Samsung could soon disable all Galaxy Note 7 units on its home turf, just like in the US

South Korea is the country with the lowest Galaxy Note 7 return rate, even though Samsung has been offering nice incentives to those who previously purchased the device. The handset maker barely took any measures towards restricting the use of the Galaxy Note 7 in South Korea, just like it recently did in Europe and the United States.

As some of you might already know, Samsung pushed a software update to all unlocked Galaxy Note 7 phones in Europe and US, which prevents it from registering with any operator network, and its battery from charging.

Currently, Samsung restricts the Galaxy Note 7 from charging above 60% in South Korea, but that's about it, no other restrictions apply. Of around 950,000 Galaxy Note 7 phones sold in South Korea, there were around 140,000 Galaxy Note 7 units still in use about a week ago.

In order to improve the return rate of the smartphone, a spokesperson from Samsung said that the company plans to push another software update that will restrict the use of the Note 7 even further.


The handset maker has already approached SK Telecom carrier, which agreed to push the said software, but KT and LG Uplus are expected to follow suit.

In addition, Samsung plans to extend the exchange program for the Galaxy Note 7 until the end of January, 2017, as there are still many customers using the phone.

At the moment, the exchange program promises to offer credits that can be used for the purchase of the upcoming Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 flagships, but these won't be offered after the end of December.

Get Visible as low as $20/mo for 1 year. Limited time offer with code: FRESHSTART

$20 /mo

$25

$5 off (20%)

Offer Ends 6.1.2026 at 11.59pm ET. New members get $5/mo off the $25/mg Visible plan, $35/mo Visible+ plan, or $45/mo Visible+ Pro plan for the first 12 months. Promo code FRESHSTART required at checkout.

Buy at Visible