Verizon Recalls 2.5M Ellipsis Jetpack Mobile Hot Spots Over Fire Hazard

Affected devices should be returned to Verizon for free replacement

Allen St. John, Consumer Reports Senior Home & Tech Writer.

By Allen St. John
Senior Home & Tech Writer

April 8, 2021

Verizon is recalling about 2.5 million Ellipsis Jetpack MHS900L, MHS900LS, and MHS900LPP mobile hot spot devices with lithium-ion batteries that can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

The recall, done in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, followed 15 reports of devices overheating, including six reports of fire damage to bedding or flooring and two reports of minor burn injuries.

The Details

Models involved: This recall involves Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hot spots imported by Franklin Wireless Corp. The recalled Jetpacks are dark navy plastic oval devices that are about 3.5 inches wide and 2.25 inches tall.

“Verizon” is printed below the digital display window on the front of the device. The charger provided with the recalled Jetpacks has a sticker on the wire that says, “Compatible: FWC MHS900L, Model: FWCR900TVL, DC151030.”

Sold at: Verizon stores nationwide, and other stores, as well as school districts nationwide, and online at Verizon’s website from April 2017 through March 2021 for between $50 and $150.

The fix: Replace the unit.

Consumers should use the contact information below to receive a replacement hot spot free of charge and a return envelope to return the Ellipsis to Verizon for safe disposal.

Parents whose children received the recalled Ellipsis Jetpack from their school should contact the school for instructions on how to receive a free replacement device and return their recalled hot spot for safe disposal. Verizon has contacted schools with information about the replacement program.

Until the unit can be replaced, consumers can reduce the risk by powering the unit off, unplugging it from its power source and storing it in a place away from children, on top of a hard surface with adequate ventilation around the unit and away from combustibles until it can be properly returned to Verizon.

If consumers must use the product for internet access, they should take the following steps:

Turn the recalled hot spot on and plug it in to allow the hot spot to receive two over-the-air automatic software updates that enable the device’s identifying number to be viewed on its scrolling screen and prevent the device from charging while the device is plugged in and powered on.
After the software update is applied, users should leave the device powered on while it is plugged in. When not in use, the device should be turned off, unplugged from its power source, and securely stored.

Get more information about how to find your device’s unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which is needed for the return.

Accidents/injuries: Verizon has received 15 reports of devices overheating, including six reports of fire damage to bedding or flooring and two reports of minor burn injuries. To report an incident with this device, contact the CPSC.

How to contact the manufacturer: Call Verizon toll-free at 855-205-2627 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern Time, contact the company online, or go to the Verizon recall page.

CPSC recall number: 21-106.

Allen St. John

Allen St. John has been a senior product editor at CR since 2016, focusing on digital privacy, audio devices, printers, and home products. He was a senior editor at Condé Nast and a contributing editor at publications including Road & Track and The Village Voice. A New York Times bestselling author, he's also written for The New York Times Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Rolling Stone. He lives in Montclair, N.J., with his wife, their two children, and their dog, Rugby.