What was recalled
If you own a portable charger from the brand myCharge, it is important to take a moment to check your device against a specific safety recall issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). On October 27, 2021, the agency announced that myCharge was recalling seven distinct models of power banks. These are the portable devices used to power and recharge everyday electronics with a USB interface, such as tablets, cell phones, Bluetooth speakers, and e-readers. The scope of this recall is significant, affecting approximately 67,000 units that were distributed across the market. While the exact dates of purchase are not specified in the public record, these products were widely available through various retail channels before the recall was initiated.
The recalled items share a common physical design but vary slightly in their internal specifications and model names. Visually, you can identify these power banks by their anodized metallic cases, which come in three colors: blue, black, or gray. The brand name "myCharge" is clearly printed on the front of the product case. To determine if your specific unit is included in this recall, you must look for the model name and model number, which are located on the back of the product case as well as on the bottom panel of the original packaging. Additionally, date codes are printed on both the outer packaging and the product case itself, serving as a critical identifier for determining eligibility.
The specific models affected by this recall are listed below. Please verify your device against this list carefully:
- myCharge Adventure Mega: Model No. AVC20KG-A with date codes 2818, 3718, 4018, or 4518.
- myCharge Adventure Mega C: Model No. AVCQC20KG-A with date code 2818.
- myCharge Razor Mega: Model No. RZ20KK-A with date codes 3818, 4118, 4418, 4918, or 1719.
- myCharge Razor Mega C: Model No. RZQC20KK-A with date code 3818.
- myCharge Razor Super: Model No. RZ24NK-A with date code 0319.
- myCharge Razor Super C: Model No. RZQC24NK-A with date codes 3319 or 3519.
- myCharge Razor Xtreme: Model No. RZPD26BK-A with date codes 2818, 3718, or 3918.
It is worth noting a small variation in how to find the date code for two of these models. For the Adventure Mega and Adventure Mega C models, the date code is printed on the underside of a flap located on the top of the product case, rather than directly on the main casing or packaging. If your device matches any of the model numbers and date codes listed above, it is part of this recall and should be addressed immediately to ensure your safety.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a failure within the lithium-ion battery cells housed inside your myCharge powerbank. To understand why this is dangerous, it helps to look at what is happening inside the device rather than just on its surface. Lithium-ion batteries store energy by moving lithium ions between two electrodes through a liquid electrolyte. Under normal conditions, a thin separator keeps these components apart to ensure safe operation. However, in the affected myCharge models, that internal separation has compromised, allowing the battery to enter a state known as thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway is a self-perpetuating chain reaction. When the internal short circuit occurs, the battery begins to generate heat faster than it can dissipate it into the surrounding air or the metal casing. Because these powerbanks are designed with anodized metallic cases—available in blue, black, or gray—to look sleek and durable, they often feel cool to the touch during regular use. This creates a deceptive sense of security. You might pick up your Razor Mega or Adventure Mega C without any warning signs, not realizing that the internal temperature is climbing rapidly toward ignition point.
As the heat builds, the pressure inside the battery cell increases dramatically. The lithium-ion chemistry becomes unstable, releasing oxygen and flammable gases. If the casing cannot vent this pressure safely, the battery can ignite or even rupture. This is not a slow leak; it is a sudden release of energy. The CPSC reports that this overheating has already resulted in serious incidents where users were burned on their upper bodies, hands, legs, and feet. In some cases, the heat was intense enough to damage household flooring, walls, and nearby furniture, turning a convenient travel accessory into a significant fire risk.
The danger is particularly acute because these devices are often used in close proximity to people while charging sensitive electronics like tablets or cell phones. When a battery ignites, it does so with intense heat that can cause severe burns almost instantly. The metallic exterior may become too hot to hold, trapping the user’s hand on the device and increasing the risk of injury. Understanding this mechanism is crucial because it explains why you cannot rely on visual cues alone; the hazard is internal until it becomes catastrophic.
It is also important to note that once thermal runaway begins, it is extremely difficult to stop. The chemical reaction sustains itself even if you unplug the device from a power source. This is why myCharge and the CPSC are urging immediate discontinuation of use. The 30 reported incidents, which included seven injuries, serve as a stark reminder that this is not a hypothetical risk but an active physical hazard present in these specific units. By recognizing that the danger lies in the unstable chemical reaction within the battery, you can better appreciate why simply turning off the device or letting it sit on a table is not enough to ensure your safety.
Who is most at risk
The myCharge power banks are designed as portable companions for our modern, always-connected lives. They are compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket, a messenger bag, or a small handbag, making them ubiquitous among students, commuters, business travelers, and tech enthusiasts who rely on tablets, smartphones, e-readers, and Bluetooth speakers while on the go. Because these devices are so convenient and widely used, the pool of potential consumers is vast. However, the specific nature of the hazard—a lithium-ion battery that can overheat and ignite—creates distinct layers of vulnerability among different groups of users. While anyone holding a defective unit faces the risk of thermal runaway, certain individuals are at a higher risk for severe injury due to how they interact with these devices and their physical proximity to the power source during use.
