What was recalled
Wyze Labs has issued a voluntary recall affecting the Wyze Solar Cam Pan security cameras. These are lithium-ion battery-operated outdoor security devices designed to provide wire-free surveillance with motorized pan-and-tilt functionality and an integrated solar panel for continuous power. The products were sold in white and are identified by the model number WYZESCPWH, which is located on the back of each camera unit.
The recall centers on a specific manufacturing or instructional error related to the assembly process. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the incorrect assembly instructions included with these cameras can lead consumers to accidentally puncture the lithium-ion battery's metal casing during installation. This puncture risk is particularly associated with the use of the long, flat-head screw provided for installing the solar panel on top of the camera. When this screw is used as directed by the flawed instructions, it can penetrate the protective casing of the internal battery.
This recall was announced on June 4, 2026. The CPSC report does not specify the exact number of units sold or the specific geographic regions where the cameras were distributed beyond noting they were available through Wyze's sales channels. However, it clearly states that any consumer who used the long, flat-head screw to install the solar panel on top of the camera should participate in the recall. If you are uncertain about the type of screw used during installation, please consult the company's website for detailed guidance and assistance on identification procedures.
The affected products are outdoor security cameras that rely on a lithium-ion battery for operation when sunlight is insufficient. The integration of the solar panel is intended to keep the battery charged, but the assembly flaw undermines this safety feature by creating a direct hazard during setup. Consumers should note that the recall applies specifically to units where the long, flat-head screw was used for the solar panel installation. If you did not use this specific screw, your device may not be affected, but verification through Wyze's official recall portal is necessary.
The recall highlights the importance of following assembly instructions precisely, especially when dealing with lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are powerful energy sources that require careful handling to prevent short circuits or physical damage. The incorrect instructions provided by Wyze Labs inadvertently encouraged a dangerous installation method, turning a routine setup step into a potential safety hazard.
To determine if your device is affected, visit http://www.wyze.com/SCPrecall. This website will guide you through the identification process and confirm whether your specific unit falls under the recall scope. Wyze Labs is committed to resolving this issue by offering all affected consumers a free replacement camera with solar panel accessory, a full refund or a gift card for the original purchase price to use on the firm's website. Consumers will be required to attest to disposal of the recalled camera.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is so critical, it helps to look closely at the specific mechanical failure involved. The Wyze Solar Cam Pan security cameras rely on an internal lithium-ion battery to function wirelessly. These batteries are powerful and efficient, but they require careful handling during assembly. The core issue stems from a flaw in the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the solar panel on top of the camera. Specifically, the directions failed to adequately warn users about the depth and placement requirements for a particular long, flat-head screw.
When consumers followed these misleading instructions, they often drove this screw too deep into the camera housing. Because the battery sits directly beneath the area where the solar panel is attached, the excessive length of the screw caused it to puncture the protective metal casing that encloses the lithium-ion cell. This is not a minor scratch; it is a direct breach of the battery’s structural integrity.
Once the metal casing is compromised, the internal components of the battery are exposed to conditions they were never designed to withstand. Lithium-ion batteries contain highly reactive chemicals. When the protective barrier is breached, it can lead to an immediate short circuit. This short circuit causes the battery to rapidly overheat in a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. Unlike a standard electronic device that might simply stop working or get warm, a punctured lithium-ion cell can escalate quickly into a fire.
The danger here is twofold: fire and severe burns. The heat generated by the failing battery is intense enough to ignite surrounding plastic materials within the camera housing and nearby objects. For consumers, this poses a significant risk of serious injury. If the camera is mounted near living spaces or if someone attempts to handle the overheating device, the potential for third-degree burns or smoke inhalation is real. Furthermore, because the battery fails unpredictably, there is little warning time before ignition occurs.
It is important to note that this is not a software glitch or a connectivity error. It is a physical defect rooted in assembly instructions that led to improper installation. The combination of the long screw and the lack of clear depth limits created a perfect storm for battery puncture. This type of hazard is particularly dangerous because it affects the power source itself, meaning the device becomes unstable regardless of whether it is currently turned on or off. The risk persists as long as the damaged battery remains inside the unit, making immediate cessation of use essential.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of homeowners and renters who purchased the Wyze Solar Cam Pan security cameras (model WYZESCPWH) in white. Because these devices are designed to be wire-free and mounted outdoors, they are typically installed by individuals seeking convenient, low-maintenance surveillance solutions for their porches, driveways, or yards. The specific risk factor here is not merely owning the camera, but how it was installed. If you used the long, flat-head screw to attach the solar panel to the top of the unit, you fall directly into the high-risk category. This is because that particular installation method can inadvertently puncture the metal casing of the internal lithium-ion battery. Therefore, any consumer who followed the original instructions using that specific screw type is at immediate risk of exposing themselves to fire and burn hazards.
