Recall at Aldi: Do not use the product any more.

A small rechargeable fan is the sort of thing that gets left in a desk drawer, travel bag or bedside cupboard until the next warm day. That makes a recall involving its charging lead easy to miss. If you own one of the specified Ambiano mini fans sold by Aldi Nord, the immediate step is to stop using the USB-C cable supplied with it while you check it.

The warning concerns a particular cable, rather than necessarily the fan itself. Aldi Nord says the affected lead may damage a device connected to it. Do not plug it into a phone, laptop, power bank or USB mains adaptor to “test” it. Check it visually first, and take it out of use if it matches the recall description.

If you cannot confidently identify the original charging lead, do not use it until you have spoken to the supplier. Replacing a cable is far less troublesome than risking the device connected to it.

Which product does the recall cover?

The recall applies to the Ambiano rechargeable mini fan with stand base, sold by Aldi Nord in three versions from 13 June 2026.

The stated issue is with the included USB-C charging cable in a particular batch. Aldi Nord warns that using the affected cable may cause permanent damage to connected devices.

The identifying details supplied with the recall are:

• Product: Ambiano rechargeable mini fan with stand base
• Model numbers: 1239-W, 1239-G and 1239-C
• EANs: 4070757014229, 4070757014236 and 4070757014243
• Sale date: from 13 June 2026

Aldi Nord operates in Germany and other parts of Europe, but it is separate from Aldi UK. This recall notice does not, on its own, mean that Aldi UK sold the same product or has issued a UK recall.

The details may still matter if you bought the fan abroad, received it as a gift, bought it from an online reseller or picked it up second-hand in the UK.

How to identify the affected cable

Do not connect the cable to any power source while checking it. You only need good light and a close look at both ends.

1. Find the cable that came in the box

Look for the charging lead supplied with the fan. It has a rectangular USB-A connector at one end and an oval USB-C connector at the other.

If you have several similar leads, do not assume that every cable which fits the fan is affected. The recall concerns the original cable supplied with the specified product.

2. Examine the USB-A connector

Look at the flexible reinforced section directly behind the rectangular USB-A plug. This is sometimes called the strain relief.

Aldi Nord says that the affected cable has an indentation or notch in this section.

3. Examine the USB-C connector

Now check the plastic around the smaller USB-C plug.

According to the recall information, the affected cable has white plastic around this connector.

4. Check for both features

The cable described in the recall has both of the following features:

• an indentation in the strain relief behind the USB-A plug; and
• white plastic around the USB-C plug.

Aldi Nord says that a cable without the indentation at the USB-A end and with black plastic at the USB-C end can continue to be used.

If the lead is dirty, damaged, badly worn or too difficult to inspect, treat it cautiously and stop using it until the supplier can advise you.

Colour alone is not enough. Check the USB-A strain relief and the USB-C connector before deciding whether the cable matches the recall.

What to do if it matches the recall

Stop using the cable straight away. Unplug it from any adaptor, power bank or device if it is currently connected, then keep it somewhere dry and away from children until you can return it.

Aldi Nord advises customers to return the fan and its USB-C cable for a refund. The options given are:

• return the item to an Aldi Nord store; or
• request a prepaid return label from the supplier’s customer service and send the fan and cable back free of charge.

Keep the receipt, packaging and any order confirmation if you still have them. They may help identify the item, although recall arrangements are often different from an ordinary return.

If you are in the UK and cannot visit an Aldi Nord store, contact the supplier before posting anything. Ask how it wants the item returned from the UK and whether it needs the fan, cable or both.

Do not sell, donate, lend or give away the cable. If you have already passed the fan on, tell its current owner about the recall as soon as possible.

Supplier contact details

The contact details given with the recall are:

• Telephone: 00800 1200 1100
• Opening hours: weekdays, 8am to 8pm
• Email: [email protected]
• Postal address: Globaltronics GmbH & Co. KG, Bei den Mühren 5, 20457 Hamburg, Germany

International freephone numbers do not always connect from the UK in the same way that they do locally. If the telephone number does not work, email is likely to be the simplest option.

Include the model number or EAN where possible, where and when you bought the fan, and the fact that you are contacting the supplier from the UK. Ask for written instructions on the return process.

You can also check Aldi UK’s product recall page and the UK Government’s Product Safety Database for notices affecting products sold in Britain. That is useful context, but it does not replace following the supplier’s instructions for this specific Aldi Nord recall.

Common mistakes to avoid

Small charging leads are easily mixed up, so a careful check matters. Avoid these mistakes:

• Plugging the cable in to see if it works. The warning concerns possible damage caused while it is in use.
• Looking only at the fan. The identifying features are on the supplied cable.
• Relying on the colour of one connector. Check for the indentation behind the USB-A plug as well.
• Keeping it as an emergency spare. Once a cable matches the recall description, keep it out of service.
• Putting it in general household waste. Follow the return instructions first. If the supplier tells you not to return it, use an appropriate electrical recycling collection point rather than the bin.
• Assuming every Aldi fan is affected. The notice is limited to the listed Ambiano models sold through Aldi Nord from the stated date.
• Forgetting about a gift recipient or buyer. Let anyone who now owns the fan know promptly.

Sensible charging safety at home

The recall is also a timely reminder to inspect other charging leads around the house. Stop using cables with split insulation, exposed wires, loose connectors, scorch marks or signs of overheating.

Charge devices on a clear, firm surface where practical. Avoid leaving phones, power banks and rechargeable fans charging under bedding, on sofas or close to paper, clothing and other flammable materials.

If a cable, plug or device becomes unusually hot, gives off an unusual smell, crackles or behaves unexpectedly, disconnect it if it is safe to do so. Stop using it and seek advice from the manufacturer or retailer.

Never attempt to repair a USB lead with tape, glue, twisted wires or makeshift parts. Do not cut up the recalled cable before asking the supplier about its return process: it may need the complete item to assess the claim.

A quick checklist for owners

If you have an Ambiano rechargeable mini fan with stand base, take a few minutes to work through this list:

1. Check whether the model number is 1239-W, 1239-G or 1239-C.
2. Check the packaging for EAN 4070757014229, 4070757014236 or 4070757014243, if it is still available.
3. Find the cable originally supplied with the fan.
4. Inspect it without connecting it to power.
5. Stop using it if it has both the USB-A indentation and white plastic around the USB-C connector.
6. Contact the supplier or use Aldi Nord’s stated return route.
7. Tell anyone else who may own or use the fan.

There is no need to panic about every USB-C lead at home. The practical approach is to identify the original lead that came with this particular fan, compare it with the two visual markers and remove any matching cable from use before the next charge.