging devices.
Anker has not confirmed the number of reports of overheating received or whether more regions will be included in future recall expansions. However, the company maintains that the safety of its customers is a top priority.
Take a moment to check your device, especially if you’ve had it for several years. It might be time to retire your old charger and switch to a safer, more modern model.
