Samsung's special Galaxy Note 7 IMEI tool is now live, allowing device owners to check whether their Galaxy Note 7 has a defective battery.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 global recall over exploding batteries has been making headlines worldwide recently, yet not all those who purchased the device agreed to exchange it. In fact, Galaxy Note 7 usage rates remained stable despite the recall. In the United States, Samsung received 130,000 Galaxy Note 7 units for replacement.
Samsung came up with a quick fix for those who wouldn't trade in their Galaxy Note 7, limiting the device charging to 60 percent tops. It's still safer to replace the device, however, and more people may do so now if they can check to see if it's really necessary.
Various unofficial IMEI tools have already been making rounds online, promising to let users check whether their Galaxy Note 7 packs a defective battery unit, but the real Galaxy Note 7 IMEI tool from Samsung has only now gone live.
To see if your device is included in the recall or not, all you have to do is head over to Samsung's official recall page and enter your Galaxy Note 7's IMEI number. You can find the IMEI either on the retail box or in the phone's settings menu, under the About section.
If the device has a defective battery that may be prone to explode, the recall page will display a message prompting users to turn off the smartphone immediately. If this is the case, it's best to comply and send the phone for replacement as soon as possible.
Even without the IMEI checker, Samsung still recommends that all users who bought the Galaxy Note 7 before Sept. 15 send it back for replacement.
Samsung recently confirmed that Galaxy Note 7 replacement units will start arriving in the country by Sept. 21, so users who decide to turn in their device after all will not have to wait too long until they receive a new one.
The exchange program has received approval from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and will cover Galaxy Note 7 units sold in the United States from August to Sept. 15, 2016.
If you're still not convinced whether you should send in your Galaxy Note 7 for replacement, keep in mind that exploding units have recently set a jeep on fire, injured a 6-year-old, caused third-degree burns and more.
It may be hard to part with your smartphone after spending time setting it up and getting used to it, but it's better to be safe than sorry. At the very least, use the new Galaxy Note 7 IMEI tool to check whether you're at risk.
