Anker is recalling a total of five power bank models, citing a risk of internal battery pack malfunction. The company is urging owners of impacted units to dispose of them at dedicated depots or facilities that accept rechargeable batteries, and to not simply throw them away alongside other household trash.

In particular, Anker is recalling the following external battery bank models:

• Anker Power Bank (10K, 22.5W) — Model A1257
• Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-in USB-C Cable) — Model A1647
• ANker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W) — Model A1652/
• Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-in USB-C and Lightning Cable) — Model A1681
• Anker Zolo Power Bank (20K, 30W, Built-in USB-C Cable) — Model A1689

“While the likelihood of malfunction is considered minimal, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to initiate a voluntary global recall of several Anker power bank models. We have formally notified and are coordinating with regulatory authorities in all regions to ensure the recall is conducted in compliance with all applicable local guidelines,” says Anker in a press release.

This recall marks the second of its kind from Anker this year. The company previously recalled over one million of its A1263 PowerCore 10,000 power banks, pulling the product off store shelves after several reports of fires and malfunctions. With regard to these five additional models, there haven’t been any reports of real-world failures as yet (via The Verge).

As compensation, Anker is offering the choice between a free replacement model or an in-store gift card to customers affected by the recall. If you happen to be implicated, you can enter your claim by filling out a Product Recall Submission Form over on Anker’s website. Anker says the model number of each battery pack in question can be found on the back or side of the unit itself.

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Battery woes aren’t exclusive to Anker

Lithium-ion batteries are a sore point in the modern tech space

Samsung / Pocket-lint

While processors, displays, cameras, and operating systems have made great technological strides within the mobile industry in recent years, the state of rechargeable battery tech remains comparatively less impressive. Far and away, batteries remain the Achilles’ Heel of modern consumer electronic devices, with stamina and longevity lagging behind where I’d hope they’d be.

Lithium-ion batteries, which power just about every one of our mobile gadgets, degrade significantly during normal use, and pose potential safety hazards if not manufactured and stored adequately. We’ve seen several scares over the years, and Anker’s newfound battery woes aren’t exactly unprecedented. Most infamously of all, Samsung recalled its entire fleet of Galaxy Note 7 flagship phones back in 2016, after units began catching on fire due to battery-related issues.

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen a new battery technology emerge on higher-end mobile devices, known as silicon-carbon. When compared with traditional Li-ion cells, silicon-carbon power packs are much denser in capacity, allowing for more energy to be stored in a smaller physical space. Even still, it’s unclear whether these next-generation batteries offer demonstrable improvements from the standpoint of longevity or safety.

Putting aside this Anker recall, I’d recommend storing any and all old electronic devices with a rechargeable battery in a cool, dry location, in order to minimize any risk of damage and possible safety concerns. To maintain the health of a battery for as long as possible, store devices at approximately 50% battery capacity, and make a habit of booting up said devices once every six months at minimum.

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