What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall involving specific models of the ESR HaloLock wireless power banks. These portable charging devices are manufactured by ESR and were distributed to consumers through Waymeet. The recall centers on three distinct model numbers: 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B. It is important to note that the official recall announcement does not specify the exact total number of units affected by this safety notice, nor does it provide a comprehensive list of all retail stores or online platforms where these items were originally sold beyond noting their distribution by Waymeet. Therefore, if you are unsure whether you purchased from this specific distributor, checking your order confirmation emails or receipts is the most reliable way to confirm your source.
To help you identify if you own one of these recalled devices, look closely at the physical characteristics of the power bank. The brand name "ESR" is printed clearly on the back of the device. On the right side of the pocket-size unit, you will find the specific model number. These power banks were marketed in several color options, including dark blue, light blue, gray, white, and black. A distinctive feature shared by all recalled models is the presence of five circular LED display lights located on one side of the device, which are used to indicate the remaining battery charge.
The timing of this recall is critical for consumers who may have purchased these items recently. The official recall date is August 14, 2025. This date marks when the CPSC officially announced the safety issue. While the announcement does not detail the exact start and end dates of the sales period, it implies that any unit matching the described model numbers and physical features could be part of this batch. Because lithium-ion batteries can degrade or fail unpredictably over time, and because these specific units have been linked to multiple fire incidents, it is vital to verify your device against the model numbers listed above regardless of when you bought it, provided it falls within the distribution scope identified by Waymeet.
If you own an ESR HaloLock wireless power bank with any of the following model numbers—2G520, 2G505B, or 2G512B—you should treat this recall seriously. These are not minor cosmetic variations but specific units that have been identified as posing a significant safety risk due to their internal battery components. The description provided by the CPSC is precise: look for the "ESR" branding on the back, the model number on the right side, and the five circular LEDs. If your device matches this description exactly, it is included in the recall, and you should proceed immediately to the remedy steps outlined in subsequent sections of this guide.
The hazard, explained
The core issue with the recalled ESR HaloLock wireless power banks lies in the behavior of the lithium-ion battery housed inside. These devices are designed to store electrical energy and release it on demand to charge your phone or other gadgets. However, in these specific units, the battery can experience a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. This is not a simple malfunction where the device just stops working; it is a rapid, self-sustaining chemical reaction that causes the internal temperature of the battery to spike dramatically and uncontrollably.
To understand why this is so dangerous, it helps to look at what is happening inside the cell. Lithium-ion batteries rely on delicate internal separators to keep the positive and negative components apart while allowing ions to flow. When a defect or stressor causes these separators to fail, the battery can short-circuit internally. This generates intense heat very quickly. Because the power bank is a sealed, portable unit, that heat has nowhere to go. The temperature rises so fast that the electrolyte inside the battery ignites, turning the device into a source of open flame and extreme heat.
This mechanism leads directly to the two primary hazards identified in this recall: fire and burns. When the battery ignites, it can project flames or hot debris outward. The CPSC reports confirm that this physical process has already resulted in property damage, with nine incidents causing approximately $20,000 in losses. While no injuries have been reported to date, the risk to consumers is significant. If a power bank is resting on a bed, a couch, or near flammable materials like curtains when it ignites, it can easily start a household fire.
The burn hazard is equally serious and often immediate. Even if a fire does not spread to other objects, the surface of the power bank itself can become hot enough to cause severe skin burns upon contact. Because these devices are pocket-sized and frequently carried in bags or pockets, there is a real risk that a consumer could be holding the device when it begins to overheat. The sudden release of heat and potential explosion can cause immediate physical injury to hands, legs, or other body parts nearby. This is why the remedy requires you to stop using the device immediately rather than trying to monitor it.
