Samsung Galaxy batteries discovered to be counterfeit -- recalled due to fire hazard
Last year, Samsung had quite the disaster with the Galaxy Note7 smartphone. Some of the devices were deemed to be fire hazards, due to overheating and exploding batteries. While the company did ultimately recall all of the devices, the process was poorly handled which lead to even more negative experiences. Things got so bad that those particular Samsung phones were banned from airplanes.
The Note7 fire issue is far behind the company at this point, and the brand is as strong as ever. In fact, the Galaxy Note8 is expected to be unveiled next week in NYC. Unfortunately, there is a new battery controversy surrounding the Galaxy Note line. You see, batteries in one of the older models are now being recalled for being counterfeit. Even worse, they can potentially cause a fire. Yikes!
"This recall involves batteries placed into refurbished AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 4 cellphones by FedEx Supply Chain and distributed as replacement phones through AT&T’s Insurance program only. FedEx and Samsung have determined that some of the recalled batteries are counterfeit and show anomalies that can lead the batteries to overheat. The batteries are non-OEM, which means they were not supplied as original equipment by the phone’s manufacturer, Samsung," says The Computer Product Safety Commission.
The commission further says, "Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled battery and power down their smartphone. Consumers who own the recalled battery will receive by mail from FedEx Supply Chain a free, new replacement battery and a postage paid box to return the recalled cellphone battery. A green dot has been affixed to the replacement batteries. FedEx Supply Chain is directly contacting consumers."
It is important to note (no pun intended) that this recall is at no fault of Samsung. Instead, the counterfeit batteries were used by FedEx Supply Chain, which handled the AT&T Insurance program for the Galaxy Note 4. Samsung supplied the following statement to The Verge.
"FedEx Supply Chain is conducting this recall of non-genuine Samsung batteries as some of them are counterfeit. The refurbishment program was managed by FedEx Supply Chain and operated independently of Samsung. Any affected owners should contact FedEx Supply Chain at 1-800-338-0163 or go online at www.exchangemybattery.com for more information."
Before you panic, please know that only one of these batteries has actually overheated. Well, technically one has been reported as such. Still, it is better to be safe than sorry; this recall should be taken very seriously. Luckily, the Galaxy Note 4 features a removable battery, so impacted owners will not need to send in their phones. Instead, they will be issued a genuine battery replacement for the device.
If you aren't sure if your Galaxy Note 4 is one of the 10,200 affected, please know it only involves refurbished AT&T variants. Is your phone not refurbished nor for the AT&T carrier? You have nothing to worry about. If you do meet this criteria, it still doesn't mean you have a counterfeit battery. If you are one of the unlucky ones, please know that FedEx Supply Chain will be sending you a notification via mail with instructions on how to proceed.