What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a significant expansion of a safety recall involving portable wireless power banks manufactured by ESR. This update specifically targets the ESR HaloLock line of devices, adding a new model to the list of units deemed unsafe for consumer use. The primary product affected in this latest expansion is the ESR HaloLock wireless power bank with model number 2G505. Consumers who previously ignored earlier notices should note that this recall now encompasses four distinct models: the newly added 2G505, alongside the previously identified models 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B. These devices are compact, pocket-size power banks designed to recharge smartphones and other compatible electronics wirelessly, featuring five circular LED display lights on one side to indicate battery status.
To help you identify whether your device is part of this specific recall, look closely at the physical labeling. The brand name "ESR" is printed clearly on the back of the unit. On the right side of the power bank's body, you will find the specific model number printed in small text. The newly added model 2G505 was distributed in both black and white color options. The other recalled models (2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B) were sold in a wider variety of finishes, including dark blue, light blue, gray, white, and black. If your device matches any of these model numbers printed on the side, it is included in this expanded recall action.
This recall was distributed by Waymeet, which served as the distributor for these items. While the specific number of units involved in this expansion is not detailed in the current record, the broader context indicates that there have been 20 reports of these lithium-ion batteries catching fire and exploding. These incidents have resulted in approximately $30,000 in property damage, though fortunately, no injuries have been reported to date. The recall was officially announced on October 9, 2025. If you purchased this device recently or even some time ago through retailers associated with Waymeet or ESR’s direct channels, it is critical to verify your model number immediately. Do not assume that because a model wasn't in earlier warnings, it is safe; the inclusion of the 2G505 model highlights that the risk extends across this specific product line.
The scope of this recall is defined strictly by the model numbers listed above. It does not apply to other ESR products or power banks with different internal battery configurations. The danger lies within the lithium-ion battery cell itself, which has been found to overheat and potentially ignite under normal use conditions. Because the hazard is inherent to the battery chemistry and manufacturing of these specific models, no amount of software updates or careful handling can mitigate the risk. The only safe course of action is to identify the device by its model number and proceed with the return process outlined in subsequent sections of this notice.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a lithium-ion battery, the same type of power source found in nearly every smartphone, laptop, and electric vehicle we use today. While these batteries are generally safe when functioning correctly, they contain a delicate balance of chemical components that must remain stable to prevent danger. In the case of the ESR HaloLock wireless power banks being recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), reports indicate that this internal balance has been compromised, allowing the battery to overheat and potentially ignite.
To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at what happens inside these cells when they fail. Lithium-ion batteries store energy in a highly concentrated form. When the battery begins to "thermal runaway"—a term experts use to describe a self-sustaining chain reaction of increasing heat—the temperature inside the cell can spike rapidly, often reaching hundreds of degrees Fahrenheit in seconds. This excessive heat causes the internal materials to break down and release gases. As pressure builds within the sealed metal casing of the battery, it has nowhere to go but out.
This is where the physical harm occurs. The recalls note incidents where the batteries have not just overheated, but actually caught fire or exploded. When a lithium-ion battery ruptures, it can eject burning materials and hot debris. Because these power banks are designed to be pocket-sized and often used in close proximity to your body or on soft surfaces like beds and couches, the risk of severe burn injury is significant. The heat generated during a thermal event is intense enough to cause third-degree burns almost instantly upon contact with skin.
Beyond the direct threat to personal safety, there is a substantial property damage risk. The CPSC has documented that these fires can spread quickly to nearby items, such as furniture, clothing, or other electronics. In the reports filed so far, consumers have experienced property damage estimated at approximately $30,000 across 20 separate incidents. This underscores that the hazard is not merely a inconvenience; it is a genuine fire risk that can compromise the safety of your home or office environment.
