Anker Recalls PowerCore 10000 Power Banks for Burning or Exploding. Learn How to Get a Free Replacement
The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that more than 1.1 million of the products sold in the US are affected by the recall. The company plans to replace the charging devices, but customers must submit photo evidence of ownership and also prove that they've disposed of the PowerCore devices properly.
The PowerCore, made in China, is now one of four current power bank recalls that have been issued by Anker. The others include the 334 MagGo 10K battery, the 321 Power Bank (5K) and the 535 Power Bank (20K). Other Anker models, including two of CNET's top picks for portable chargers -- Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD and Anker PowerCore III 10K -- aren't impacted by the recall.
Airlines have taken note of portable battery hazards. Recently, Southwest Airlines changed its policy on charging devices inside of carry-on bags. Some international airlines have also begun limiting the types of lithium chargers fliers can bring on planes due to risks of overheating.
How to check if your Anker PowerCore has been recalled
Anker says the products affected are the A1263 model of the PowerCore 10000 power bank that were purchased between June 1, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2022.
Customers can verify their serial number at a webpage provided by Anker. The serial number is on the bottom of the device.
In entering the number, Anker advises, "Pay attention to the letters and numbers in the serial number: '1', 'L', 'I', '2' and 'Z'. Please note that characters such as '0 (zero)' and 'O' (o) may be entered incorrectly. Regarding the serial number of the target product, 'O' and 'I' are not used.
What to do if your Anker PowerCore has been recalled
In addition to instructing customers to stop using the chargers immediately, the CPSC and Anker posted requirements for receiving a replacement PowerCore device.
They include:
Submitting a photo of the recalled device that shows the model number, serial number, the consumer's name, date of the photo and the word "recalled" written in permanent marker on the device. The information not on the device can be on a piece of paper next to the device in the photo.
Submitting a purchase receipt, though the CPSC says that's not a requirement for the recall.
A confirmation of disposal of the device "in accordance with applicable laws and regulations." Anker advises not disposing of the device until receiving confirmation that it's eligible for the recall.
From Anker: "If the serial number is worn off or not visible, please contact Anker for guidance."
Anker recommends contacting a local hazardous waste collection center versus disposing of it in the trash or through standard recycling services.
For additional questions Anker says customers can email support@anker.com with "Anker A1263 Recall" in the subject line or call 800-988-7973.
Why portable chargers can be a travel hazard
The same reasons that portable charging banks are so easy to carry around are also part of why they can pose a problem. Most use lithium ion technology, which can be used to make battery-based products lighter and efficient, but is also susceptible to overheating or even fires if the batteries are damaged or have degraded.
It's not unlike reports a decade ago of cheap batteries on hoverboards spontaneously combusting. Eventually, the products were banned on planes and in some cases, from being shipped.
"These products are typically unassuming, and are not something that the average consumer thinks can be potentially dangerous," said Don Fountain, a civil trial attorney and the author of Defect Safety, a book about consumer safety and defective products. Fountain is currently representing a case involving portable batteries that does not involve Anker.
"My firm has handled fires and explosions caused by lithium batteries in a variety of products, including power tools, e-bikes, phones, scooters, children's toys, battery packs and others," Fountain said. "I would caution consumers to not store or use these products in a confined or unventilated area that could cause overheating and to not leave these products plugged into home electrical systems for extended periods of periods of time, such as overnight or when on vacation."
Fountain said combusting batteries are especially dangerous in cargo holds or in the cabins of airplanes where it may be difficult to put out a fire.
The attorney said that in the case of Anker's recall, customers don't always keep their proof of purchase, though it's not required in this case. However, he said, "It is unusual that proof of disposal is required for a recall payment or reimbursement."