It is important to note that this type of failure is not always predictable. A battery might function perfectly for weeks before suddenly overheating. You cannot rely on warning signs like a slight warmth during charging, as thermal runaway can escalate from normal operation to ignition in a matter of seconds. The only way to eliminate the risk is to remove the defective unit from your environment entirely and follow the specific disposal instructions provided by Waymeet.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk for this recall consists of individuals who have purchased the ESR HaloLock wireless power banks through Waymeet or other authorized retailers between August 2024 and August 2025. These devices are marketed toward iPhone users, specifically those with models that support MagSafe technology (such as the iPhone 12 series and newer). If you own a compatible Apple device and have recently bought a pocket-size power bank from ESR in dark blue, light blue, gray, white, or black, you are part of the affected population. The risk is not limited to professional photographers or tech enthusiasts; it extends to any consumer who relies on portable charging for daily convenience, including students, travelers, and remote workers who keep these banks in bags, pockets, or bedside tables.
While anyone with a recalled unit faces the potential for fire and burn hazards, certain individuals may be more vulnerable to the consequences of such an incident. People who use these power banks while sleeping or charging overnight are at heightened risk. Lithium-ion battery failures can occur unpredictably, often without warning signs like swelling or heat before ignition. If a battery ignites while the device is unattended in a bedroom or near bedding, curtains, or other flammable materials, the potential for property damage and personal injury increases significantly. This is particularly concerning for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues who may have less ability to quickly escape a sudden fire or manage the aftermath of a burn incident.
Households with children also face unique risks. Although the power banks are not explicitly marketed as toys, they are small, portable, and often kept in common areas. If a child were to handle a defective unit, the risk of thermal burns from overheating is immediate. Furthermore, if a battery ignites, the resulting fire can spread rapidly due to the high energy density of lithium-ion cells. Parents should be especially vigilant about where these devices are stored and charged, ensuring they are kept away from reach of young children and placed on non-flammable surfaces.
Additionally, individuals living in older homes or buildings with less robust electrical grounding may face compounded risks if the battery’s internal short circuit interacts poorly with their charging environment. While the hazard is inherent to the battery cell itself, the context in which it is used matters. Those who use multiple devices simultaneously or charge in crowded bags where the power bank can be compressed or damaged are also at greater risk of triggering the failure mechanism. It is crucial for all users, regardless of age or tech-savviness, to recognize that this is not a minor inconvenience but a serious safety issue requiring immediate action.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact customer support, it is essential to confirm whether your specific power bank is part of this recall. Because ESR HaloLock wireless power banks are compact and designed for portability, they can look very similar to other models on the market. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified three specific model numbers that are affected: 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B. These are not vague categories; they are precise identifiers printed directly on the device. If your unit does not bear one of these exact alphanumeric codes, it is not part of this specific safety notice.
To verify your product, you need to physically inspect the power bank itself. Turn the device over and look at the back panel. You will see the brand name "ESR" printed clearly on this surface. Next, shift your attention to the right side of the pocket-size unit. This is where the model number is located. It is critical that you read this code carefully. If the number matches one of the three recalled models listed above, your device is included in this recall regardless of its color or how recently you purchased it.
You may also recognize the item by its visual features and color options. The recalled power banks were sold in five distinct colors: dark blue, light blue, gray, white, and black. A key identifying feature is the front face of the device, which displays five circular LED lights used to show the battery level. If your power bank has this specific arrangement of five round lights on one side and matches one of the model numbers found on the right side, it is the item in question.
Keep in mind that these items were distributed by Waymeet. While you might not remember the retailer if the purchase was made some time ago, checking your order history or packaging for Waymeet branding can provide additional confirmation. Do not rely solely on the color or the fact that it is a wireless power bank, as those features are common across many non-recalled products. The definitive proof lies in the model number printed on the right side of the unit. Once you have confirmed the model number, you can proceed with confidence to the next steps for your refund and safe disposal.
What to do — step by step
If you own an ESR HaloLock wireless power bank, the safest and most responsible course of action is to act immediately. The remedy provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Waymeet is straightforward but requires specific attention to detail to ensure your safety and that of your household. Please follow these steps carefully.
- Stop Using the Device Immediately. The first and most critical step is to cease all use of the recalled power bank right now. Do not charge it, do not plug it into any device, and do not attempt to store it in a bag or pocket where it might be jostled. The lithium-ion batteries inside these units have been identified as capable of overheating and igniting without warning. By stopping use, you eliminate the primary trigger for a potential fire event.