It is important to note that this failure can happen without warning. The batteries may feel warm during normal use, but by the time they are visibly smoking or flaming, the situation has often escalated beyond simple overheating. The explosion risk is particularly high if the battery is physically damaged, punctured, or exposed to extreme temperatures, but in some cases, manufacturing defects can trigger these events even under normal conditions. This is why the CPSC and Waymeet are urging immediate cessation of use for all affected models, including the newly added 2G505 model alongside the previously recalled 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B units.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at immediate risk consists of anyone who owns or carries the ESR HaloLock wireless power banks, specifically those with model numbers 2G505, 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B. Because these devices are designed to be pocket-size and portable, they are often kept in close proximity to the body for extended periods. Users who frequently charge their smartphones on the go—such as commuters, travelers, or professionals working remotely—are more likely to encounter the hazard while the device is active or charging nearby. The risk is not limited to the user holding the device; property damage reports totaling approximately $30,000 indicate that these units can ignite and explode with enough force to damage surrounding items, meaning anyone in the immediate vicinity of a malfunctioning unit is vulnerable.
While the Consumer Product Safety Commission has not reported any personal injuries to date, the nature of lithium-ion battery failures suggests that certain demographics may face heightened consequences if an incident occurs. Lithium-ion batteries, when they overheat and ignite, can reach extremely high temperatures in a very short amount of time. For children, who are naturally curious and may handle electronic devices roughly or place them in bags alongside flammable materials like clothing or paper, the risk of accidental activation or physical damage to the battery casing is a significant concern. A compromised battery is far more likely to fail catastrophically than an intact one.
Elderly users or individuals with limited mobility may also be at greater risk from the secondary effects of such an incident. If a power bank ignites while charging on a bedside table, nightstand, or desk near where a person sleeps or rests, the resulting fire can spread rapidly. Because these devices are often used to keep communication lines open for safety reasons, a failure could also lead to delays in seeking help if a fire breaks out. Furthermore, the toxic fumes released by burning lithium-ion batteries pose a serious respiratory hazard. Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or COPD are particularly vulnerable to the smoke and chemical irritants generated during a battery thermal runaway event.
It is also important to note that the risk extends beyond just the direct user. Since these power banks are often shared among family members, roommates, or colleagues, one person’s failure to recognize the recall can endanger others who handle the device without knowing it is defective. The fact that the models were sold in various colors—including dark blue, light blue, gray, white, and black—means that the hazard is not visually obvious based on color alone. Therefore, anyone who has used, borrowed, or received one of these specific ESR models as a gift should be considered potentially at risk until they verify the model number and dispose of the unit properly.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own an ESR HaloLock wireless power bank, it is crucial to verify whether your specific device falls under this expanded recall notice. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a specific set of models that are affected by the fire and burn hazards associated with overheating lithium-ion batteries. To determine if your power bank is included, you need to look closely at the physical device itself, as the identification marks are printed directly on the unit.
First, check the back of the power bank for the brand name "ESR," which confirms the manufacturer. Next, turn the device over or look at the right side of the pocket-size power bank to find the model number. The expanded recall specifically includes the following models: 2G505, 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B. If your device bears any of these model numbers, it is part of this recall. It is important to note that the previously recalled models 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B are now joined by the addition of model 2G505 to the list of affected items.
You can also identify these devices by their visual design features. All recalled models feature five circular LED display lights located on one side of the device. These lights indicate the remaining battery charge. Regarding color, the newly added model 2G505 was sold in black and white. The other recalled models (2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B) were available in a wider range of colors, including dark blue, light blue, gray, white, and black. Therefore, color alone is not a reliable way to rule out the recall, as white and black units are included across multiple model numbers.
If you cannot find the model number or if you are unsure whether your device matches one of these criteria, do not guess. The safest approach is to contact Waymeet, the distributor handling this recall, for assistance. You can reach them via email at support@esrtech.com or by calling their toll-free line at 888-990-0280 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT). When contacting them, be prepared to provide your order number if you have it, though this is not strictly required for initial inquiries. You may also visit https://www.esrtech.com/pages/recall or navigate to the "Product Recalls" section at the top of www.esrtech.com to view official details and confirm the status of your specific unit.