"Most people that have had an overheating event or a small fire will simply throw the unit away before ever thinking about contacting the manufacturer for a recall reimbursement," Fountain said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
Amazon Deals of the Day: Don't Lose Your Keys, Wallet or Phone With the Tile by Life360, Now Only $2 More Than the Record Low
Amazon sells a vast array of products, with new ones arriving daily across categories, including home essentials, tech gadgets and furniture. Lucky for us, the retail giant loves cutting prices as much as it loves adding new products. But deciding which offers are worth grabbing (and which aren't) is a full-time job, so we did all the heavy lifting, hand-picking the top markdowns from the bunch. Today, we spotted the Tile by Life360 Bluetooth item tracker down to just $20. We also found the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus at almost 30% off. And finally, the Anker Prime charger block is $24 off, down to a new low. If you constantly find yourself looking for everyday items, investing in a Bluetooth tracker can't hurt. The Tile Bluetooth tracker is made to be attached to your keychains and bags. It's also perfect to keep track of your luggage when you're traveling. These devices work with both iOS and Android. With the Tile app you can play a ring sound to locate your belongings. If you don't want to play a sound you can still track them on the map. My favorite feature is the built-in SOS buttons that will alert your loved ones in case of an emergency. Plus, they are waterproof and have up to three years of battery life, so you'll be prepared for anything. This item tracker comes in a ton of different colors, and all of them happen to be on sale. Normally $25, they are down to $20 right now. It's not the all-time low but it's only $2 away. Grab yours now. There's no doubt that tablets can come in super handy, especially when your laptop is too big, but your phone is too small. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9 Plus is a great option. This tablet has 64GB of storage, 4GB of RAM and a 10.9-inch display. which is a solid offering when you consider the sale price. That midsize display and decent amount of storage are two of the main benefits. It's powered by Android using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, which isn't the newest but it still gets the job done very well. And with four speakers with Dolby Atmos support, you can watch videos in high quality. This tablet would normally cost you $220, which is pretty affordable for a tablet already. But a nice 29% discount knocks that price down to $156. It's available in the graphite and silver colorways. With all the devices we have, it seems like there are never enough chargers to keep them all powered. Having a few extra charging blocks lying around isn't a bad idea. The Anker 100W Prime charging block has one USB-A and two USB-C ports. That means that this small Anker charging block can charge up to three devices at the same time. It has a 100-watt output so it can even handle larger devices like your laptop or tablet. It's quick too -- it can bring the M3 MacBook Pro to 50% in just 30 minutes. It's also extremely compact at just under three inches, making it easy to throw in your bag or backpack and it won't take up much space on the wall either. And the temperature monitor feature helps prevent overheating. This charging block is regularly listed at $70 but this limited-time deal has knocked it down to a record low of $46, don't miss out. With so many deals on Amazon, deciding which ones are worth your money can be difficult. But CNET has combed through what the world's largest online retailer has to offer, and we've gathered the best deals for you to check out.
Gizmodo
3 days ago
- Gizmodo
Smartwatches Recalled for Catching Fire, Burning Hands
The Altafit af28 smartwatches have been recalled, according to a press release Thursday from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The problem? The watches can overheat on their chargers and even ignite into flames. The smartwatches were sold on the Home Shopping Network from March 2025 to May 2025 for $50, marked down from $100. There have been 39 reports of the watches melting, burning, and catching fire with at least six reports of consumers' hands being burned along with property damage. And it's all attributed to the smartwatch's wireless charging pad. The watches were manufactured in China and imported into the U.S. by Deale International LLC, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Altafit af28 was sold on as a smartwatch that looked like a piece of jewelry while having all the latest smartwatch features. 'Consumers should immediately unplug the smartwatch's charging pad and stop charging the recalled smartwatch,' the CPSC said in a statement posted online. 'Consumers can contact Deale International for instructions on how to receive a free replacement. Consumers will be asked to cut the unplugged charging pad's power cable and email a photo of the charging pad with the cut cable to [email protected].' The screen measures 1.68 inches and the watch came with two bands, bejeweled and mesh. The versatility of having something that wasn't 'too sporty' for 'an evening out' was a major part of the marketing pitch, according to promotional videos posted to YouTube. 'This is one that's going to do all the things we want a smart watch to do,' the HSN host says in a video. 'Even reads your oxygen levels, your sleep, your heart rate, all the different sports modes that we love from running to yoga to cycling, and you can get credit for them all. The host went on to explain the watch is 'IP67 water resistant rated, and you can even receive your phone calls, your texts, you get app notifications, and that's kind of just the beginning of it.' The watch was billed as being able to measure blood pressure, though smartwatches are notoriously bad at that. The watch wasn't really on Gizmodo's radar until we saw the recall notice, and it looks like the company only sold about 2,900 of them. But now we're curious how it performed. Did you have an Altafit af28? How did it work? Here's hoping that if you do own one it didn't catch on fire and you can get your refund.
