Popular smartphone accessory maker Anker is recalling a trio of external batteries immediately. Find out if yours is affected and what you need to do.
Three Battery Models Have Been Recalled
Anker is recalling the Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K), Anker Power Bank, and Anker MagGo Power Bank.
Even though a small number of batteries used in products from January 3 to September 17 of this year might be affected, Anker is recalling all batteries “out of an abundance of caution.”
The lithium-ion battery in all three products can overheat, potentially causing the external plastic to melt and smoke/fire hazards.
To see if your Anker battery is affected by the recall, you can look at the bottom and find the model. You can head to this recall page on Anker’s site to check and confirm that your battery is affected. There are images to help you find the model name and serial number. You can also enter the serial number directly on the page to find out.
What to Do If You Have One of the Batteries
If you have one of the recalled batteries, you need to store the device in a safe location and immediately stop using it. Instead of throwing it into the trash or placing it in a battery recycling box, Anker recommends that you dispose of the power bank at a facility that accepts lithium-ion batteries.
You can also fill out a form on Anker’s site to receive a free replacement power bank. For Anker to process a replacement, you will need proof of purchase, a photo of the model number on the back side of the power bank, and the serial number of the device.
For more information about battery concerns, head to the EPA’s page on used lithium-ion batteries. The page also has a number of links to find an appropriate recycling location near you.
While lithium-based batteries are used everywhere, one of the biggest problems with the technology is that they can lead to a large amount of waste when not disposed of properly. Even if you don’t have one of the recalled Anker models, always make sure to dispose of your battery correctly.