Wyze Solar Cam Pan Recall: Fire Hazard and Safety Guide (2026)
On June 4, 2026, federal safety regulators and Wyze Labs issued an urgent recall for the Wyze Solar Cam Pan, citing a critical assembly flaw that can lead to battery fires and explosions. If you own this model, you are advised to stop using it immediately and disconnect the power source to prevent potential injury or property damage.
Quick Answer: Wyze recalled the Solar Cam Pan (Model WYZESCPWH) on June 4, 2026, due to a severe fire hazard. Incorrect documentation led users to puncture the internal lithium-ion battery with long mounting screws during installation. This has resulted in reports of overheating, fires, and minor burns. Stop using the device immediately, disconnect the solar panel, and visit wyze.com/SCPrecall to claim a full refund or a replacement kit.
What happened
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued Recall Number 26-524 on June 4, 2026, following a series of hazardous incidents involving the Wyze Solar Cam Pan. This recall affects approximately 321,360 units sold in the United States and roughly 2,560 units sold in Canada through major retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Wyze’s own web store between October 2025 and April 2026.
The root cause of the hazard is an instructional error in the “Quick Start Guide” provided with the camera. The instructions inadvertently directed users to use long, flat-head wood screws—intended for mounting the solar panel bracket to a wall or fence—to attach the solar panel directly to the camera body. Because the internal lithium-ion battery is positioned directly behind the mounting threads, these long screws can puncture the battery casing, leading to a short circuit and subsequent thermal runaway.
Recall Specifics at a Glance
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Wyze Solar Cam Pan |
| Model Number | WYZESCPWH |
| CPSC Recall Number | 26-524 |
| Units Affected | ~321,360 (US), ~2,560 (Canada) |
| Sale Dates | October 2025 – April 2026 |
| Hazard Type | Fire, Explosion, and Burn Hazard |
| Remedy | Full Refund or Replacement Camera Kit |
The ‘Screw Puncture’ Flaw Explained
The Wyze Solar Cam Pan was designed to be a budget-friendly, all-in-one solar solution. However, the hardware design placed the high-capacity lithium-ion battery in extremely close proximity to the mounting point where the solar panel bracket attaches to the camera.
In a standard installation, a “Short Pan-Head” screw (approx. 6mm) is required to secure the bracket without reaching the internal components. The recall notice highlights that the provided instructions failed to distinguish between these short screws and the “Long Flat-Head” wood screws (approx. 25mm-30mm) included in the same hardware bag. When a user mistakenly drives the long screw into the camera’s mounting hole, it acts as a needle, piercing the battery’s protective layers.
Comparison: Included Hardware
| Screw Type | Intended Use | Danger Level |
|---|---|---|
| Short Pan-Head | Attaching solar bracket to camera body | Safe (if used correctly) |
| Long Flat-Head | Attaching bracket to wood/drywall | High Risk (if used on camera body) |
Timeline of the 2026 Recall
The issues began surfacing in early 2026 as users who installed their cameras during the winter months began experiencing failures during the first warm spring days. As of the recall date, Wyze has received 13 reports of devices overheating and 6 reports of the cameras actually catching fire or exploding. Most alarmingly, 6 consumers reported minor burn injuries sustained while attempting to dismantle or move the malfunctioning units.
Wyze proactively disabled the setup process for the WYZESCPWH model in the Wyze app in April 2026 as an interim safety measure while coordinating with the CPSC for the official recall announcement.
Why it matters for buyers
This recall represents a significant moment in the consumer security camera market, highlighting the hidden risks of “budget-first” engineering in devices that combine high-capacity batteries with DIY installation. For buyers, the Wyze Solar Cam Pan recall is more than just a hardware failure; it is a lesson in the physics of outdoor electronics.
The Risk of Budget-First Engineering
To keep costs in the “under $100” range for a solar-powered pan-tilt camera, manufacturers often simplify internal layouts. In the case of the WYZESCPWH, the decision to place the battery directly behind a user-accessible mounting point created a “single point of failure” where a simple human error (picking the wrong screw) leads to a catastrophic safety event.
Independent analysts, including those at RTINGS and The Verge, have frequently noted that Wyze’s aggressive pricing strategy often relies on high-volume manufacturing and standardized components. When those components are packed tightly into a plastic housing without reinforced internal shielding, the margin for error during installation disappears.
Understanding Thermal Runaway in Security Cameras
When a lithium-ion battery is punctured, it experiences an internal short circuit. This causes the battery to release its stored energy as heat almost instantly—a process known as thermal runaway. In an outdoor security camera, this is particularly dangerous for several reasons:
- Plastic Housings: Most budget cameras use polycarbonate or ABS plastic, which can melt and fuel the fire.
- Outdoor Mounting: Cameras are often mounted to wooden fences, vinyl siding, or near roof eaves, providing ample fuel for a house fire.
- Solar Charging: The solar panel continues to feed energy into a compromised system, potentially exacerbating the heat buildup.
For the security camera industry, this recall reinforces the need for “fool-proof” mechanical designs, such as keyed screws or physical barriers that prevent long fasteners from reaching sensitive electronics.
Impact on existing owners
If you currently have a Wyze Solar Cam Pan installed, you must treat it as a potential fire hazard, regardless of whether it currently appears to be working.
Is My Camera Affected?
The recall is specific to the Model WYZESCPWH. You can verify your model by looking at the sticker on the back or bottom of the camera unit. The model number is typically printed in small text near the FCC ID.