Those who keep their power banks in close contact with their bodies are particularly vulnerable. The recall reports detail injuries involving burns to the upper body, hands, legs, and feet. This suggests that users who charge their phones while carrying the power bank in a front or back pants pocket, a breast pocket, or a bag resting against their torso are at significant risk. If the battery ignites suddenly, the heat is concentrated directly against sensitive skin and clothing. For individuals wearing thin summer clothing or those who carry the device for extended periods during hot weather, the initial warning signs of overheating may be masked by ambient temperature, delaying their awareness that a danger is present until injury has occurred.
People with reduced sensitivity to heat or slower reaction times face compounded dangers. This includes older adults who may have diminished tactile sensation in their hands or feet due to conditions like neuropathy, making it harder to feel the unusual warmth of a failing battery. Similarly, individuals who are deeply engaged in an activity—such as gaming on a tablet, working on a laptop, or sleeping with the device nearby—may not immediately notice the subtle increase in temperature that precedes ignition. The recall notes that seven injuries have already occurred, including property damage to flooring and furniture, indicating that the hazard can escalate from a personal safety issue to a household fire risk if the device is left unattended on flammable surfaces like beds, couches, or carpets.
Children and teenagers, who are frequent users of the affected devices for gaming and social media, may also be at risk due to less developed hazard recognition. They might ignore early signs of swelling or heat, continuing to use a device that is clearly malfunctioning because they do not want to interrupt their entertainment. Furthermore, if children are carrying these power banks in backpacks or loose clothing, the lack of protective barriers means that any thermal event would have immediate and severe physical consequences. Therefore, while the risk is universal across all owners of the seven recalled models, those who keep the devices physically close to their skin, use them for extended periods without checking their temperature, or have reduced ability to perceive heat warnings are in the most precarious position.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a portable power bank from myCharge, taking a moment to verify its specific model details is the most important step you can take right now. Because this recall affects seven distinct models, it is easy to accidentally overlook your device if you do not know exactly where to look or what information to prioritize. The first thing you should check is the physical appearance of the unit. Recalled powerbanks feature an anodized metallic case that comes in one of three colors: blue, black, or gray. On the front of the product case, you should see the brand name "myCharge" clearly written. If your device does not match this general description—perhaps it has a plastic casing or is a different color—it is likely not part of this specific recall, but you should still verify the model number to be absolutely certain.
The critical information for identification lies in the model name and model number, which are printed on the back of the product case. You may also find this information on the bottom panel of the original product packaging if you still have it kept somewhere. Once you locate the model name, compare it against the specific list below to see if your device is included. It is vital to check both the model name and the corresponding date code, as not all versions of these models are affected.
- myCharge Adventure Mega (Model No. AVC20KG-A): Affected only if the date code is 2818, 3718, 4018, or 4518. Note that for this model, the date code is printed on the outer packaging and the product case.
- myCharge Adventure Mega C (Model No. AVCQC20KG-A): Affected only if the date code is 2818. For this specific model, the date code is printed on the underside of a flap on the top of the product case, not on the bottom.
- myCharge Razor Mega (Model No. RZ20KK-A): Affected only if the date code is 3818, 4118, 4418, 4918, or 1719. The date code is printed on the outer packaging and the product case.
- myCharge Razor Mega C (Model No. RZQC20KK-A): Affected only if the date code is 3818. Like the Adventure Mega C, the date code is located on the underside of a flap on the top of the product case.
- myCharge Razor Super (Model No. RZ24NK-A): Affected only if the date code is 0319. The date code is printed on the outer packaging and the product case.
- myCharge Razor Super C (Model No. RZQC24NK-A): Affected only if the date code is 3319 or 3519. The date code is printed on the outer packaging and the product case.
- myCharge Razor Xtreme (Model No. RZPD26BK-A): Affected only if the date code is 2818, 3718, or 3918. The date code is printed on the outer packaging and the product case.
If you are unsure about your date code format or cannot find it easily, remember that approximately 67,000 units were sold, so these devices may have been purchased from various retailers over time. Do not rely solely on when you bought it; the physical labels are your only definitive proof. Take a clear photo of the back of the device and the packaging if available, and keep them handy before contacting myCharge for your refund instructions.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled myCharge powerbanks, the most critical action you can take is to immediately cease using the device entirely. While these portable chargers are designed for convenience, the underlying lithium-ion battery defect poses a genuine risk of overheating and ignition. Continuing to charge your phone or other electronics with this unit is not worth the potential danger. Think of it like ignoring a smoke detector that has started chirping; you do not wait for the fire to start before addressing the problem. By unplugging the device and removing it from your daily routine, you effectively neutralize the immediate threat to your home, your personal safety, and your belongings. Once you have secured the device in a safe location—preferably away from flammable materials like curtains or paper—you need to initiate the remedy process outlined by myCharge. The company has established a specific pathway for consumers to resolve this issue, which involves returning the battery unit to obtain a refund. To begin this process, you should contact myCharge directly. You can reach their support team via their toll-free number at 888-251-2026. It is important to note that these lines are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you may also email them at compliance@mycharge.com. This direct contact ensures that your case is logged correctly and that you receive accurate instructions specific to your model and date code. After making initial contact, follow the detailed return instructions provided by myCharge representatives. They will guide you on how to package and ship the defective powerbank back to them. Do not attempt to dispose of the lithium-ion battery in your regular household trash, as this can pose environmental and safety risks at local recycling centers. Instead, rely on the manufacturer’s logistics for proper handling. Once they receive your returned unit, myCharge will process your compensation. The remedy includes a refund in the form of an electronic voucher for the full purchase price of the product. Additionally, to make this right for the inconvenience and risk you have faced, they are including a 25% bonus on top of that refund amount. This voucher can be redeemed for future purchases at www.mycharge.com. By following these steps precisely, you ensure your safety while receiving fair compensation for the defective product.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified one of the recalled myCharge powerbanks in your home, the most important step is to stop using the device immediately and reach out to the manufacturer for your remedy. It is natural to feel a bit frustrated when a product fails, especially one you rely on to keep your devices charged, but myCharge has established a specific process to make this right for you. The company is not offering a traditional repair service or a direct replacement unit at this time. Instead, the official remedy provided in the recall notice is a full refund of your purchase price, delivered in a convenient electronic format.
