Anker recalls about 481,000 portable power banks over fire risk

Anker is recalling about 481,000 portable power banks sold between August 2023 and June 2025 after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of fires and explosions tied to the devices, the agency and the company said. The voluntary recall, announced this month, covers five models that were sold at major retailers and online platforms nationwide.

The CPSC said it has received 33 reports of fire or explosion incidents involving the affected units, including four reports of minor burn injuries and one report of substantial property damage. Anker said the problem stems from lithium ion battery cells supplied by a single vendor that can overheat and melt, producing smoke or fire, and that it is conducting the recall out of an abundance of caution. All affected products have been withdrawn from sale and discontinued, the company added.

The recalled models are identified by model numbers A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689. Consumers can find the model number engraved on the back or side of the power bank. The devices were sold at Best Buy, Target, Walmart and other stores and marketplaces, and online via Amazon, AliExpress, eBay and TikTok, with prices typically...