Another Anker recall alert! Stop using these 5 power banks immediately

Anker

Just days after recalling its A1263 power bank due to fire concerns, Anker is issuing another recall -- this time for five different devices.

Earlier this year, Anker found a manufacturing issue in lithium-ion battery cells from a certain vendor. The company says the likelihood of any problem arising from this issue is minimal, but out of an abundance of caution, it's issuing a voluntary recall of several power bank models.

Also: I've used this tiny, affordable power bank for over a year now - here's why

The Anker Power Bank models A1257 and A1647, the Anker MagGo Power Bank model A1652, and the Anker Zolo Power Bank models A1681 and A1689 all potentially have faulty cells. If you have one, Anker says to stop using it immediately, even if it looks fine, because there's a risk of overheating, melting, smoke, or catching fire.

If your device is affected by this recall, you can either request a replacement or a gift card in a comparable amount to use on the Anker website.

Here's how to tell if your power bank is affected by this recall.

• Check the model number on the back or side of your power bank. If it's A1257, A1647, A1652, A1681, or A1689, go to the next step. If not, you're safe.

• If your model number was included, verify your serial number or submit your proof of purchase using the online recall form at http://www.anker.com/rc2506-form. Anker notes that you should check your serial number very carefully, paying attention to similar-looking letters like "1," "L," and "l," "2" and "Z," and "0" (zero) and "O" (the letter O) are easily confused. None of the affected serial numbers will have the letters "O" or "I."

How to dispose of your recalled power bank 

If Anker has confirmed that your device is recalled, don't dispose of it until you get confirmation that your device qualifies. Because lithium-ion batteries are prone to fires if they're tossed in the general trash or recycling stream, you'll usually take them to battery drop-off boxes, often found in hardware or retail stores; however, recalled lithium-ion batteries need to be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection center.

Also: The best power banks you can buy: Expert tested and reviewed

Anker didn't name the third-party battery vendor, but it will be interesting to see if any other companies used cells from this vendor too and end up issuing recalls. Power banks have been in the news lately, with Southwest Airlines instituting a new policy that your charger has to be in sight while using it, and China banning recalled or uncertified power banks from planes entirely.

Anker currently makes around 30 different devices for charging your equipment, one of which topped our list of the best power banks you can buy.

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