What to do — step by step
If you own an ESR HaloLock wireless power bank, the first and most critical action is to stop using the device immediately. This is not a suggestion to wait or to use it sparingly; it is a necessary precaution because the lithium-ion battery inside can overheat and ignite without warning. Continuing to charge your phone with this unit or carrying it in your pocket while it is active significantly increases the risk of a serious burn injury or a fire in your home. Please put the device down right now and move it to a safe, non-flammable surface away from curtains, bedding, or other combustible materials.
Once you have safely set the power bank aside, you need to initiate the refund process through Waymeet, the distributor handling this recall. You can contact them by calling their toll-free number at 888-990-0280 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may reach out via email to support@esrtech.com or visit the official recall page at https://www.esrtech.com/pages/recall. When you contact them, inform them that you have one of the recalled models. While they do not strictly require your order number, providing it can help speed up the verification process.
You will also be asked to send a photo of the power bank to support@esrtech.com. This step is important for confirming the specific unit involved. In your email, please clearly write the word "Recalled" on the image using a permanent marker or digital annotation tool before sending it. This ensures that customer service representatives can quickly identify the model number printed on the right side of the device and verify it matches the recall list (models 2G505, 2G520, 2G505B, or 2G512B). The photo should clearly show the model number and the five circular LED display lights on the side.
Finally, you must dispose of the recalled power bank correctly. Do not throw it in your regular household trash, nor should you place it in standard curbside recycling bins or used battery drop-off boxes at retail stores. These standard disposal methods pose a greater fire risk because these recalled lithium-ion batteries are more volatile than typical batteries. Instead, take the device to your local municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) collection center. Before you make the trip, it is highly recommended that you call your local HHW office first to confirm they accept recalled lithium-ion batteries specifically. If they do not, contact your municipality for further guidance on safe disposal options in your area.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
In this specific recall, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has determined that a simple repair is not a viable solution for the safety issues at hand. Instead, the remedy provided by the manufacturer and distributor is a full refund. This approach makes sense when you consider the nature of the hazard: the lithium-ion battery inside these power banks is prone to overheating and igniting. Fixing a single component might not address the underlying manufacturing defect or material flaw that caused the thermal runaway in the first place. Therefore, the safest and most straightforward path for consumers is to return the device entirely and get their money back.
To initiate this process, you need to reach out to Waymeet, the company responsible for distributing these products. You have two primary ways to contact them. You can call their toll-free number at 888-990-0280. If you prefer written communication or need to send documents, you can email support@esrtech.com. These channels are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit the official recall page online at https://www.esrtech.com/pages/recall. If that link does not work for some reason, you can go to www.esrtech.com and look for the "Product Recalls" tab located at the very top of the webpage.
Before you call or email, it helps to have your information ready, though the process is designed to be as low-friction as possible. When you contact Waymeet or send an email, you will be asked to provide a photo of the recalled power bank. This photo must clearly show the model number, which is printed on the right side of the device. Crucially, you must write the word "Recalled" in large, permanent letters across that photo using a permanent marker. This visual cue helps customer service representatives quickly identify that you are following proper safety protocol and not just trying to return a standard item for store credit.
You might also be asked to provide your order number. However, it is important to note that this is not strictly required. The company understands that people often lose receipts or buy these items as gifts. So, if you do not have your order number, do not worry about it. The photo with the "Recalled" label is the most critical piece of evidence they need to process your refund. Once they verify your submission, they will guide you through the next steps, which likely involve returning the physical unit or receiving instructions on how to proceed without sending it back, depending on their current logistics.
