ESR issues recall for power bank due to fire risk - here's what you need to know and do ASAP

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ZDNET's key takeaways 

• ESR is recalling the HaloLock power bank over fire concerns. 
• Affected power banks were sold on Amazon and other retailers.
• You can email ESR a photo of your device for a refund.

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If you have an ESR HaloLock wireless power bank, you should stop using it immediately and contact the company for a refund.

In a post Thursday, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that ESR is recalling certain models of the HaloLock wireless power bank because they're at risk of overheating and catching on fire.

Also: Finally, I found a portable charger that checks all of my boxes for traveling

Users have reported nine instances of a HaloLock igniting, causing about $20,000 in damage. There are no reported injuries. That's a small number, but the company felt the fires alone were enough to warrant a voluntary recall. 

About 24,000 units are a part of this recall, plus almost 10,000 more in Canada. ZDNET has reviewed other products in the ESR HaloLock family, and they were all generally well-received. 

How to identify the recalled ESR powerbank

The ESR Halolock was sold on Amazon.com, Homedepot.com and Esrtech.com from September 2023 through July 2025 for between $32 and $40. Specifically, you're looking for model numbers 2G520, 2G505B and 2G512B. "ESR" is printed on the back, the model number is printed on the right side, and there are five circular LED display lights on one side.

What to do if you have a recalled ESR HaloLock

If you have an affected model, first stop using it. Write the word "Recalled" in permanent marker on the device and send a photo of it to [email protected]. ESR will review your submission and, if approved, send you a full refund. The USCPSC warns that you shouldn't throw the powerbank in the trash, the general recycling, or even in used battery recycling boxes found at retail stores, like you might a normal lithium-ion battery. Instead, dispose of it through your local household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center.

You can call the manufacturer at 888-990-0280 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday for more information.

Also: The best power banks you can buy in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

This announcement comes just after Anker issued a recall for a popular power bank at the end of July and then another about a week later. It also comes as airlines have started to change policies about taking power banks on planes over fire concerns. 

Problems aren't happening often, but the National Business Aviation Association said that "a smoke, fire or extreme heat incident" involving a lithium-ion battery takes place on a plane more than once per week in the US.

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