Checklist for DIY Installation Risk:
- Did you use the long, silver wood screws to attach the solar panel bracket to the camera?
- Did you feel significant resistance or hear a “crunching” sound during the final turns of the screw?
- Is the camera body bulging or showing signs of discoloration (yellowing or browning) near the mounting point?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these, do not touch the camera while it is in direct sunlight. Wait until evening when the unit is cooler, wear protective gloves, and disconnect the solar cable before unscrewing the unit from its mount.
The Danger of Continued Use
Even if your camera has not yet caught fire, a punctured battery is a ticking time bomb. Environmental factors like humidity and temperature fluctuations can cause the damaged battery cells to degrade further over time. Wyze has officially terminated support for these units; they will no longer receive firmware updates, and the Wyze app will likely display a “Safety Recall” notice instead of a live feed for affected serial numbers.
Proper Disposal of Recalled Lithium Batteries
Do not throw the Wyze Solar Cam Pan in your regular household trash or recycling bin. Punctured lithium batteries are hazardous waste and can cause fires in garbage trucks or processing centers.
- Step 1: Place the unit in a non-flammable container (like a metal bucket or a glass jar) filled with sand or kitty litter.
- Step 2: Locate a dedicated battery recycling center. Organizations like Call2Recycle provide searchable databases for drop-off locations at retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s that are equipped to handle damaged lithium-ion products.
What to do now
If you own the recalled model, your priority is safety first, followed by claiming your remedy from Wyze.
Step-by-Step Refund Process
Wyze is offering three options for affected consumers: a full refund of the purchase price, a replacement camera kit (which includes a redesigned mounting system), or a Wyze store gift card with a small “loyalty bonus.”
- Power Down: Immediately unplug the solar panel from the camera.
- Capture Proof: Take a photo of the back of the camera showing the model number (WYZESCPWH) and a photo of your original receipt (if available). If you bought it on Wyze.com or Amazon, a screenshot of your order history is sufficient.
- Submit Claim: Visit the official recall portal at wyze.com/SCPrecall. You will be asked to enter your serial number and attest that you will dispose of the unit at a hazardous waste facility.
- Contact Support: If you have trouble with the online portal, call Wyze Labs at 888-832-7226 between 8 AM and 6 PM CT, Monday through Friday.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Analysis
When deciding whether to take the refund or the replacement, consider the long-term costs. Wyze cameras are famous for their low entry price, but their ongoing costs have increased.
| Expense Category | Wyze Solar Cam Pan (2026) | Reolink Argus PT (Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Band | $80 - $110 | $120 - $160 |
| Subscription (1 Yr) | ~$35 (Cam Plus) | $0 (Local SD) to ~$40 (Cloud) |
| 3-Year Total Cost | ~$185 - $215 | ~$150 - $280 |
| Storage Trap | Features like “Person Detection” often require the sub. | Most AI features are local/free on-device. |
Top 3 Safe Alternatives to the Wyze Solar Cam Pan
If this recall has shaken your confidence in Wyze, several competitors offer robust solar-powered pan-tilt options with proven safety records and “instruction-proof” hardware designs.
1. Reolink Argus PT (4K Version)
The Argus PT is a favorite among privacy advocates because it handles all AI processing (person/vehicle detection) on the camera itself. Unlike Wyze, it does not require a monthly subscription for basic smart alerts. Its solar panel connects via a standard USB-C cable, and the mounting bracket is physically separated from the battery compartment, making a puncture nearly impossible.
- Price Band: $130 - $170
- Best For: Homeowners who want local storage and no monthly fees.
2. Eufy SoloCam S340
Eufy’s S340 is a “dual-lens” camera, offering both a wide-angle and a telephoto view. The solar panel is integrated into the top of the unit but can also be mounted remotely. Eufy uses a sturdy mounting plate system that prevents the use of incorrect screws during installation.
- Price Band: $160 - $200
- Best For: Those looking for the highest image quality and optical zoom capability.
3. TP-Link Tapo C425 with Solar Panel
TP-Link has rapidly gained market share by offering “Wyze-like” pricing with “Pro-like” build quality. The Tapo C425 is a magnetic-mount camera that can be paired with a Tapo solar panel. The hardware is UL-certified for safety, and the installation process is highly streamlined.
- Price Band: $100 - $130 (including panel)
- Best For: Renters or DIYers who want a simple, magnetically attached setup.
Decision Framework: Which Path Should You Take?
- If you are a “Power User” with many Wyze devices: Take the Replacement Camera. The integration with the Wyze ecosystem (and likely a free year of Cam Plus) makes staying the easiest path, provided you follow the new instructions carefully.
- If you are concerned about fire safety and privacy: Take the Full Refund and switch to Reolink. Their hardware design is physically safer, and their “local-first” approach means your data stays off the cloud.
- If you want the best “Set it and Forget it” experience: Take the Full Refund and invest in the Eufy SoloCam S340. The dual-lens system and superior solar efficiency provide a more reliable long-term security solution.
Sources
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Wyze-Recalls-Solar-Cam-Pan-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
- Wyze Labs Official Recall Page — https://www.wyze.com/SCPrecall
- Call2Recycle Battery Disposal Guide — https://www.call2recycle.org/safety/damaged-batteries/
- RTINGS Security Camera Testing
- The Verge: “Wyze’s Latest Security Flaw is a Physical One”