It is worth emphasizing that this is a full refund, not store credit or a partial reimbursement. The risk involved here—fire and serious burn injury—is too significant for any compromise. By accepting the refund, you are removing the hazard from your home entirely. Please do not attempt to keep the device as a spare part or for "later use." The battery cells themselves are unstable under certain conditions, and keeping them in your drawer or garage poses a risk to you and your property. The refund process is your ticket to safety; use it promptly.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a convenient accessory like the ESR HaloLock wireless power bank. These devices are designed to be always-with-you companions for charging phones on the go, and discarding one feels like losing a useful tool. However, ignoring this recall carries significant and immediate risks that go far beyond simply wasting money or losing convenience. The core issue lies in the fundamental instability of the lithium-ion battery cells installed within these specific units. When you continue to use a power bank with a compromised battery, you are essentially keeping a volatile chemical reaction close to your body, your home, and your most valuable electronics.
The primary danger is thermal runaway, a condition where the battery’s internal temperature rises uncontrollably. In normal operation, lithium-ion batteries manage heat through sophisticated safety circuits. In the recalled models, those safeguards have failed or are absent in critical areas. As you charge the device or draw power from it, the defective cells can overheat rapidly. This is not a gradual warming; it is a sudden spike in temperature that can turn the plastic casing into an ignition source. Once the battery reaches its flash point, it does not just get hot—it catches fire. The CPSC data confirms that this is not a theoretical risk but a recurring reality, with 20 separate incidents already reported where the batteries ignited or exploded.
The consequences of ignoring this warning extend beyond the device itself. Fire from lithium-ion batteries burns at extremely high temperatures and can spread quickly to nearby combustible materials, such as furniture, curtains, or bedding. We have already seen reports of approximately $30,000 in property damage linked to these incidents. While no physical injuries have been reported to date, that is a narrow margin for comfort. A fire starting in your pocket, on your nightstand, or while charging under a pillow can escalate in seconds, leading to severe burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and the destruction of your home. The explosion force alone can shatter glass, damage walls, and scatter burning debris across a room.
Furthermore, continuing to use the device puts your other belongings at grave risk. These power banks are often used to charge smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. A battery failure inside the power bank can send voltage spikes or physical shrapnel into the connected device, potentially ruining expensive electronics that may cost more than the original price of the charger itself. The risk is not just about the power bank burning up; it is about the chain reaction of damage it triggers. By waiting, you are gambling with your safety and your property for the sake of temporary convenience. The remedy offered—a full refund—is a clear signal from the manufacturer that the product is fundamentally unsafe for continued use. Do not test the limits of this hazard; stop using it immediately to prevent what could become a catastrophic event.
Staying safe: broader tips
Lithium-ion batteries have become the standard power source for our most portable devices, from smartphones to wireless chargers, due to their high energy density and lightweight nature. However, this same characteristic that makes them so convenient also means they require careful handling to prevent thermal runaway—a condition where a battery overheats uncontrollably, potentially leading to fire or explosion. While manufacturers implement rigorous safety protocols, understanding how to care for these batteries in your daily life can significantly reduce risks.
First, always use charging accessories that are certified by recognized testing laboratories. Cheap, uncertified chargers or cables often lack the necessary circuitry to regulate voltage and current properly, which can cause excessive heat buildup inside the battery. When using wireless power banks like the ones recalled in this notice, ensure they are placed on hard, flat surfaces. Avoid covering them with blankets, pillows, or clothing while they are charging or discharging, as these materials trap heat and prevent proper ventilation. If a device feels unusually hot to the touch during use, unplug it immediately and let it cool down before handling it again.
Physical protection is equally important. Lithium-ion cells can be damaged by punctures, crushing, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Never leave your power bank in a hot car on a summer day, as internal temperatures can quickly exceed safe operating limits. Similarly, avoid dropping the device or exposing it to water unless it is specifically rated for such conditions. If you notice any swelling, deformation, or leakage from the battery compartment, stop using the device immediately. Swelling indicates that gas has built up inside the cell, a clear sign of internal failure.
Finally, stay informed about product safety updates. Regularly check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or sign up for email alerts to receive notifications about recalls affecting your household items. Many hazards are identified through consumer reports before widespread damage occurs, so timely awareness can prevent accidents entirely. By treating these devices with respect and following basic care guidelines, you can enjoy their convenience while keeping your home and family safe.