On Friday, Samsung announced the recall of its Galaxy Note 7 phones. Find out when and how to have your new Samsung phone replaced or refunded free of charge.
Ahead of the iPhone 7 release , Samsung is suffering a major blow to its Galaxy Note 7 sales momentum. Despite early positive reviews of the device, the company announced Friday that it would be recalling all Galaxy Note 7 models and replacing them free of charge.
Why Is Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Being Recalled?
The recall comes one month after the devices’ Aug. 2 release. According to the company, problems with the device setting on fire and batteries exploding in the new Note 7 are the reason the company issued the recall.
According to a statement by Samsung , to date some 35 cases of exploding devices have been reported, leading to the current recall situation.
“Samsung is committed to producing the highest quality products and we take every incident report from our valued customers very seriously,” the company wrote . “In response to recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note 7, we conducted a thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue … we are currently conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market. However, because our customers’ safety is an absolute priority at Samsung, we have stopped sales of the Galaxy Note 7.”
The Galaxy Note 7 has been on sale in the US since Aug. 2 and was scheduled to for a UK release Sept. 2. Since the announcement, Samsung has swiftly removed all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 models from retailers’ shelves as they continue their investigation into the battery issue.
In addition to halting the sales on the Note 7, Samsung also announced an upcoming recall and replacement program for devices already purchased. The replacement program will be expensive and sizable for the company as already more than 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 models have been sold worldwide.
When Does The Galaxy Note 7 Replacement Program Begin? How Can I Have My Device Replaced, Refunded Or Repaired?
At this point, there are no solid details on when the Galaxy Note 7 replacement program will begin. Samsung announced the recall early Friday morning and indicated that more details of the voluntary replacement program would be divulged within the next two weeks. If the replacement program is anything like recall programs that have been conducted by other companies, Samsung will likely set up a website where Galaxy Note 7 owners can check if their device has been recalled and include instructions for getting a replacement device Customers will likely have to show some proof of purchase to qualify. As more details are revealed, we’ll be sure to update this post.
According to Gizmodo, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 customers in Austrailia will be offered a choice of refunds, repairs and replacements wherever requested. This would apply to any Australian customer, whether they purchased on a plan through with a cell service provider or if they bought it directly from Samsung or even in the online store. Samsung Australia’s corporate vice president Philip Newton told Gizmodo customers would be contacted in the coming days with more information about the refund or replacement process.
“We don’t care where you bought it; we’ll provide you with your choice of remedy,” said Newton.
My Galaxy Note 7 Works Fine. Should I Replace It?
While you may be loving your new Galaxy Note 7 and don’t forsee any problems with the device, due to the safety concerns that brought on the recall, it is advised that you have your device replaced as soon as the program opens.
When Will Samsung Galaxy Note Sales Resume?
Samsung has yet to announce when Galaxy Note 7 sales will resume, acknowledging the “inconvenience,” the recall is placing on the market. As the company has planned to implement the replacement program in the next couple of weeks, our guess is more details about sales reboot will be announced around that time as well. As we learn more about the Galaxy Note 7 sales, we’ll be sure to update this post.
Is The Is The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Being Recalled Too?
Due to the similarity in name, some consumers on social media have falsely posted that the Galaxy S7 Edge is being recalled. This device, however, has NOT been noted as part of the recall program.
Did you purchase the new Galaxy Note 7? Have you had any problems with the device? Share your thoughts in the comments below
