Amazon warned that its wireless headphones may be at risk of overheating and is urging customers to update their software to make sure they are safe.
Customers received an email Wednesday, saying that in “very rare cases” Echo Buds could overheat on their charging case.
Amazon said it had released a software update to fix the problem “as a precaution.”
“The safety of our customers is our top priority,” he said.
Amazon did not say whether this meant the headphones could catch fire or explode, but it did reveal that its investigation had been triggered by a concerned customer who contacted.
Amazon said owners would automatically receive the update when Echo Buds connect via Bluetooth to a mobile phone and the Alexa app.
He also said that if the Echo Buds were a gift, the customer should alert the recipient immediately.
The headphones are still for sale on the Amazon site, but are labeled “sold out” until the end of August.
- ‘A burning hacked computer burned my hand’
- Washer Hazard Revealed When Recall Was Launched
The details of the email were shared by Daniel Bader, managing editor of the Android Central technology blog.
“We are writing to inform you of a major software update for your Echo Buds,” the email said.
“We recently determined that in very rare cases it is possible for Echo Buds to overheat while in the load case.”
The email also said that the same software update “improves the long-term performance of Echo Buds batteries.”
Many brands of wireless headphones have their own battery inside the case, which automatically charges the headphones when placed inside.
Devices often emit heat from the battery during charging, but are generally kept within strict safety limits.
Amazon did not say whether the heat issue was caused by an overcharge or any other specific issue inside the battery case.
To check if your outbreaks have been updated:
- Open Echo Buds case
- Make sure both buds are in the case
- Confirm that they are connected via Bluetooth to a phone
- Open the Alexa app
- Select “Devices” at the bottom right
- Choose “Echo and Alexa”
- Choose “Echo Buds”
- Scroll down to the “About” section at the bottom of the page
- Confirm that the device is running software version 318119151 or higher
If you have a different software version:
- Open the box lid with the Echo Buds inside
- Confirm that they are connected via Bluetooth to a phone and to the Alexa application
- Verify buds and case are at least 30% charged
- Close the box lid with the sprouts inside.
- Stay within the Bluetooth range of the phone for 30 minutes.
- Verify that the software version is 318119151 or higher, following the instructions above