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
The Anker SOLIX F3000 is my new favorite high-capacity power station for one simple reason
Anker SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station The Anker SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station offers high-end performance that is very similar to Anker's top-of-the-line options. It is more portable and affordable, though, making it a better choice for hybrid use and buyers who need elite power at home and on the go. I recently got the opportunity to kit out my entire home with backup power thanks to the Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus. I loved it then, and I still love it now, but high-end power stations like the F3800 Plus can be too big and heavy for use on the go. Sure, you can take the big beasts around, but it will require some serious muscle and often two people. This is why I was excited to test the Anker SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station, which promises the best of the higher-end models while keeping the design much more portable and the price much more reasonable. Did it achieve that goal? Let's find out. Power and portability Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority We can read spec sheets all day long, but you can really only gauge a device's design once you see and carry it. The first thing I thought when the Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station landed on my front door was that the box seemed pretty small for a power station of this caliber. It's by no means tiny or super light, but it measures 25.6×11.8×14.8 in and weighs 91.5 lbs. This is surprisingly nice because its performance is pretty close to the Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus (more on this in the coming sections), which is a beast at 27.6×15.3×15.6 in and 136.7 lbs. I took the Anker SOLIX F3000 to a family picnic and quickly became the most popular person at the party. It also helps that it's made to be carried horizontally. The lower weight distribution makes it easier to tow using the wheels and built-in handle. I was also able to lift it off the ground by myself without feeling like I was about to strain a muscle. Of course, don't expect to easily carry it through a hike, but it will be relatively easy to roll around the campground, lift when going through some steps, or throw it in the trunk. Anker SOLIX makes some solidly built batteries, and I am happy to report that the F3000 is no exception. While made mostly of plastic, nothing feels cheap or loose. The handle doesn't wiggle, and the wheels roll smoothly. Overall, I am really liking its portability, cool design, and sturdy build quality. By the way, I took this to a family picnic and quickly became the most popular person at the party. I charged people's phones left and right, powered the speaker, and ran the coffee maker without issues. Battery capacity to throw around Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The behemoth Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus that I mentioned at the start of this review sports a 3,840Wh battery capacity, which is already considered massive. The Anker SOLIX F3000 has a 3,072Wh battery. While smaller, you would never imagine the F3000 got so close to its bigger brother just by looking at them side by side. To put things into perspective, that's enough juice to power smartphones hundreds of times (roughly 300 times). Battery size is one thing, but output is what really makes or breaks one of these high-power batteries, so let's talk wattage. If you're going to simply use the four AC outlets directly, the max output is 2,400W. This is not bad at all, and it is actually the same regular 20A output you would get from the much larger and pricier F3800 Plus. Typical high-power appliances 2,400W can run: Full fridge: 300W-800W 50-inch TV: 70W-200W Kettle: 800W-1,500W Coffee maker: 600W-1,500W Microwave: 600W-1,200W Portable AC: 700W-1,500W Electric drill: 300W-1,500W LED light bulb: 5W-20W In fact, there are very few appliances that this thing can't power. Some may include larger heaters, powerful air conditioners, electric ovens, and such. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The only tricky part is trying to run multiple high-power appliances at once. For example, the battery will often turn itself off if I try to run my air fryer and microwave at the same time. If you're going to power multiple of these high-wattage products, you may need to run them in turns. It's something that rarely happens, but you should definitely keep it in mind. That said, there are ways to get more output out of this thing. For example, the TT-30R port can handle 3,600W on its own. And if you connect two of them together using a 240V connector, that can be expanded to 7,200W. Of course, that also requires a significant investment, but at that level, this model could power anything (even if maybe not at the same time). With that kind of output, you can also keep RVs and electric vehicles going. