Here’s how to check if your Audio-Technica earbuds are affected.
Audio-Technica is recalling its SQ1TW2 wireless earbuds after finding a fault in some charging cases. Apparently, the cases can overheat so much and even emit smoke, posing a safety risk.
Customers with affected models are urged to return them for a free replacement and proper disposal.
Details of the Recall
The SQ1TW2 earbuds, introduced in August 2024, are a follow-up to the well-received SQ1TW.
These earbuds feature a smaller and more compact design. They include standard features you’d expect on mid-range earbuds, like multipoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices, a low-latency mode for gaming, and up to 8 hours of battery life.
But, their biggest selling point is that they offer all these at a very affordable price.
However, a serious safety issue has emerged. During quality checks, Audio-Technica discovered a defect in some charging cases.
The company says a small number of cases have faulty batteries that can overheat and produce smoke.
This has prompted Audio-Technica to recall all potentially affected units. The company will handle the disposal of faulty products through proper environmental channels to ensure both customer safety and environmental compliance.
What Customers Should Do
If you own the SQ1TW2 earbuds, it is crucial to check the serial number inside the charging case.
If the serial number falls between 2322 and 2426, or if no serial number is present, the unit may be defective.
While no injuries or serious damage have been reported, Audio-Technica strongly advises customers with affected units to:
- Stop using the charging case immediately
- Remove the earbuds from the case
- Store the case away from flammable materials
- Contact Audio-Technica’s customer service at [contact info] for a free replacement
The replacement process typically takes 5-7 business days. Until then, store the affected charging case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Recurring Issues in the Industry
This isn’t the first time Audio-Technica has faced challenges related to overheating batteries. In the past, the company recalled its ATH-CK3TW earbuds due to a similar defect in their charging cases.
However, the issue of overheating is not unique to Audio-Technica.
Sony has also dealt with alarming cases of overheating and even explosions with its WF-1000XM4 earbuds.
Some units popped open during charging, and in one case, a user reported injuries when their earbuds exploded during use. Sony’s investigation linked these problems to overcharging issues, possibly made worse by a problematic software update.
These incidents reflect broader concerns about the safety of battery technology in wireless earbuds.
While manufacturers are addressing these problems through recalls and software fixes, the industry needs stronger quality control measures.
Battery testing standards haven’t kept pace with the rapid development of wireless audio technology. As these devices become more common, creating stricter safety protocols becomes increasingly important.