UK iPhone and Android users given urgent advice to follow or face 'consequences'

An urgent alert has been issued to anyone with an Android or iPhone device, and it's not something to be ignored. The new alert has been released due to ongoing concerns about charging batteries with unofficial power packs. As most people are aware, almost all new devices now ship with just a USB-C cable and not a charger in the box. That can mean a trip to a store and a bill of at least £20 to buy a proper adapter.

That's not exactly cheap and it's easy to see why many consumers look for cheaper alternatives. Unofficial chargers can be found on online marketplaces like Amazon for less than £8—less than half the price of products sold directly by manufacturers such as Apple or Samsung. However, consumer watchdog Which? is warning that these bargain purchases could come with serious safety risks.

To investigate, Which? purchased a range of chargers from online marketplaces including Amazon (and Amazon Haul), AliExpress, B&Q Marketplace, Debenhams Marketplace, and eBay. Testing revealed alarming results: nine chargers were found to pose a risk of electric shock due to poor manufacturing standards, while eight were deemed potential fire or explosion hazards.

There was even one plug that looked exactly like an Apple USB-C 35W Power Adapter. This £11.99 accessory even had packaging that displayed Apple's branding. However, Which? found the product to be a counterfeit charger that failed safety tests.

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The investigation also uncovered chargers lacking mandatory UK safety markings, as well as devices with dangerously designed internal circuitry that could increase the risk of overheating, fire, or explosion.

This is not the first time Which? has raised concerns about unsafe electrical products sold through online marketplaces.

Sue Davies, Head of Consumer Protection Policy at Which?, said: "Badly designed electrical products can have life-altering, and even fatal, consequences. Online marketplaces have been aware of the risks posed by counterfeit chargers for years, yet consumers continue to be exposed to dangerous products."

She urged the government to use new powers under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act to strengthen product safety laws and introduce clear legal obligations for online marketplaces, backed by robust enforcement measures.

In response, Amazon said customer safety remains a top priority and highlighted its partnership with Electrical Safety First to promote safe charging practices. The company stated that all products sold on its platform must comply with applicable laws and regulations, and confirmed that the chargers identified by Which? had been removed. Amazon also said it actively monitors for safety concerns, recalls affected products, and contacts customers when necessary.

B&Q echoed these commitments, stating that it takes product safety seriously and proactively checks that recalled items are not listed for sale on its Marketplace platform.

For consumers, the message is straightforward: purchase chargers from official retailers or trusted brands such as Apple, Belkin, Anker, and Samsung. While these products may cost more upfront, experts warn that the potential safety risks associated with cheaper alternatives far outweigh the savings.