Think back to the last time your phone battery sputtered on a long trip—your trusty Anker PowerCore 10000 might have been the hero of the hour. But what if that reliable companion suddenly posed a safety hazard? In mid-June 2025, Anker Innovations and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) jointly announced a recall affecting over 1.15 million of these compact chargers (model A1263), sold between June 2016 and December 2022. The recall stems from 19 reported incidents of fires or explosions, leading to minor burn injuries and property damage exceeding $60,700.

According to the official CPSC notice, approximately 1,158,000 Anker PowerCore 10000 units (model A1263) sold in the U.S. carry a potential lithium-ion battery defect that can overheat and pose fire or burn hazards. These units were retailed online via the Anker website, Amazon, Newegg, and eBay from June 2016 through December 2022, priced around $27 each. Only those with the Anker logo engraved on the side and “A1263” printed on the bottom edge—and with qualifying serial numbers for U.S. sales—are included. To verify your device, you must visit Anker’s recall webpage and enter its serial number. The CPSC recall number is 25-338, dated June 12, 2025.

Anker has recorded 19 reports of fires or explosions linked to these power banks, including two minor burn injuries not requiring hospitalization and 11 incidents of property damage totaling over $60,700. While small compared to the millions of units sold, each incident underscores how lithium-ion batteries—even those that have served reliably for years—can degrade and become hazardous over time. Reports describe instances of overheating that led to plastic melting, smoke, and in some cases, open flame. Given the age of many of these units (some are almost a decade old), it is perhaps unsurprising that long-term chemical and mechanical stress can undermine battery integrity.

What to do if you own one

If you have a PowerCore 10000 (model A1263), stop using it immediately and inspect the bottom edge for the model number and serial number. Then, head to Anker’s official recall page to check eligibility by inputting the serial number. Anker offers affected customers a choice between a $30 gift card usable on Anker.com (the original cost was around $27) or a free replacement power bank (PowerCore 10000 model A1388) featuring upgrades like a charge-level display and a USB-C charging cable lanyard. To register, you’ll need:

• A photo of the power bank showing the model number and serial number on the bottom, along with your name, the date of the photo, and the word “recalled” written clearly in permanent marker on the device.
• A photo submission date visible in the image metadata or written alongside if required.
• (Optional) A purchase receipt—Anker requests it but does not make it mandatory.

After verification, Anker instructs on how to dispose of the old unit and ships the replacement or issues the gift card.

Why tossing in the trash is not an option

Lithium-ion batteries can remain volatile even when no longer in use. The CPSC and environmental agencies urge consumers not to discard these power banks in regular trash, curbside recycling bins, or general battery-collection boxes at retail stores; doing so risks fires during collection, transport, or at waste-handling facilities. Instead:

• Contact your municipal Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection center to confirm whether it accepts recalled lithium-ion batteries.
• If your local HHW does not accept them, check with local e-waste recyclers or battery processing centers listed on the EPA website or via state environmental agencies.
• Follow any specific packaging or drop-off instructions (e.g., taping terminals, placing each unit in a separate plastic bag).

Proper disposal not only mitigates fire risk but also ensures that valuable materials are recovered and toxic components handled safely.

Lithium-ion batteries gradually degrade over charge-discharge cycles and calendar time. Over the years, their internal chemistry changes: active lithium becomes less available, separator integrity can weaken, and protective circuitry may lose precision. Studies show that aging can delay thermal runaway triggers but also make failures more unpredictable once they occur. Factors contributing to aging include:

• Cycle count: Frequent full charges and deep discharges accelerate capacity loss and internal resistance increase.
• Storage conditions: High ambient temperatures (e.g., stored in hot cars) speed up chemical breakdown.
• Physical stress: Drops or impacts can damage internal cells, creating micro-shorts.

By the time a battery pack reaches around eight to ten years of service, even moderate use can culminate in a critical failure if latent defects or external stresses accumulate. This recall underscores how “quiet” aging risks may only surface after long dormancy or usage under non-ideal conditions.

While you may no longer possess the recalled PowerCore, it’s a good reminder to monitor any device with lithium-ion cells:

• Visual inspection: Bulging casing, deformities, discoloration, or leaks are red flags.
• Temperature monitoring: If a battery or device becomes unusually hot during charge or use, discontinue immediately.
• Avoid extreme environments: Keep batteries away from high heat or humidity.
• Use proper chargers: Stick to manufacturer-approved cables and adapters to avoid overvoltage or improper current.
• Regular usage: Batteries stored for extended periods without periodic top-ups can degrade faster; consider occasional partial charges.
• End-of-life disposal: Even if a battery “still works,” if it’s more than 5–7 years old or shows any signs of stress, consider replacing or recycling proactively. Fire departments and e-waste programs often have guidance on handling end-of-life batteries safely.

This recall is not unique in the consumer electronics landscape. As lithium-ion adoption soared, regulatory bodies worldwide have tightened oversight on battery safety—from certification standards to transport regulations. The CPSC report and Anker’s prompt response reflect a maturing ecosystem: manufacturers must track product lifecycles, and consumers need accessible recall processes. Yet, the challenge remains in bridging the gap between purchase and eventual end-of-life; many users hold onto “old but working” gadgets without realizing latent hazards. Industry experts suggest improved battery health monitoring embedded in devices, clearer labeling of manufacturing dates/expected lifespan, and incentivized take-back programs to ensure safe disposal.

Lithium-ion has dominated for over two decades, but its known risks and aging issues fuel interest in next-gen chemistries. Solid-state batteries replace liquid electrolytes with solid materials, significantly reducing flammability and potentially offering higher energy density and longer cycle life. Recent advances (e.g., prototypes from TDK, QuantumScape, and others) show promise for wearables and eventually smartphones, though large-scale manufacturing hurdles remain. In the meantime, semi-solid or hybrid designs are emerging—some companies already market “solid-state-like” power banks promising longer lifespans and improved safety, though often at higher price points. While mainstream adoption of high-capacity portable chargers may still be years away, keeping an eye on these developments can help consumers plan future upgrades with both performance and safety in mind.