Don’t Use This Recalled Belkin Wireless Charger

Wireless charging is confusing, but one fact is clear: If your charger could potentially give you a shock, or set your phone on fire, you should probably stop using it.

While no injuries or incidents have been reported regarding Belkin’s “Portable Wireless Charger + Stand Special Edition,” shown above, the company has issued a warning about it. Stop using the charger now, and look up when you purchased it. If you bought it between July and October of last year, contact Belkin for a refund. (And if you’re not sure if you’re affected, check your charger’s serial number here.)

As Belkin describes the problem:

“A manufacturing defect in the power supply unit can cause the charger to malfunction and overheat, posing fire and shock hazards.

No injuries or property damage have been reported, and no other Belkin wireless chargers or any other Belkin products are affected by this recall.

If you have purchased the Belkin Portable Wireless Charger + Stand Special Edition, WIZ003, it is important that you immediately stop using it, disconnect it from any power supply, and contact us for further instructions.”

To get started with your refund — and figure out how Belkin wants you to dispose of your faulty device — visit this site and get ready to enter a bunch of information. You’ll be asked to provide details about yourself, including your contact information and mailing address. You’ll also need to submit your charger’s serial number. If you don’t know the actual date of purchase, that’s totally fine.

Next, you’ll need to submit photos of both your charger — specifically, its rear — as well as a receipt for your purchase. Here’s hoping you bought it from an online retailer, as I doubt many people save receipts for phone accessories for six months.

Is this a pain? Absolutely. Still, $80 is $80, and not starting an accidental fire is worth something too. And on that note, I understand if this entire ordeal makes you a little Belkin-phobic. But recalls happen. Thankfully, there are plenty of great alternatives that are either speedy or cheap, should you feel the urge to explore another brand. Otherwise, you can still pick up the same Apple-exclusive Belkin charger for the exact same price you paid previously. Your call.

[The Verge]