**Anker Recalls Power Banks in the UK and Globally Over Fire Safety Concerns**
Consumer safety has taken centre stage as Anker, a well-known manufacturer of electronic accessories, has announced a voluntary recall of several of its portable power banks. The company cited the risk of overheating lithium-ion batteries, which could potentially result in incidents of smoke emission, melting, or even fire.
The manufacturer stressed that while the probability of any hazardous incidents is considered low, extra precautions are being implemented to ensure the safety of customers worldwide. This move follows the company’s recently strengthened quality control procedures, which uncovered the battery cell issue within certain production batches. Anker has proactively decided to coordinate with safety authorities in all regions to manage the recall according to local requirements.
Specifically, the recall affects three models of Anker power banks. Customers in the UK and other markets are being urged to check if their device is affected. The listed models are: Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C and Lightning Cable), model A1681, produced between May 2024 and February 2025; Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-In USB-C Cable), model A1689, manufactured from June 2024 to February 2025; and the Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable), model A1647, assembled between September 2023 and January 2025.
In a statement, Anker explained the circumstances leading to the recall: “Earlier this year, Anker introduced more robust quality assurance measures targeted at identifying potential problems in the production process at an earlier stage. These augmented reviews, coupled with additional checks on suppliers, identified the possible electrical safety risk stemming from lithium-ion battery cells obtained from a single supplier.”
The company’s approach has received praise from some quarters for prioritising consumer safety over potential reputational risks. However, the announcement also brings renewed attention to the broader issue of lithium-ion battery safety and the importance of rigorous quality monitoring in consumer electronics.
Anker is asking customers who own the affected models to cease using them immediately. Owners can determine if their device is part of the recall by checking the model number and verifying the serial number, which can be found on the base or side of the power bank. Anker cautions consumers to examine the alphanumeric serials carefully, as characters like “0” (zero) and “O” (letter O) are easily mistaken for one another. None of the impacted items include the letters “O” or “I” in their serial numbers.
To facilitate the process, Anker has set up an online recall form on the company’s website, allowing users to check whether their device is affected. Customers are advised to fill out the form and, if their product is included, they are eligible to claim either a replacement unit or a gift card. Instructions on the proper and safe disposal of the recalled battery packs are also provided on the website.
Product recalls of this scale highlight the need for consumer vigilance when it comes to electronic goods. While manufacturers like Anker are obligated to comply with rigorous safety standards, unexpected battery defects can still arise.
For ongoing information about the recall, customers can visit Anker’s official recall page or contact customer service for further assistance. The swift action taken by Anker is likely to reassure many loyal users and underlines the firm’s commitment to user safety and regulatory compliance.
In the ever-evolving landscape of portable power technology, incidents such as this recall serve as stark reminders of the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, and the importance for consumers to remain alert to product recalls and safety notices.