A Guide To Samsung’s Recall Of Its Galaxy Note 7

It is official -- Samsung has decided to recall its newest phablet, the Galaxy Note 7, due to issues related to batteries. Reports from affected Galaxy Note 7 owners have varied from overheating to catching fire and even exploding, but whatever the cause, the South Korean mobile giant is choosing not to take any chances. So if you happen to own a Galaxy Note 7, whether your unit is malfunctioning or not, here is a guide to returning your device.

Verizon Wireless

If you are a Verizon Wireless customer, you can return your Galaxy Note 7 to the Big Red any time until the end of this month. You will get a full refund of the device’s price, and you will be able to exchange your Galaxy Note 7 unit for any other handset you might fancy. Take note though that Verizon Wireless will be waiving the usual restocking and shipping charges for any return or swap made during the month of September.

AT&T

As for those who purchased their Galaxy Note 7 from AT&T, you are free to swap your unit for any other smartphone. This includes more recent choices like Samsung’s current flagship devices, the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge, and even the Galaxy S7 Active. For those who are opting to exchange their Galaxy Note 7 unit for another Galaxy handset, know that they will be getting a bill credit amounting to $25 for each smartphone. Any Galaxy Note 7 can also be returned. Note that AT&T will still be accepting returned Galaxy Note 7 after the recall period. Those who are looking of exchanging their unit for a cheaper handset will get a refund of the price difference from AT&T.

T-Mobile

All T-Mobile retail outlets will be accepting returned Galaxy Note 7 units from T-Mobile customers throughout the whole month of September. Full refunds will be given to customers and they have the option of putting their refunded Galaxy Note 7 cash towards a new handset. Any returned Galaxy Note 7 accessories are also accepted by T-Mobile.

Those who want to exchange their Galaxy Note 7 for a new one can expect to wait for a couple of weeks before shipments arrive to T-Mobile retail stores. As for those who got a free Netflix subscription, micro SD card, or the Galaxy Gear Fit 2 when they preordered their Galaxy Note 7 unit, they can keep the freebie even if they are planning to return their defective phablet.

Sprint

Sprint offers several options for those returning their Galaxy Note 7 units. Customers can exchange for a new unit (when stocks become available), or swap their smartphone for either the Galaxy S7 or the Galaxy S7 Edge -- either way, they can expect to get a $25 bill credit on their Sprint account. They can actually also choose to swap their Galaxy Note 7 for any available handset, and then get a full refund for any price differences. 

Samsung

For those who purchased directly from Samsung, they may call 1800-SAMSUNG, and either swap their defective unit for a new one, or exchange for a Galaxy S7 or a Galaxy S7 Edge. Those who take the second option can also return their Galaxy Note 7 accessories. Customers will get a full refund of any price difference.