An urgent warning has been issued to Apple Watch users after a popular charger was recalled due to a fire risk.
Accessory maker Belkin announced the global recall of its $160 BoostCharge Pro fast wireless charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, which was also sold in the Apple Store.
The defective power bank has the model number BPD005, which can be found on the back, and was released in May 2023.
The company has identified a manufacturing defect that could cause the lithium cell to overheat, posing a fire risk to users.
“Place your BPD005 in a safe, dry place, away from flammable materials or anything that could damage the power bank,” Belkin shared in the announcement.
‘Do not place your power bank in a waste or recycling bin.’
Belkin has removed the charger from its website, but third-party sites still show it for sale.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has also not yet made an official announcement about the recall.
Accessory maker Belkin has announced a global recall of its power bank, the BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, due to a fire hazard
‘If you purchased the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, BPD005, it is important that you immediately stop using it, unplug it from the wall socket or other products and contact us for further instructions ,” the company shared.
The company quietly removed the power bank from its location in October.
“No injuries have been reported and no other Belkin wireless chargers or other Belkin products are affected by this recall,” the recall notice said.
Belkin also said it will refund consumers who purchased the defective power bank.
The Belkin BoostCharge ProFast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K cost $159.
It is unclear how many copies were sold worldwide.
While Belkin did not provide more details about the manufacturing defect causing the overheating, such problems have been linked to the use of cheap materials that introduce impurities.
Other recalls about lithium batteries catching fire also report a cracked separator, a thin plastic film that separates the positive and negative terminals.
The power bank specifically charges Apple Watches and was sold in the Apple Store
However, Belkin was plagued by another recall in 2021 due to the risk of fire.
The Boost Charge Portable Wireless Charger + Stand Special Edition (WIZ003), sold through Apple’s online and retail stores, was withdrawn after a manufacturing defect was discovered that could cause a fire and shock hazard.
An iPhone charger was also recalled in September due to the same defect.
Accessory maker Anker has determined that its MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K), Power Bank and MagGo Power Bank may pose a fire risk after finding that the lithium-ion battery can overheat, causing plastic parts to melt, smoke and catch fire.
‘Although only a small number of batteries (a batch used in the products from January 3, 2024 to September 17, 2024) may be affected by this issue, out of an abundance of caution we are contacting all customers to initiate a Recall program’ , the company said.
Affected models included: Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K)/Anker Power Bank/Anker MagGo Power Bank, model: A1642/A1647/A1652.
‘Stop using this product immediately. Do not throw the power bank in the trash or recycling bin. Please drop off your device at a facility that accepts lithium batteries,” Anker warned.