More than 30,000 wireless power banks have been recalled after repeated fires and explosions.
Story Highlights
- Over 33,000 ESR HaloLock wireless power banks recalled due to fire and explosion risks in the U.S. and Canada.
- No injuries reported, but multiple incidents of property damage have occurred.
- Recall exposes ongoing hazards of lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics.
- Regulatory agencies demand immediate product removal and strict hazardous disposal protocols.
Scale and Severity: Massive Recall Signals Battery Risks
In August 2025, U.S. and Canadian safety agencies recalled more than 33,000 ESR HaloLock wireless power banks after multiple reports of fires and explosions. These products, distributed by Waymeet Limited and manufactured in China by Huizhou Tongyinhai Precision Electronics Co. Ltd, were sold under the ESR brand at major retailers including Amazon and Home Depot from September 2023 to July 2025. The recall followed at least five confirmed fire incidents in Canada and substantial property damage, highlighting the severity of hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries and raising concerns about foreign supply chain oversight.
If you own an ESR HaloLock wireless power bank, you may be owed a refund through this recall as some models are a fire hazard. It's your responsibility to properly recycle it. https://t.co/KPN9O8BXvr
— PCMag (@PCMag) August 15, 2025
Consumer safety agencies—the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada—ordered users to immediately stop using the affected power banks and outlined strict disposal procedures due to the hazardous nature of lithium-ion batteries. No injuries have been reported, but the property damage has fueled debate about the adequacy of battery safety standards and the risks posed by rapid market expansion of cheap, foreign-made electronics. The recall affects models 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B, sold through online platforms that reach millions of American households.
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Manufacturing, Oversight, and Accountability Concerns
ESR’s HaloLock recall underscores persistent problems in the global electronics supply chain, particularly with lithium-ion battery quality control. Despite growing consumer demand for portable charging solutions, manufacturers continue to face challenges in ensuring product safety and compliance. The involvement of major online retailers amplifies the reach and impact of such recalls. Accountability has shifted to regulatory bodies and brand owners, but the root causes—manufacturing defects, insufficient product testing, and unclear import enforcement—remain largely unaddressed.
The recall also highlights the growing tension between consumer demand for affordable electronics and the need for rigorous safety standards. Prior incidents, including high-profile recalls of smartphones and mobility devices, have shown that battery failures can have catastrophic consequences. Industry experts have called for more stringent third-party certification and robust pre-market testing, but regulatory enforcement remains reactive, often occurring only after significant property damage or public outrage.
Regulatory Response and Consumer Impact
Both the CPSC and Health Canada have issued public notices with step-by-step instructions for consumers to safely dispose of the hazardous batteries and seek refunds. The recall process has financial implications for ESR, Waymeet Limited, and the retailers involved, as they must absorb costs related to logistics, refunds, and potential liability for property damage.
Consumers are left to deal with the fallout: hazardous waste disposal, potential property loss, and uncertainty about the safety of other battery-powered devices in their homes. Local hazardous waste facilities must handle the influx of recalled batteries, adding strain to community resources.
Sources:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice
