You may have heard about the recent recall on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices. Samsung, in conjunction with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), issued a recall on the device on September 15th. If you own a Note 7 device yourself (it is a terrific media and gaming platform, after all) and have questions or concerns regarding the Galaxy Note 7 recall, read further. We’ve got the answers for you.
What’s causing the Phone to be Recalled?
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is being recalled because there have been multiple recorded instances of devices exploding and catching on fire. In fact, multiple cars have burned to the ground due to device malfunctions; one woman’s phone exploded in a restaurant, filling the entire area with smoke; and a child in Brooklyn, New York was injured when a Galaxy Note 7 exploded in his hands.
Samsung pinpoints the exploding phones on a manufacturing error which led to a puncture in the protective barrier between the negative and positive poles of the battery cells. This led to the batteries overheating to the point where the phone could explode or catch on fire. In total, there have been more than 35 reported cases of exploding phones since the device’s launch in August, prompting the worldwide recall.
How Do You Know if YOUR Note 7 has been Recalled?
All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones sold prior to September 15th, 2016 have been recalled. If you purchased your Galaxy Note 7 prior to this date, it falls within the recall, and you should return it immediately to the retailer where you originally purchased the device. You are eligible for either a new replacement at no cost, a Samsung Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge with the cost difference paid back in cash, or a complete refund on the device – the choice is yours.
What Do I Do with My Recalled Note 7
If you own a Note 7 that has been recalled, return it to the retailer where you originally purchased it for an exchange or refund. If you still have the original packaging, charger, and receipt, be sure to bring these with you to help facilitate the exchange. With that being said, you likely won’t run into any issues if all you have is the device itself. After all, it’s well known that the device has been recalled and you likely won’t be the first person that day who is exchanging your old Note 7 for a new one.
The good news is that replacement Note 7 devices should be available where you live as you read this. Many wireless carriers, like T-Mobile, started offering new replacement Note 7 devices on September 21st. And as you might expect (and hope), no restocking, shipping, or upgrade fees will be charged to you. Should you decide to ditch the Note 7 altogether, you will be refunded for any Note 7 accessories that you return as well. Finally, Samsung is offering a $25 gift card to Note 7 customers for the inconvenience.
Can I Bring my Note 7 on an Airplane?
Owners of recalled Note 7 devices can take them on airplanes, but are advised by the FAA to power them down for the duration of the flight. Additionally (not that you’re likely to do this with your primary phone), the FAA advises that you not pack or stow a Note 7 in your checked baggage. So yes, if you own a Note 7 that has been recalled but haven’t yet had an opportunity to return it, you can technically still take it on an airplane. With that being said, you should probably just return it for a new replacement for peace of mind!
Note 7 Owners, Have No Fear
Though it may be inconvenient to have to return your phone and exchange it for a new one, at least you can rest easy once you’ve done so, knowing that your phone won’t randomly catch on fire or explode. Regardless of your wireless carrier or the retailer where the device was purchased, you are eligible for a new Galaxy Note 7 or a like alternative if you purchased your device prior to September 15th. Take advantage of it and exchange your phone today.
~Samantha Rivers