- Contact Waymeet for Your Full Refund. Reach out to Waymeet to initiate your refund process. You can do this 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 email them at support@esrtech.com or visit https://www.esrtech.com/pages/recall (or navigate to "Product Recalls" on the main ESR website). When you contact them, clearly state that you have a recalled ESR HaloLock power bank. While an order number is not strictly required for this process, having it available may help speed up verification.
- Prepare and Send Photos as Requested. As part of the remedy, you will be asked to send photos of the device to support@esrtech.com. Specifically, take a clear photo of the power bank showing the model number printed on the right side of the pocket-size unit. Before taking this photo, write the word "Recalled" on the device using a permanent marker. This visual cue is important for safety logistics; it ensures that anyone handling the item later knows it is hazardous and must be treated with care. Send these images along with your contact information to the email address provided.
- Dispose of the Battery Correctly. Do not throw the recalled power bank in your regular household trash, nor place it in curbside recycling bins or standard used battery drop-off boxes at retail stores. These general disposal methods pose a significant fire risk to sanitation workers and processing facilities. Instead, you must dispose of this lithium-ion battery as hazardous waste. Contact your local municipal Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection center ahead of time to confirm they accept recalled lithium-ion batteries or devices. If your local center does not accept them, contact your municipality for specific guidance on where to take it. Proper disposal is essential to prevent the battery from igniting during transport or processing.
By following these steps, you are not only securing your refund but also protecting your community from potential fire hazards. The process is designed to be simple, but the safety precautions regarding disposal cannot be overstated. Take your time with the photo and the disposal arrangement, as these details matter greatly for everyone’s safety.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
In this specific recall involving ESR HaloLock wireless power banks, the remedy is straightforward and consumer-friendly: you are entitled to a full refund. The manufacturer, through its distributor Waymeet, has opted not to offer repairs or direct replacements for these defective units. This decision is primarily driven by the nature of the hazard itself. Because the lithium-ion batteries within these devices have demonstrated a tendency to overheat and ignite, sending a replacement unit that may share the same underlying design flaw would be irresponsible. Similarly, attempting to repair the battery component is not a viable option for consumers or even most service centers, as internal lithium cells require specialized handling and equipment that goes far beyond standard electronics repair.
To initiate your refund, you must contact Waymeet directly. You have three convenient options for reaching them. First, you can call their toll-free number at 888-990-0280. Their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or wish to have a paper trail of your request, you can email them directly at support@esrtech.com. Alternatively, you may visit their dedicated recall webpage at https://www.esrtech.com/pages/recall. If that link does not work for some reason, you can navigate to www.esrtech.com and click on the "Product Recalls" tab located at the top of the webpage.
When you contact Waymeet, be prepared to provide specific details to verify your product. While they have stated that your order number is not strictly required, providing it can help expedite the process. More importantly, you will need to submit a photo of the recalled power bank. This photo must clearly show the model number printed on the right side of the device. Crucially, you must write the word "Recalled" on the device in permanent marker before taking the photograph. This visual confirmation helps ensure that the correct hazardous units are identified and processed correctly.
It is important to understand why a refund is the chosen remedy rather than a simple exchange. The nine reported incidents of fire and explosion, which caused approximately $20,000 in property damage, highlight a serious safety risk. A replacement unit would not address the fundamental issue that the battery chemistry or design in this specific batch (models 2G520, 2G505B, and 2G512B) is unsafe. Therefore, accepting a refund allows you to remove the hazard from your home entirely while getting your money back. Once you have sent your photo and contact information via email or phone, follow any further instructions provided by their support team regarding shipping or disposal. Do not attempt to ship the battery yourself unless explicitly instructed to do so by Waymeet, as improper shipping of damaged lithium-ion batteries is dangerous.