While the mechanical failure can happen to anyone regardless of age or physical ability, certain demographics face more severe consequences if a fire or burn incident were to occur. Elderly individuals may have slower reaction times when responding to sudden heat or smoke, and they might be physically less able to quickly evacuate a home if a battery ignites inside a device mounted near an entryway. Furthermore, older adults are often more susceptible to serious burns due to thinner skin and reduced pain sensitivity, which can delay their awareness of the danger until significant injury has occurred.
Families with young children also face heightened vulnerability. Small children are naturally curious and may not understand the danger of a hot device or sparking battery. If the camera is mounted at a lower height or if a child manages to reach it, they could suffer direct contact burns. Additionally, their developing lungs are more sensitive to smoke inhalation, which can be particularly dangerous in the early stages of a lithium-ion battery fire. Households with pets present another layer of risk; animals may knock over or interact with the camera during installation or maintenance, increasing the likelihood of accidental puncture or exposure to hazardous materials if the casing is compromised.
It is also important to note that renters or those living in multi-unit dwellings face broader community risks. A fire originating from a mounted security camera can spread rapidly to adjacent walls, siding, or neighboring units, endangering not just the user but their neighbors as well. Therefore, the "who" at risk extends beyond the individual owner to include anyone living in close proximity to where these cameras are installed. If you fall into any of these groups—particularly if you used the long flat-head screw—you should treat this recall with urgency and follow the disposal instructions carefully to protect yourself and your community.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact customer support, it is important to confirm exactly which device you are holding. Wyze Labs has issued this recall specifically for the Wyze Solar Cam Pan security cameras. This is a wire-free, outdoor unit designed with motorized pan-and-tilt functionality and an integrated solar panel. If your camera does not have these specific features—particularly the built-in solar component—it is likely not part of this particular safety notice. The product was sold in a white color finish, so if your device is black or another hue, it falls outside the scope of this recall.
The most definitive way to verify whether your camera is affected is by checking the model number located on the back of the unit. Look carefully at the rear casing of the camera for the printed code WYZESCPWH. This alphanumeric identifier is the primary marker used by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Wyze to define the affected inventory. If you do not see this exact model number printed on the back of your device, it was not included in this specific recall batch. It is worth noting that while the recall notice does not specify a serial number range or manufacturing date range, the presence of the WYZESCPWH model code is the key indicator provided.
You might also wonder if the purchase date matters for eligibility. The recall was announced on June 4, 2026, but it applies to units sold previously that remain in consumer possession. Therefore, the age of your device is less important than its physical characteristics and model designation. However, there is a crucial detail regarding how you installed the camera that determines if you are actually at risk. The hazard stems from incorrect assembly instructions that may lead consumers to puncture the lithium-ion battery’s metal casing. Specifically, this risk applies to users who used a long, flat-head screw to install the solar panel on top of the camera.
If you are uncertain about the type of screw used during your initial installation, or if you cannot remember whether it was long or short, do not guess. Visit http://www.wyze.com/SCPrecall to access detailed guidance and assistance on identification procedures. The company’s website will help you confirm whether your specific setup matches the criteria for the recall. Once you have confirmed that your device bears the WYZESCPWH model number and was installed with the long, flat-head screw, you can proceed with confidence knowing you are part of the affected group eligible for a free replacement, refund, or gift card.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Wyze Solar Cam Pan security camera, the most critical action you can take right now is to stop using the device immediately. This isn’t a minor inconvenience; the risk of fire and serious injury from burns is real because the incorrect assembly instructions may have led you to puncture the lithium-ion battery’s metal casing during installation. Once that casing is compromised, the battery can rapidly overheat. Please do not attempt to fix the camera yourself, open it up to check the battery, or continue installing it on your property. Your safety and the safety of your home come first, so treat this device as hazardous until you have followed the official remedy process.
