A Reddit user recently shared their frustration with the anti-repair design of an Anker power bank, highlighting challenges in fixing the device after it stopped working.
What's happening?
According to the post, the Anker A1291 power bank refused to reset and output power properly despite appearing functional when plugged in. Upon attempting to repair it, the user discovered a "heavily clipped-together" internal design that made disassembly and repair extremely difficult.
The lack of repair-friendly features led the user to slap the housing back together without achieving a proper fix, raising broader concerns about e-waste and product longevity. This instance echoes growing frustrations among consumers about the inability to extend the life of electronic products.
"I already bought the 737 to replace it, but I won't be buying any more Anker batteries unless they become easier to service," the customer said in their comment.
Why is electronic repair important?
The problem with repair-unfriendly designs extends far beyond consumer inconvenience — it directly contributes to the mounting global e-waste crisis. Each year, millions of tons of electronics end up in landfills, often due to minor faults that could be repaired.
Products designed without repairability in mind effectively shorten their life span, forcing users to replace them prematurely.
The environmental cost of this cycle is staggering: Mining rare materials for new electronics depletes natural resources, while improper e-waste disposal pollutes ecosystems. As more manufacturers adopt anti-repair practices, the gap between sustainability goals and industry practices continues to widen.
Is Anker doing anything about this?
While Anker has built a strong reputation for its reliable and affordable products, this example reveals a significant gap in its commitment to sustainability. There's no indication that Anker has made strides toward designing repair-friendly products.
Critics argue that the company — and others like it — must take responsibility for ensuring their devices are serviceable and support a circular economy model.
🗣️ Which of these factors would most effectively motivate you to recycle old clothes and electronics?
🔘 Giving me money back 💰
🔘 Letting me trade for new stuff 👕
🔘 Making it as easy as possible ⚡
🔘 Keeping my stuff out of landfills 🗑️
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
Anker has implemented some positive initiatives, such as prioritizing energy-efficient products and offering recycling options for old devices through third-party partnerships. However, without incorporating repairability into their designs, these efforts fall short of addressing the e-waste problem comprehensively.
What's being done about repairs more broadly?
Globally, the push for "Right to Repair" legislation is gaining momentum. Laws in places like the European Union and several U.S. states are forcing manufacturers to provide repair manuals, spare parts, and tools for consumers and independent repair shops. Advocates argue that these measures are critical for reducing e-waste and empowering consumers to maintain their products.
Individuals can also contribute by supporting repair-friendly brands, investing in tools to fix minor issues, and exploring community repair workshops.
The Anker power bank may have frustrated one Reddit user, but it also sparks an important conversation about the role of repairability in building a sustainable future.
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