A man in Taiwan took to social media to share a shocking experience after one of his Xiaomi power banks allegedly exploded and caught fire in the middle of the night.
In a post shared to the “Xiaomi Fans Club” Facebook group, the man, surnamed Lin, said he had purchased two Xiaomi 20,000mAh 33W power banks with built-in charging cables — the same model that was reportedly involved in several recent incidents of overheating and combustion.
Device Became Extremely Hot Before Explosion
According to Lin, he owned one white and one dark blue unit. The white power bank was used more frequently and tended to heat up easily, while the blue one, used less often, remained relatively cool.
He recounted that the white power bank felt unusually hot when used outside recently. After returning home, he recharged it, but it continued to feel warm. Out of caution, he unplugged it and left it on the dining table before going to bed.
However, early the next morning, Lin was jolted awake by an explosion and the sight of a small fire on the table. He and his family quickly got up to put out the flames. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the table and did not spread.
“I was scared to death,” Lin wrote in his post, adding that he was thankful no one was injured and his home did not sustain serious damage.
No Swelling Before Fire, User Warns Others
Lin stressed that the power bank showed no visible signs of damage or swelling before the fire. He warned others that if their power banks become excessively hot during charging or use, they should stop using them immediately to prevent accidents.
He also noted that both of his devices had been verified on Xiaomi’s official website and were confirmed to be genuine products, not counterfeits.
Xiaomi Users Urged to Monitor Devices Closely
Lin attached photos showing the charred remains of the white power bank, while the blue one is still being monitored for safety.
While Xiaomi has yet to issue an official statement regarding this latest incident, users have been urged to avoid charging power banks unattended, especially overnight, and to ensure they are placed on non-flammable surfaces.
Lithium-ion battery fires, although uncommon, can occur if the battery overheats, is defective, or is exposed to high temperatures. Consumers are advised to monitor their devices closely and discontinue use if they detect unusual heat or burning smells.