Suwon, South Korea…Samsung Electronics announced a global replacement program and recall for the Galaxy Note7 as a precautionary measure due to a battery cell issue. Since the launch of the Galaxy Note 7 there have been hundreds of world wide reports of the device having critical battery failure and fires. Since then, Samsung has been working hard to expedite product shipments in order to fulfill that exchange program and reduce any inconvenience for their customers.

“Our number one priority is the safety of our customers. We are asking users to power down their Galaxy Note7s and exchange them as soon as possible,” says DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are expediting replacement devices so that they can be provided through the exchange program as conveniently as possible and in compliance with related regulations. We sincerely thank our customers for their understanding and patience.”

Although there have been only a small number of reported incidents, Samsung is taking great care to provide customers with necessary support. The affected inventory has been identified and the sales and shipments of the devices have been stopped.

Customers who have Galaxy Note7 devices can replace their current device with a new device based on local availability. We encourage Galaxy Note7 customers to contact their place of purchase or call the designated call center locally as soon as possible; because consumers’ safety remains top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 while the investigation is taking place.

Samsung is working with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available.