Galaxy Note 4 battery recall isn't what you think

Talk about deja vu: batteries for the Galaxy Note 4, of all phones, are being recalled. While it may seem like we're heading for a repeat of last fall at first blush, it seems that this recall is vastly different from the Note 7 fiasco that happened last year. For starters, Samsung isn't even the one responsible for these battery problems.

Instead, the issue lies with Galaxy Note 4 batteries that were supplied by FedEx Supply Chain. According to the official recall on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's website, these batteries have the potential to overheat, causing fires and burn hazards. There are about 10,200 batteries included in this recall, so while that number is significant, it doesn't come close to the number of Galaxy Note 4 handsets out in the wild.

These batteries were used in replacement devices through AT&T's insurance program. That's the only channel through which these refurbished phones were distributed, so if you didn't receive a replacement device through AT&T's insurance between December 2016 and April 2017, it sounds like you've got nothing to worry about.

Apparently, the problem with these batteries lies in the fact that they're counterfeit. There's no word on FedEx Supply Chain came to obtain these counterfeit batteries, but it clearly wasn't intentional. At this point, there haven't been any reports of injuries or property damage, but just to be safe, FedEx Supply Chain is recommending that customers in possession of one of these batteries stop using them and power down their phones.

FedEx Supply Chain says that it will ship a new replacement battery to affected users, along with a return box free of charge. The saving grace here is that the Galaxy Note 4 was the last phone in the Note line to use removable batteries, so you don't have to wait for your replacement from FedEx to arrive before you can continue using your phone. You could instead pop in another Note 4 battery and use that while you wait for your package from FedEx Supply Chain.

Consumers who think they have one of these batteries can call FedEx Supply Chain at 800-338-0163 between 9 AM and 6 PM ET, Monday through Friday, for more information about this recall. Just as well, you can head to www.exchangemybattery.com to find a step-by-step guide on how to swap out your Galaxy Note 4 battery.