Warning: NVIDIA Shield Android tablets can catch fire -- company issues recall

shieldfire

One of the worst tragedies a person can experience is a home fire. If the flames themselves don't destroy your belongings, the smoke, and water from hoses probably will. In other words, it is a very serious thing and should not be taken lightly.

Sadly, Nvidia's Shield tablets are a fire-hazard. If you own one of the affected tablets you should stop using it immediately. Do not charge it and do not power it on other than to verify if it is affected. Not sure if yours is impacted? Read on to learn more.

"NVIDIA today announced a voluntary recall of its SHIELD 8-inch tablets sold between July 2014 and July 2015, which the company will replace. NVIDIA has determined that the battery in these tablets can overheat, posing a fire hazard. The recall does not affect any other NVIDIA products", says NVIDIA.

To check and see if your tablet is recalled, the company tells owners to "visit www.nvidia.com/support/tabletrecall for information on how to obtain a replacement device. NVIDIA is also asking consumers to stop using the recalled tablet, except as needed to participate in the recall and back up data. Consumers will receive a replacement tablet after registering to participate in the recall".

NVIDIA shares the following steps to see if your tablet is a fire risk.

Step 1: Please update your tablet to the latest software:

nvidiafire2Ensure you’re running the latest software, which you can check by following these instructions:

  • From the Home screen, select the Apps icon
  • Select the Settings icon
  • Scroll down, select About tablet
  • Select System Updates

Verify that your tablet has the latest software dated July 1, 2015, or newer. See image at right. You may need to repeat this step more than once if your system is out of date.

Step 2: How can I tell if my unit is affected by the recall?:

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The recall applies only to tablets with a certain battery type. Once you’ve verified that you’re running the latest software, identify your unit’s battery type by following these instructions:

  • From the Home screen in Android, select the Apps icon
  • Select the Settings icon
  • Scroll down, select About tablet
  • Select Status
  • Under the “Battery” category, you’ll see Y01 or B01
  • If B01, your unit is NOT affected by this recall
  • If Y01, your unit needs to be replaced. Please select Y01 to launch the recall application on the device

Is your NVIDIA Shield tablet affected? Tell us in the comments.

Photo Credit: Hluboki Dzianis/Shutterstock

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