Please remember that this recall applies to all color variants sold, including dark blue, light blue, gray, white, and black models. If your device has five circular LED display lights on one side and bears the ESR branding, it is likely part of this recall regardless of its color. By following these steps, you ensure that you are compensated fairly while helping to keep the community safe from potential fire hazards.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a device that has become part of your daily routine. Your ESR HaloLock wireless power bank likely holds a charge for your phone, keys, or wallet when you need them most, and discarding it feels like an inconvenience. However, ignoring this recall is not merely a matter of losing a convenience; it is a direct invitation to introduce a serious fire risk into your home, office, or car. The core issue lies in the lithium-ion battery inside. Unlike standard batteries, these cells contain volatile chemicals that can become unstable if they overheat. When that stability is lost, the battery does not just stop working—it can ignite. This is not a theoretical possibility based on speculation; it is a documented reality for this specific batch of products.
The consequences of continuing to use a recalled power bank extend far beyond the device itself. According to reports received by the manufacturer, there have already been nine instances where these lithium-ion batteries caught fire and exploded. While it is reassuring that no personal injuries have been reported so far, the property damage associated with these incidents has reached approximately $20,000. This damage typically results from the intense heat and flames generated by a thermal runaway event in a confined space, such as inside a bag, under a pillow, or plugged into a wall outlet overnight. A small power bank can generate enough heat to melt plastic casings, singe upholstery, or start a larger structural fire if left unattended.
Think about where you might be keeping this device when it is not in use. If you store it in your pocket, the heat generated by a failing battery can cause severe burns to your skin before you even realize something is wrong. If you leave it charging on a nightstand or desk, the risk shifts from personal injury to property damage. Lithium-ion fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish with standard household fire extinguishers because they burn at extremely high temperatures and can re-ignite easily. By ignoring the recall, you are essentially gambling that your specific unit will not be the one to fail. But given that nine other units have already failed catastrophically, the likelihood of being "lucky" decreases with every day you continue to charge it.
Furthermore, disposing of these batteries improperly in regular trash or curbside recycling bins exacerbates the danger for everyone involved. If a defective battery makes it into a garbage truck or a municipal recycling facility, the pressure and heat can cause it to ignite, endangering sanitation workers and damaging valuable equipment. The risk is not just yours; it is communal. Choosing to keep using the device instead of following the refund process allows a known hazard to remain active in your environment. The remedy provided—a full refund—is immediate and unconditional, removing any financial barrier to staying safe. There is no need to wait for a worst-case scenario to prove that the recall notice was necessary.
Staying safe: broader tips
Lithium-ion batteries have become the standard power source for our most portable devices, from smartphones and laptops to wireless chargers and power banks. While they offer incredible convenience and energy density, understanding how to handle them safely is essential for preventing the kinds of thermal events described in recent recalls. The primary danger with these cells is not just the electricity they carry, but the chemical energy stored within them. When that energy escapes too quickly—due to internal damage, manufacturing defects, or external stress—it turns into heat. This process, known as thermal runaway, can happen almost instantaneously and is difficult to stop once it begins.
To mitigate these risks in your daily life, start by protecting the physical integrity of your devices. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to punctures and crushing. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of power banks or phones in your bag, as this can damage the internal separator between the anode and cathode. If you drop a device, even if it appears fine, inspect it closely for any signs of swelling, deformation, or heat generation during charging. A swollen battery is a clear sign that gas has built up inside due to chemical degradation; these should never be charged or used again.
Charging habits play a critical role in battery longevity and safety. Always use certified chargers and cables that match the specifications of your device. Cheap, uncertified accessories often lack the necessary circuitry to regulate voltage and current properly, which can lead to overheating. Furthermore, avoid charging devices on flammable surfaces like beds, couches, or pillows. If a thermal event occurs, these materials provide fuel that can turn a small incident into a major fire. Hard, non-combustible surfaces like wood tables or tile floors are much safer choices.
Temperature control is another vital factor. Lithium-ion batteries perform best in moderate climates and can be damaged by extreme heat or cold. Never leave your devices in a hot car on a sunny day, as interior temperatures can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. Similarly, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for extended periods. If you notice your battery getting unusually warm during use or charging, unplug it immediately and let it cool down in a safe, open area before attempting to use it again.
Finally, stay informed about the safety of the products you own. Manufacturers occasionally issue recalls when they discover defects that could pose safety risks. You can monitor these updates by signing up for alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or checking their website regularly. By staying proactive and treating your electronics with respect, you can enjoy the benefits of modern technology while keeping your home and family safe.