A TikTok user is warning iPhone owners who have charging plugs without a green dot on the back to stop using them.
Kenny Jahng explained in an article on July 23 video that the green dot behind an Apple adapter was the result of its voluntary recall in 2008 of chargers sold with original or 3G iPhones.
The green dot on the bottom of the ultra-compact adapters indicates that the item is redesigned and safe to use.
Faulty chargers could have caused a ‘short circuit’, according to Jahng.
With over 431,000 views, Jahng became intrigued by the green dot after noticing it on one charger, but not the others.
Kenny Jahng revealed that iPhone owners who have an older charger plug without a green dot should stop using them during a TikTok video on July 23
Jahng used an Apple USB adapter throughout his video to illustrate the problem.
He said the voluntary recall of the chargers was not “widely advertised” despite the harm it could cause to Apple users.
The main problem with the charger at the time was its pins and how they could break while in the outlet.
“People say it’s not a big deal, but for a company like Apple to remove them completely is a security issue,” Jahng wrote in the comments section.
The company confirmed in a 2008 press release that malfunctioning power adapters supplied with the original and 3G iPhones could create a risk of electric shock.
At the time, Apple received complaints from customers who claimed the tips were detached, but no minor or critical injuries were reported.
Ultra-compact USB power adapters came with iPhone 3G devices shipped to countries including the US, Canada, and Japan.
Following the recall, the company announced that all Apple users who had faulty adapters could exchange them for new ones, free of charge.
Jahng said the voluntary recall of the charger plugs was not “widely advertised” despite the harm it could cause to Apple users.
Apple has recalled several adapters over the years, including a major recall of charging devices for iPhones, iPads, and other Mac products over the years.
The tech company voluntarily recalled its 5W European USB power adapter in 2016 after determining it could overheat and pose a safety risk.
All of the adapters that were part of the 2016 recall came with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S products shipped to various countries in Europe and Asia.
The company issued a major recall in 2019 after determining that its Apple three-prong AC wall plug adapters supplied to several countries would increase the risk of electric shock.
All of the adapters included in this recall were shipped to those countries between 2003 and 2015 and were also in Apple’s worldwide travel adapter kit.
TikTok users were divided over Jahng’s explanation, with some people believing it to be fake.
Apple voluntarily recalled three-prong AC wall plug adapters sold between 2003 and 2015 as part of a major recall in 2019
One commenter wrote: “I don’t believe this. Show me a source that says this was a recall and not just because they were made by Flextronics, which puts green dots on everything they make, or some other similar internet theory.”
“I don’t think any of the chargers that survived this long are defective. People don’t have to throw away their stuff,” wrote another user.
Other users appreciated Jahng’s advice, with one person reportedly purchasing several green-dotted charger plugs on eBay.
“I noticed this dot in the past and wondered why I had that dot. Thank you,” wrote one TikTok user.
