T-Mobile Releases Software Update to Kill Remaining Galaxy Note 7 Devices

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 launched earlier this fall to glowing reviews, but quickly proved to be an unmitigated disaster due to a fatal design flaw that caused it to explode. Though Samsung eventually issued a global recall and major US carriers have notified customers to turn in their combustion-prone smartphones, apparently some die-hard fans have had trouble letting go.

To remedy this potentially hazardous situation, T-Mobile has taken the drastic step of seeding a patch that will remotely shut off the batteries of Galaxy Note 7 units that attempt to connect to its network. The software update will prevent users from charging the faulty devices and remind them to return them. Verizon and Sprint have announced that they will take similar measures starting next month.

Though rolling out an update to remotely kill the Galaxy Note 7 may seem extreme and somewhat intrusive, it’s probably well-advised given the threat the devices pose to public safety. The smartphone is currently banned from flying under federal law.

Earlier this month, Samsung announced that it had successfully recalled over 2.7 million units, or 90% of the Galaxy Note 7s it had sold in the US. This means that around 300,000 smartphones are still lurking in the wild.

While Samsung might appreciate their display of loyalty, Galaxy Note 7 owners should do themselves a favor and turn their smartphones in.