More than 210,000 portable chargers sold on Amazon are being recalled after federal safety regulators warned that a popular power bank can overheat, ignite, and cause fires — leading to burn injuries. So far, the recalled batteries are implicated in more than $380,000 in property damage.

The recall affects the INIU BI-B41 10,000 mAh power bank sold nationwide through Amazon between August 2021 and April 2022.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said it has received 15 reports of power banks overheating, including 11 reports of fires with three cases involving minor burns. In several incidents, the power banks scorched furniture, bedding, or other household items.

“At INIU, consumer safety and product integrity are our highest priorities.In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), we have voluntarily decided to recall specific batches of [the portable power banks] that have been identified as potentially presenting a safety risk,” INIU said in a recall alert.

Amazon is recalling 210,000 portable batteries due to fire hazard.

Photo by NurPhoto on Getty Images

Recalled INIU BI-B41 power bank: what consumers should do right now

Regulators are urging consumers to stop using the recalled chargers immediately.

Here’s what to do:

• Check serial numbers. INIU said only some units are included, specifically those with serial numbers 000G21, 000H21, 000I21, and 000L21. It’s printed on the back of the device.
• If your unit matches the recalled numbers, visit INIU’s recall page to register for a refund.
• Don’t throw the charger in the trash or regular recycling — the lithium-ion battery must be handled by a hazardous-waste or e-cycling facility, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• If your device overheated or caused damage, document everything and contact the company through its recall hotline.

A fast-growing safety problem for Amazon and consumers

Lithium-ion battery recalls have surged in recent years as inexpensive electronics flood U.S. marketplaces. Power banks, e-bikes, scooters, headphones, and children’s tablets all rely on the same battery chemistry, and when chargers or internal circuits fail, these products can ignite violently.

Although Amazon removes recalled items from sale quickly, regulators and safety advocates say the marketplace model leaves U.S. consumers exposed to inconsistent manufacturing standards.

Many devices come from small overseas suppliers that introduce new models quickly, but don’t test them as rigorously as major brands.

Related: Major Walmart recall of 201,000 camping stoves after explosion reports

This recall arrives at the worst possible time: holiday travel season, when millions of people rely on portable chargers for long flights, road trips, and end-of-year family gatherings.

“It’s extremely common for households to have several of these devices at home,” a federal safety official noted in the recall notice. “Any unit that overheats should be treated seriously and replaced immediately.”

This year was marked by several changes to how passengers can travel with these kinds of chargers and battery-powered devices. In May, the FAA said, “Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only.”

Why the INIU battery recall matters

The scale of this recall underscores how widely potentially dangerous products can spread when a product becomes popular on Amazon.

The INIU model was advertised as “the slimmest 10,000 mAh power bank,” sold at an entry-level price point that made it appealing as a stocking stuffer, college essential, or travel accessory.

Consumers often buy portable chargers in multi-packs, which increases the odds that households have more than one affected unit.

Related: Latest Stellantis recall adds to disturbing industry trend

This recall also highlights how long dangerous electronics can remain in homes. The chargers were originally sold more than three years ago, and many consumers may not remember where they bought them — or that they even still own one.

“When consumers shop for devices that use lithium‑ion batteries, it is critically important that they understand the safety hazards associated with faulty, malfunctioning or uncertified products,” Vice President and General Manager of Consumer, Medical and Information Technologies at UL Solutions Sherry He said.

She emphasized that the UL safety mark indicates a product has met recognized safety standards, helping consumers avoid battery fires.

How to check if your portable charger is included in INIU recall

To identify an affected device:

• Look on the back panel for the model number BI-B41.
• Check the serial number printed near the bottom.
• If it matches one of the four recalled sequences, stop using it.

Consumers who qualify will receive a full refund once their claim is approved.

Recent battery recalls

• Anker PowerCore 10000: ~1.15 million units recalled in June 2025 after dozens of fires and burn-hazard reports. Source: CPSC
• Anker power banks: October 2024 recall covering models A1642, A1647 and A1652 due to overheating batteries. Source: CPSC
• Belkin portable chargers and wireless stands: ~83,500 units recalled in November 2025 over fire/burn risks. Source: KBTX

Consumers with questions or concerns about this recall can email or call INIU: [email protected] or +1-606-220-6170.