January 20, 2026 – A recent incident report details a concerning event involving an INIU Portable Charger that reportedly began smoking while being charged. The consumer was able to quickly unplug the device and safely discard it, preventing further damage to their home or other property.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 30, 2025, a consumer reported an alarming incident involving their INIU Portable Charger, purchased from Amazon. While the portable charger was actively being recharged, it reportedly began emitting smoke. The quick-thinking consumer was able to promptly unplug the device from its power source and safely remove it from their home. Fortunately, no damage was incurred to the consumer’s property beyond the portable charger itself and its charging cord. This swift action prevented a potentially more serious incident involving fire or extensive smoke damage.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights significant safety concerns associated with portable charging devices. When a battery-powered device, particularly one designed to store and deliver significant electrical charge, begins to smoke, it indicates a critical internal malfunction, often related to the battery itself.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is fire. Smoking devices can quickly escalate into full-blown fires, posing a severe risk to occupants and property. Additionally, there is a risk of smoke inhalation, which can be dangerous, especially for individuals with respiratory issues. Electrical shocks or burns from contact with a malfunctioning device are also potential immediate hazards.
- Long-Term Risks: Even if a fire is averted, a smoking device suggests a defect that could recur with other units of the same model or production batch. Such incidents erode consumer trust and raise questions about the safety standards and quality control in manufacturing.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using or near the product during charging is at risk. This includes adults, children, and pets in the household. The incident occurred during charging, a common usage scenario, making many users potentially vulnerable.
- Property Damage Potential: The most significant property damage potential is a house fire. Smoke damage can also be extensive, requiring professional cleaning and repair of walls, furniture, and electronics. The loss of other personal belongings in the vicinity of the incident is also a serious concern.
What Consumers Should Do
Given this report, consumers who own INIU portable chargers, especially those purchased from Amazon, should exercise caution.
- Immediate Steps to Take: If your portable charger begins to smoke, swell, emit unusual odors, or become excessively hot, immediately and carefully unplug it from its power source if safe to do so. Move it to a safe, non-flammable area, preferably outdoors, and away from any combustible materials. Do NOT attempt to continue using or recharge the device. If a fire starts, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
- How to Check if They Own the Affected Product: Check the brand name of your portable charger. This incident specifically mentions an “INIU Portable Charger.” While a specific model number is not available for this report, all INIU portable chargers should be handled with care.
- Prevention Measures:
* Always use the charging cable provided by the manufacturer or a certified, high-quality replacement.
* Avoid overcharging; unplug devices once they are fully charged.
* Do not leave charging devices unattended for extended periods, especially overnight or when no one is home.
* Charge devices on a hard, non-flammable surface, away from fabrics, bedding, or other combustible materials.
* Inspect your portable charger regularly for any signs of damage, swelling, or overheating during normal use.
* Do not use devices that are physically damaged or show signs of bulging, cracking, or unusual smells.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident with a portable charger or any other consumer product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. You should also contact the manufacturer and the retailer where you purchased the product.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this article, the manufacturer’s response to this specific incident report is unknown.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.