Amazon warns Alexa Echo Buds earphones pose overheating safety risk

Amazon has warned that its wireless earbuds may be at risk of overheating and urges customers to update their software to make them safe.

An email was sent to customers on Wednesday saying that in “very rare cases”, Echo Buds could overheat in the charging case.

Amazon said it has released a software update to resolve the issue “out of great caution”.

“The safety of our customers is our top priority,” he said.

It’s unclear if Amazon’s engineers discovered the problem on their own or if a real-world accident triggered the advice.

Amazon has said that customers will automatically receive the update when Echo Buds are connected via Bluetooth to a mobile phone and the Alexa app.

He also said that if the Echo Buds were a gift, the customer should immediately notify the recipient.

The earbuds are still on sale on the Amazon site but labeled “out of stock” until the end of August.

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The email details were shared by Daniel Bader, CEO of the Android Central technology blog.

“We are writing to inform you of a major software update for your Echo Buds,” said the email.

“We recently established that in very rare cases Echo Buds may overheat while charging.”

The email also said that the software update itself “improves the long-term performance of Echo Buds’ batteries.”

Many brands of wireless earbuds have their own battery inside the case, which automatically charges the earbuds when inserted inside.

Battery heat is often emitted by devices during charging, but usually remains within strict safety limits.

Amazon did not say whether the heat problem was caused by an overload or any other specific problem inside the battery case.

To check if your friends have been updated:

• Open the Echo Buds case
• Make sure both gems are in the case
• Verify that Bluetooth is connected to a phone
• Open the Alexa app
• Select “Devices” at the bottom right
• Choose “Echo & Alexa”
• Choose “Echo Buds”
• Scroll down to the “Information” section at the bottom of the page
• Check that the software version 318119151 or later is running on the device

If you have a different software version:

• Open the lid of the case with the echo gems inside
• Verify that Bluetooth is connected to a phone and the Alexa app
• Check that the buds and custody are at least 30% loaded
• Close the lid of the case with the gems inside
• Stay within range of your phone’s Bluetooth for 30 minutes
• Verify that the software version is 318119151 or later, following the instructions above