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What to do with your Galaxy Note 7 now that Samsung announced a recall

Published Sep 2nd, 2016 11:23AM EDT
Galaxy Note 7 Recall Replacement Process
Image: Zach Epstein, BGR

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Samsung’s unprecedented decision to recall all Galaxy Note 7 handsets sold to date, and to stop sales in various markets around the world, is definitely in your favor. Who wants to run around with a mobile device that might catch on fire while charging? We already told you everything you need to know about Samsung’s decision, but there is a pretty big question that the company still hasn’t answered: What are you supposed to do right now if you own a Galaxy Note 7?

DON’T MISS: Bloomberg just laid out everything to expect at next week’s big iPhone 7 event

First of all, the Galaxy Note 7 is not being sold in stores anymore. Sprint and T-Mobile already confirmed as much, so don’t expect it to be shipped to your door anytime soon. Secondly, Samsung will replace your device whether it’s faulty or not. And it all happens free of charge. But you’ll have to wait a few weeks for Samsung to produce a new batch of phones that will have safe battery packs inside.

But that doesn’t mean you have to keep using the Galaxy Note 7 phone until a replacement is available. Instead, you’d better contact your carrier and bring your device in as soon as you can. Sprint will offer you a replacement phone to use until your new Note 7 is out:

We are working closely with Samsung to ensure those customers who already have purchased the device are taken care of. For those customers that previously purchased the Note 7 we will offer them a similar device until the issue is resolved. Customers should go to a nearby Sprint store to exchange their Note 7 device.

T-Mobile is telling customers they can bring the phone in for a full refund:

Starting immediately, customers who are concerned about using the Note 7 can return the device to T-Mobile for a full, complete refund. They’ll get a full refund of anything paid for the device and any Note7 accessories. We’ll waive any restocking charges and shipping fees, and customers can keep the free Netflix subscription they received with purchase during pre-order.

Customers can visit their local T-Mobile store where they bought the device or call 611 or 1-800-937-8997 to do this, and they can then use their refund to choose a similar device or any device in T-Moble’s stores, including a new Note7 replacement which we expect to be available in the next two weeks.

Verizon and AT&T will likely weigh in soon, and we’ll update this post when they do.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.