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The USB-C ports can reach 100W, which is enough to fast-charge almost all smartphones, and it can also power most tablets and modern laptops. The USB-A ports are limited to 12W, which means these are mostly meant for accessories and lower-power devices. You get two of each USB port standard. As expected from these powerful batteries, it offers Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) support. If it notices an outage, battery power will kick in under 20ms. This means essential electronics will not even notice the power going out if connected directly to the F3000. It also works with Anker's Transfer Switch, so you could use it as a home backup solution if you've gone with the full-home wiring solution — you can grab these from Anker's website for $399, or get one discounted in a bundle with the F3000. Recharging options Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority I only fully tested the AC input, but this is actually really nice. The regular AC input can reach as much as 1,800W, and it stays pretty constant throughout the charging session. I plugged it in from zero and managed to get to 100% in about two hours. When using the TT-30 charging cable, wattage can reach as much as 3,600W. This charges the battery completely in about one hour. You can use this port with a car charging station, a fuel generator, or a regular outlet (if you have this plug at home). You can also opt for solar. This battery can take in up to 2,400W of solar input. And the cool thing is that you can also mix it with the TT-30 port charging to reach up to 6,000W of input if you also have an expansion battery. What is it lacking compared to the Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority So, I keep comparing the Anker SOLIX F3000 to the F3800 Plus, and so far, it may seem like size and battery capacity are the only main differences. This is not exactly true; the main differences are in more specialized features. For starters, the F3800 Plus has two more AC outlets and one extra USB-C port, as well as an additional high-power L14-30 connection. Its 240V outputs can also handle 6,000W of output, and you can connect it to a second one to reach 12,000W. It also has a higher max solar panel input of 3,600W, instead of 2,400W. If you can live without those features, don't mind a 20% smaller battery, and would prefer a more portable body, the Anker SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station might be enough to keep you happy. It helps that it also costs much less. And about that price… Anker SOLIX F3000 review verdict: Is it worth it? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority The retail price for the Anker SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station is a lofty $2,599 MSRP. I know that is pricey, but it isn't a bad deal considering how much this thing can do. As a comparison, the Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus is $4,799. That makes the F3000 $2,200 cheaper. And as you can tell from my review, it is pretty close to being as good. At the very least, the extra functionality doesn't seem to be worth $2,200 extra! If I had to spend my hard-earned money on a power station this powerful, the Anker F3000 would be my pick because it's both powerful and portable. But the real kicker is that it often goes on sale. I've seen the Anker SOLIX F3000 go for under $2,000 (it's at $1,699 on Amazon as I write this). I would consider this a more portable version of Anker's high-end power station, and I am honestly liking it more as a multi-purpose powerhouse. It is more than fast enough for my needs, and it is portable enough that I have actually taken it to a picnic two hours away from me, and carried it without an issue to and from my car. I definitely would have reconsidered taking the F3800 Plus twice or thrice, and likely only to decide against it. If I had to spend my hard-earned money on it and wanted this much power, the Anker F3000 Portable Power Station would be my pick because it's both powerful and portable. I see it as a viable option for EV owners, RV adventurers, and people who want to use almost any appliances during camping trips or picnics. It could also work as a great backup power solution when not on the go, even if the F3800 Plus is still the absolute best you can buy for those needs. Anker SOLIX F3000 Portable Power Station High-capacity • Impressive output • UPS support MSRP: $2,599.00 Powerful and portable. The Anker SOLIX F3000 takes the best of Anker's top-end power station line and makes it more portable without sacrificing performance. See price at Amazon Positives High-capacity High-capacity Portable despite size Portable despite size Impressive output and input Impressive output and input Can charge EVs and RVs Can charge EVs and RVs UPS support Cons Would be better with more USB ports/AC outlets Would be better with more USB ports/AC outlets Expensive at MSRP (buy in a sale!) Follow
