Anker recalls MagSafe iPhone batteries over fire risk

Anker has issued a recall notice for its Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K, model number A1642), Anker Power Bank (model number A1647), and Anker MagGo Power Bank (model number A1652). The company says a manufacturing defect can cause the power banks’ lithium-ion batteries to overheat and potentially cause a fire risk.

It’s the same issue that triggered a recall in June for another Anker power bank. The company says only a small number of batteries were affected by the defect but that it’s recalling all of the portable chargers “out of an abundance of caution.”

The affected power banks can be identified by looking for their individual names and model numbers — A1642, A1647, and A1652 — printed in white text on the bottom or back. If you have one of the affected models, Anker says to stop using it immediately, store it in a safe location, and then verify the product’s serial number (located near the model number) before filling out a recall form to receive a replacement.

Anker says the affected power banks should not be thrown away due to the risk of fire but should instead be taken to facilities that can safely dispose of products featuring lithium-ion batteries. In the US, users can find locations that will recycle the power banks through the Environmental Protection Agency’s website or other organizations that specialize in handling e-waste.