If you own a compact ESR HaloLock power bank, put it down and don’t use it again. The company and U.S. regulators are asking owners to stop using certain HaloLock models after reports that their lithium-ion cells can overheat, ignite or even explode — a classic and terrifying example of a battery gone into “thermal runaway.” The recall covers both 6,000mAh and 10,000mAh HaloLock units and affects tens of thousands of devices sold in North America.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says ESR — distributed in the U.S. by Waymeet Limited of Hong Kong — has recalled roughly 33,000 HaloLock wireless power banks after getting reports of batteries catching fire or exploding. There have been nine incident reports in the U.S. that resulted in about $20,000 in property damage; Canadian authorities say there were additional Canadian reports, but no injuries were reported in either country. The affected units were sold from September 2023 through July 2025 on Amazon, Home Depot and ESR’s own online store.

The recall specifically names model numbers 2G520, 2G505B and 2G512B. The power banks are pocket-size, come in dark blue, light blue, gray, white and black, and are easy to identify because each has five circular LED lights along one side and “ESR” printed on the back.

ESR pitched these HaloLock units as a budget-friendly alternative to pricier MagSafe battery packs — they were typically priced in the $32–$40 range and offered magnetic wireless charging for iPhones. But unlike many modern Qi2-certified chargers that can push 15W or more, ESR’s recalled HaloLock units top out at 7.5W wireless output for iPhones, so they were already a compromise on speed in exchange for price.

Online communities had already seen scattered reports of exploding or swollen portable chargers for months. Major outlets noted a Reddit post from some months back where a user posted photos of a burned power bank identified as an ESR unit — a warning sign that the problem wasn’t entirely new to anyone paying attention. Still, the CPSC recall is the formal step that compels owners to act.

Lithium-ion batteries are densely packed energy cells. If a cell is damaged, poorly manufactured, or has a defect in protection circuitry, it can short internally. That can lead to rapid heating, gas generation and a chain reaction called thermal runaway — a small problem becomes a big, highly flammable one, very quickly. That’s why regulators treat lithium-ion recalls seriously and why you should never ignore a swollen, hot, smoking or punctured battery.

What to do if you own one of these HaloLock units

1. Stop using it immediately. Don’t charge it, and don’t try to use it to power a phone. Even if it looks fine, the CPSC says to stop using these models right away.
2. Don’t throw it in the trash. Lithium-ion devices should not go into regular waste or curbside recycling. Contact your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility for disposal instructions. Many big-box stores and municipal facilities accept batteries for safe disposal.
3. Get a refund from ESR. ESR is offering a full refund. The company asks owners to email support@esrtech.com with a photo of the power bank that clearly shows the model number and the word “Recalled” written on the device in permanent marker. Waymeet (the distributor) also lists a customer helpline for recall questions.
4. If you suspect a fire or property damage, contact local emergency services and your insurer; keep records and file any reports requested by regulators. If you had damage from a recalled device, document it — regulators often collect that data as recalls proceed.

How manufacturers and retailers play into this

Regulatory recalls like this involve several players: the manufacturer (ESR), a distributor (Waymeet), retailers (Amazon, Home Depot), and consumer safety agencies (CPSC in the U.S., Canadian recall authorities). That network decides how refunds and returns are handled; the recall is being conducted in cooperation with the CPSC, which is why you’ll see consistent guidance across ESR’s site and federal recall pages.

If you’re shopping for a portable charger now

Two consumer takeaways: first, pay attention to certification and safety (UL/CE markings aren’t perfect, but product safety testing and reputable supply chains matter). Second, if you want wireless magnetic charging that’s closer to Apple’s speeds, look for Qi2-certified packs that advertise 15W wireless output or higher and check recent reviews for reports of overheating. If a bargain looks too good to be true on battery tech, there’s usually a reason.

Final note — recalls happen, but don’t ignore them

Recalls are boring paperwork until they stop your house from burning down. This recall affects a relatively small number of units compared to the millions of chargers sold each year, but the risk here—thermal runaway—is a serious one. If you own one of the model numbers listed (2G520, 2G505B, 2G512B) stop using it now and follow ESR’s recall instructions for a refund and safe disposal.