The next step is to determine whether your specific unit is part of the recall. You need to visit http://www.wyze.com/SCPrecall directly from a computer or mobile device. On this page, you will find the guidance necessary to check if your camera is affected. The recall specifically targets units where consumers used a long, flat-head screw to install the solar panel on top of the camera. If you are certain you used that specific type of screw during installation, your device is included in the recall. However, if you are uncertain about the exact hardware used or cannot remember the installation details, the website provides detailed assistance and identification procedures to help you confirm your status. It is better to verify this carefully than to assume your unit is safe.
Once you have confirmed that your camera is part of the recall, you must arrange for its proper disposal. This requires extra care because recalled lithium-ion batteries present a significantly greater risk of fire than standard batteries. Do not throw the camera in your regular household trash, nor should you place it in curbside recycling bins or general used battery recycling boxes found at retail stores. Instead, you should dispose of the device in accordance with local and state regulations. Your municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center is likely the appropriate destination. Before you travel there, however, you must contact the office ahead of time to ask if they accept recalled lithium-ion batteries. If they do not, contact your municipality for further specific guidance on safe disposal.
Finally, while you are arranging for the safe disposal of your old camera, you can choose your preferred remedy from Wyze Labs. The company is offering all affected consumers one of three options: a free replacement camera with a new solar panel accessory, a full refund, or a gift card for the original purchase price to use on their website. To proceed with any of these options, you will be required to attest to the disposal of the recalled camera. This step ensures that the unsafe devices are removed from circulation properly. By following these steps—stopping use, verifying your model, disposing of it safely via HHW channels, and claiming your remedy—you protect your home and ensure the company can address this serious safety defect effectively.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
Wyze Labs has made the decision to offer you three distinct paths to resolve this issue, ensuring that you are not left with a defective product and that your safety is prioritized without financial penalty. You are not forced to choose just one option blindly; rather, you have the flexibility to select the remedy that best fits your current needs and peace of mind. The company is offering a free replacement camera complete with a solar panel accessory, a full refund for the original purchase price, or a gift card equivalent to that original purchase price to be used on their website. This variety allows you to decide whether you want to continue using their ecosystem with a new device, recover your money to buy from elsewhere, or keep the credit within their store.
To access any of these remedies, you must first confirm that your specific unit is part of this recall. You should visit http://www.wyze.com/SCPrecall to determine whether your device is affected. This step is critical because not every Wyze Solar Cam Pan is subject to this action; only those assembled with the long, flat-head screw during installation are included. If you are uncertain about which type of screw was used when you installed the solar panel on top of your camera, the website provides detailed guidance and assistance on identification procedures. Do not guess at this stage, as incorrect identification could lead to unnecessary steps or confusion later in the process.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, the next step involves a mandatory condition: you will be required to attest to the disposal of the recalled camera. This is not merely a formality but a vital safety checkpoint. Wyze Labs needs assurance that the hazardous item is removed from your home before they release your refund or replacement. You cannot simply keep the old unit while receiving the new one. When you proceed through the remedy process on their website, you will formally declare that you have disposed of the recalled device in accordance with local and state regulations.
It is important to understand that the choice of remedy does not change the disposal requirement. Whether you opt for a refund, a gift card, or a free replacement, the obligation to dispose of the battery correctly remains identical. Because the recalled cameras contain lithium-ion batteries that pose a fire risk if punctured, they cannot be thrown in the trash or placed in general curbside recycling bins. You must ensure your disposal method is safe before you complete the attestation on Wyze’s site. This ensures that the safety hazard is neutralized regardless of which financial remedy you select.
If you choose a full refund, expect the money to be returned to your original payment method. If you prefer a gift card, it will likely be issued for digital use on their website, allowing you to purchase other items at your convenience. For those who still wish to use Wyze products, the free replacement camera with solar panel accessory is a direct fix for the hardware issue, provided you follow the corrected installation instructions that come with it. Each option is designed to remove the risk from your life while respecting your preference for how to handle the financial aspect of the transaction.
What can happen if you ignore it
If you continue to use your Wyze Solar Cam Pan without addressing this recall, you are essentially leaving a ticking time bomb on your property. The core issue here is not just a minor software glitch or a blurry video feed; it is a fundamental physical danger caused by the way the device was assembled. Because the incorrect instructions likely led you to puncture the protective metal casing of the lithium-ion battery during installation, that battery is no longer contained safely. In normal conditions, lithium-ion batteries are robust and reliable. But once that metal shell is compromised, the internal components can short-circuit or react violently with oxygen and moisture in the air.
