Power Bank Lights Cycling in Sequence
Power bank LEDs cycling through in sequence (filling animation or running lights) — what it means, whether it's normal, and what to do.
Cycling
white
Quick info
Visual description
The power bank's LED dots or bar segments illuminate in sequence, one by one, in a repeating loop — creating a 'filling' or 'running' animation effect. The sequence typically goes from left to right repeatedly, with the last lit dot blinking while the others are solid. This is the most visually common LED pattern seen while a power bank is being charged.
What it means
LED cycling on power banks is almost universally the charging-in-progress indicator:
Normal charging animation: LEDs representing the current charge level stay lit solid, while the next LED blinks to indicate 'filling up to here.' The cycling animation repeats about once every 2–3 seconds. This is correct and expected behavior — the power bank is charging.
Pass-through charging: Some power bank models cycle their LEDs even while simultaneously charging a connected device (pass-through mode). This is safe and normal on most supported models.
Wake-up from deep sleep: A power bank that was previously showing no lights may suddenly start cycling its LEDs after 20–30 minutes of being plugged in — this means it has recovered from deep discharge and is now charging normally.
Brand & model variations
The same light pattern can mean different things across manufacturers.
| Brand / Model | What white cycling means | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
Anker PowerCore 10000, PowerCore 26800, 737 | Anker power banks show cycling LEDs while charging. The rightmost active LED blinks to show the 'filling' segment. When all 4 (or 3) LEDs are solid: fully charged. The blinking segment that never progresses after 30 minutes = possibly charged too slowly (weak adapter). | Use the included cable and a 5V/2A+ or USB-C PD adapter for optimal charging speed. |
INIU 10000mAh, 20000mAh | INIU uses a 5-dot LED display. Cycling through dots = charging. All solid dots = full. INIU supports 22.5W fast charge — cycling speeds up noticeably with a compatible fast-charge adapter. | For full charge of 10,000mAh INIU: ~2.5 hours with 22.5W adapter vs ~5 hours on a standard 5W adapter. |
Mophie Powerstation PD, XL | Mophie uses 4 LED dots. Cycling dots = charging. Mophie also blinks the outermost dot when it's finished accepting charge but the power adapter is still plugged in — subtle indicator that it's done. | Mophie tip: a single blinking last dot = fully charged, adapter still connected. Can be unplugged. |
Diagnose your issue
Answer a few questions to narrow down the cause.
Is the power bank plugged into a charger right now?
Safe next steps
Ordered from least to most involved. Check each step as you go.
Cycling LEDs while plugged in = charging in progress. No action needed.
Full charge = all LED segments solid (the cycling stops).
If cycling seems unusually slow or one segment blinks indefinitely: try a higher-wattage adapter.
If cycling occurs with nothing connected and nothing plugged in: hold power button 10 seconds to reset.
When it resolves on its own
Condition: When fully charged
Expected time: LEDs transition from cycling to all-solid when the power bank reaches 100% charge.
When to escalate
Stop troubleshooting and contact your ISP or manufacturer if:
- Power bank cycles LEDs for 6+ hours without reaching full charge — charging IC fault or bad adapter.
- Cycling reverses (right to left, losing LEDs rather than gaining) — battery is getting worse during charging, suggesting cell failure.