Anker Power Bank Recall - I Finally Chose Self-Disposal and Selected Replacement

Both of my Anker power banks were in the recall batch. I recently received a text message suggesting self-disposal, so I decided to follow the recommendation. Here I’m documenting the process.

Self-Disposal Steps

For self-disposal, the steps are as follows. It’s actually not too troublesome - treat it as a fun activity.

1. ‌Salt Water Preparation‌: Use 5%-10% concentration salt water (regular table salt mixed with clean water in proportion).
   • I personally think it doesn’t need to be too strict; approximately this ratio is fine.
2. ‌Soaking Process‌: Completely submerge the power bank in salt water for 24 hours.
   • I put it in the night before and took it out the next evening.
   • For safety considerations, I suggest placing it somewhere like a balcony.
3. ‌Evidence Submission‌: Take photos of the power bank’s SN code (unique product identifier) and soaking photos, then upload to the designated channel.
   • Just submit to the Anker recall webpage: Official WeChat account - Participate in Recall - Recall Progress, change to “Self-disposal”, then upload SN code and soaking photos.
4. ‌Safe Disposal‌: After soaking, drain the water and put it in a hazardous waste bag for disposal.
   • I haven't disposed of it yet; I plan to throw away the old power bank after receiving the new one.

Official Self-Disposal Video Tutorial

If you still have issues understanding the steps, you can also watch Anker’s official tutorial video:

Modify Recall Method or Benefits?

If it’s a new recall application, you can naturally choose the method you need directly, such as benefits. If you have the same situation as me, with a previously submitted recall application, you can still modify the application under the official WeChat account, such as modifying benefits or recall method. Of course, once everything is finally approved, it cannot be modified.

As shown below, after I changed from mailing the power bank to self-disposal and changed the benefit from “refund” to “replacement”, everything has now been approved, so they’ve all become non-modifiable.

About Self-Disposing Power Banks - Please Note!!!

After sharing the self-disposal process with friends, they were also eager to try disposing of their own.

Please note: Not all brand power banks can be self-disposed with compensation. This depends on whether the brand’s recall policy for that specific model/batch supports self-disposal. For example, the above power bank qualified because it met the model/batch requirements. If it’s not within the supported range, you cannot choose self-disposal. Not all power banks can be directly destroyed for replacement.

About Compensation Plan Selection - Have Power Banks Become More Expensive?

I previously chose a refund, but since I still wanted to get power banks, I searched on JD and found the prices were quite high. For example, Anker’s MagSafe 10000mAh power bank costs over 300 yuan, and wired ones aren’t cheap either. After this whole incident, it seems like everything has increased in price. As expected, consumers always end up paying the bill.

Considering that buying new ones would also cost money, I chose replacement for both. The specific model (A1637 3-in-1 10000mAh fast charging power bank, 3C certified, with built-in AC charging head + Type-C cable, 30W output) - the lack of wireless charging is still tolerable.

Current Progress

After uploading the screenshots following self-disposal, all reviews have now passed and no other operations can be performed. I just need to wait for the new shipment. The current message I received is as follows:

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience! Regarding replacement processing time, it is estimated that new products will be shipped within 4-8 weeks after receiving your returned product. This is mainly due to current tight inventory supply and high demand for replacements of this product model. If you have exceeded this timeframe, we recommend checking the recall progress through this link: https://recall.anker.com.cn/progress-inquiry/. We will track your order throughout the process. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

This is understandable, especially with recent 3C issues causing supply shortages.

Final Thoughts

1. With this, the recall process has come to an end, and I’m just waiting for Anker to send the new ones.
2. After this power bank incident, it seems Anker hasn’t been greatly affected, while Romoss appears to be in a more precarious position.