The most immediate and severe consequence of ignoring this warning is a fire. When the battery’s casing is punctured, it loses its primary defense against thermal runaway—a condition where the battery heats up so rapidly that it triggers a chain reaction within itself. This isn’t a slow, gradual warming; it is a rapid, uncontrolled overheating event. The result can be an intense flame that spreads quickly to surrounding materials, such as your home’s siding, eaves, or nearby vegetation. For many homeowners, the thought of a security camera causing a house fire is hard to grasp, but lithium-ion batteries store enough energy to ignite combustible materials almost instantly once they fail.
Beyond property damage, the risk to personal safety is significant. Burns from lithium-ion battery fires are not just surface-level; they can be deep and severe due to the high temperatures involved. The heat generated during a thermal event can reach thousands of degrees Fahrenheit, enough to cause third-degree burns upon contact or through radiant heat exposure. If you or a family member were to attempt to handle the overheating device out of curiosity or confusion, the risk of serious injury skyrockets. There is also the danger of toxic fumes. When these batteries burn, they release hazardous chemicals that can irritate the lungs and eyes, posing a respiratory hazard even if you are not directly touching the fire.
Furthermore, ignoring this recall creates a secondary liability issue. If a fire starts because you continued to use a known defective product despite being notified of the defect, it could complicate insurance claims or legal responsibilities. While manufacturers generally bear responsibility for defects, failing to act on a specific safety alert can sometimes be viewed as negligence in how the device was maintained after the risk was identified. The Wyze Solar Cam Pan is designed to be wire-free and convenient, but that convenience comes at the cost of relying entirely on the integrity of its internal battery. Once that integrity is breached by improper installation, the device transforms from a helpful tool into a serious hazard. The potential outcomes range from a small, contained incident to a catastrophic house fire with devastating financial and emotional costs. There is no upside to waiting; the only way to ensure your safety and the safety of your home is to remove this risk immediately.
Staying safe: broader tips
When we talk about outdoor security cameras and the lithium-ion batteries that power them, it is easy to focus entirely on the specific brand or model in question. However, the underlying chemistry that makes these devices so convenient also requires a baseline of respect and awareness. Lithium-ion batteries are incredibly efficient at storing energy in a small space, which is why they have become the standard for everything from smartphones to power tools. But that density comes with a responsibility: they can become unstable if damaged, punctured, or exposed to extreme heat for prolonged periods. Understanding this general principle helps you make smarter decisions about how you handle and maintain any device that relies on this technology, regardless of the manufacturer.
One of the most critical aspects of keeping your home safe with these devices is proper installation and physical protection. Many modern security cameras are marketed as "wire-free" to offer maximum flexibility in placement. While this convenience is appealing, it often leads consumers to place them in spots where they might be vulnerable to accidental impact or environmental stress. For instance, mounting a camera too close to areas where tools are stored or where heavy objects might fall increases the risk of physical damage to the battery casing. Always ensure that your devices are secured firmly and are not hanging precariously from eaves or fences where they could be knocked loose by wind, branches, or accidental contact. If a device feels loose or its housing appears cracked, do not wait for it to fail; treat any visible damage as a potential entry point for environmental elements that could compromise the battery seal.
You should also remain vigilant about the charging habits associated with these devices. Even if your camera has an integrated solar panel, many models still include ports for wired charging or backup power. Never leave a lithium-ion device charging unattended for extended periods, especially overnight or while you are away from home. Overcharging can generate excess heat, and while modern devices have safety circuits to stop charging when full, these systems are not infallible. If you notice your device becoming unusually warm to the touch during operation or charging, disconnect it immediately and allow it to cool down in a safe, open area before investigating further. Heat is the primary enemy of battery integrity, so avoiding direct, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight or hot engine compartments is also wise.
Finally, stay proactive about your home’s general safety ecosystem. Just as you replace smoke detector batteries annually, consider setting a calendar reminder to check for product recalls on all major electronics in your home once or twice a year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other regulatory bodies regularly update their databases with new information that may not make national news headlines but is vital for specific owners. By making recall checks a routine part of your home maintenance, much like changing HVAC filters, you ensure that you are protected by the latest safety data without having to react to an emergency. This habit empowers you to act before a minor issue becomes a major hazard, keeping your household secure and informed.