To initiate this process, you will need to contact myCharge directly through one of their designated support channels. The recall instructions specify that consumers should call their toll-free number at 888-251-2026. It is helpful to know that their customer service team is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, so you may need to plan your call during these hours. If you prefer written communication or have specific questions that are easier to document, you can also send an email to compliance@mycharge.com. Alternatively, you can visit their website at https://mycharge.com/pages/productsafety or go to www.mycharge.com and click on the "PRODUCT SAFETY" link located at the bottom of the page to find more detailed information and assistance.
Once you have made contact, myCharge will provide you with instructions on how to return the defective battery. The remedy for returning this item is unique in that it does not involve a standard check mailed to your home. Instead, upon returning the powerbank, you will receive an electronic voucher. This voucher covers the full original purchase price of the device. However, there is a significant bonus included in this offer: myCharge is adding a 25% bonus to the value of that voucher. This means you are getting more than just your money back; you are receiving extra credit to use toward future purchases.
The electronic voucher is designed for redemption on www.mycharge.com, allowing you to choose any of their current products rather than being locked into a specific replacement for the same item. This approach gives you the flexibility to upgrade to a newer model or try a different product line from the brand. The rationale behind this remedy is likely twofold: it ensures the hazardous lithium-ion battery is safely removed from circulation and returns, reducing environmental waste and fire risk, while also rewarding customer loyalty with a financial incentive that exceeds the original cost of the defective item. By following these steps precisely, you ensure your safety and receive the maximum benefit available under this recall program.
Please keep in mind that the specific terms of this remedy are tied to the return of the physical product. Do not attempt to dispose of the powerbank in regular trash before contacting them, as improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries can pose fire risks to sanitation workers and facilities. Waiting for their instructions on how to properly ship or drop off the device is a critical part of honoring the terms of your refund and bonus voucher.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel reluctant to stop using a device that has become part of your daily routine. You might be thinking that the power bank works fine most of the time, or that you will simply be more careful with it moving forward. However, ignoring a recall notice for a lithium-ion battery product is not a matter of convenience; it is a matter of serious physical safety. When you continue to use these recalled myCharge power banks, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to a hazard that does not announce itself with a warning light or an error message until it is often too late.
The core danger here is thermal runaway. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, but they are also chemically unstable when compromised. In this specific recall, the internal battery cells have a defect that can cause them to overheat. This is not a minor temperature increase; it is a rapid escalation of heat that can lead to ignition. If you ignore this risk, you are essentially betting that the defective cell will never reach its critical failure point. The reality is that these failures can happen during charging, while the device is idle in your pocket, or even while it is actively powering another device. There is no reliable way for a consumer to predict when the internal short circuit will occur.
The consequences of ignoring this warning are documented and severe. According to reports received by myCharge and reviewed by the CPSC, continuing to use these units has already resulted in seven confirmed injuries. These were not minor scrapes or bruises; they were burns to the upper body, hands, legs, and feet. Imagine the shock of a power bank suddenly igniting while it is resting against your leg on a couch, or while you are holding it in your hand. The heat generated during ignition is intense enough to cause second-degree burns and significant tissue damage almost instantly.
Beyond personal injury, there is a substantial risk to your property and home safety. The recalled units have been linked to incidents of property damage, specifically affecting household flooring, walls, and furniture. A burning power bank can melt plastic casings, scorch wood surfaces, and potentially start a larger fire that spreads beyond the device itself. If you ignore the recall, you are risking not just your own skin, but the safety of your home and family members who may be nearby when the incident occurs.
Silence from the manufacturer does not mean safety. The fact that most of the 67,000 units have not yet caused an incident is a matter of luck, not engineering reliability. Once the battery fails, it fails catastrophically. There is no "slow leak" or gradual warning in this type of failure mode. By acting now, you remove the variable entirely. By ignoring it, you are choosing to carry an unpredictable fire hazard in your bag, on your desk, and in your life.