Samsung advises global Galaxy Note 7 users to urgently replace their phones

Samsung, the world's largest smartphone seller sold 2.5 million copies of its latest Samsung Note 7 which was launched last month but has had to ask customers to stop using them.


This is being done as a precautionary measure against fire due to a battery cell issue; many people in mostly Asian countries have reported that their phones burnt while charging.

Sales of the Note 7 were halted last week in the U.S., Canada, Mexico,  New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Puerto Rico, Australia, the UAE and Korea.

Guidelines from global airlines require customers carrying the phones on a flight to power it down and not charge the phone in the plane as well as not check it in to the stow baggage are also strongly warned against packing it away in checked luggage.

A press release from Samsung reads:

“Our number one priority is the safety of our customers. We are asking users to power down their Galaxy Note7s and exchange them as soon as possible,” says DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are expediting replacement devices so that they can be provided through the exchange program as conveniently as possible and in compliance with related regulations. We sincerely thank our customers for their understanding and patience.”

 Since then, the company says they have been working hard to step up product shipments in order to fulfill the exchange program and reduce any inconvenience for customers.

Customers can reach their local call centers or visit the retail location where the phone was purchased.

In the U.S., customers can call 1-800-SAMSUNG or 1-800-726-7864.

Customers have the option to replace their phone with the Galaxy S7, the Galaxy S7 Edge or a different device and receive payment for the difference.
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Note 7 holders who would rather wait for a new model will receive a Samsung J Series loaner phone until the new model is released.

Note 7 accessories can also be returned for a refund and Samsung is issuing a $25 gift card, in-store credit or bill credit to users for the stress.